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Basic Specs
| Base Price | $23,150 |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3605 |
| City (MPG) | 21 |
| Hwy (MPG) | 29 |
| Horsepower | 175@6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 169@3750 |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 |
| Length (in.) | 183.9 |
| Width (in.) | 74.2 |
| Height (in.) | 67.3 |
The Kia Sorento is a mid-size crossover that shares a unibody platform with its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Santa Fe, and provides seating for up to seven passengers. The Sorento was recently updated with a new, more fuel-efficient four-cylinder option, a new Windows-powered infotainment system that eases smartphone connectivity and a handful of standard equipment upgrades.
The latest Sorento builds off to the tough looking exterior of the previous model but adds crisper lines for a more modern look overall. Up front, the Sorento wears Kia's signature grille, which is flanked by attractive headlights reminiscent of those used by the last-generation Acura TL. Around back, integrated dual exhaust outlets give the Sorento an upscale look.
The Sorento comes standard with five seats but can be configured with seven seats with an optional third row. Cargo space with the two-row model is an ample 34 cubic feet, though the third row decreases that number slightly.
Kia’s UVO infotainment system can be had on the latest Sorento, which uses Windows technology to facilitate hands-free smartphone operation via Bluetooth. The sytem also includes a 4.3-inch color LCD touchscreen and 700 MB of music storage space.
Among the enhancements, the latest model year also brings newly standard leather seating for the mid-level EX trim and a standard third-row seat for the LX V6 trim.
In addition, the base LX trim now offers the optional UVO infotainment system. Available later in the model year is a new, more robust LX Convenience Plus Package, including an eight-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a First Aid Kit (First Aid Kit also added to all EX/SX Premium option packages).
Powertrain Options
The latest Sorento can be had with the buyer’s choice of two four-cylinder engines or a six-cylinder mill. Front-wheel-drive is standard, while traction-enhancing all-wheel-drive (which drops mileage by 1-2 mpg depending on the engine) is available as an extra-cost option.
Entry-level models get a 2.4-liter four with 175 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque that returns 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Sorento’s newest engine, a direct-injection version of the base four, puts out 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque while upping mileage to 22/32 mpg. Those looking for more power can spec the 3.5-liter V6, which produces 276 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque but drops fuel efficiency to 20/26 mpg.
All models come equipped solely with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Trim Level Breakdown
The Sorento is available in LX, EX and SX trim levels.
The Sorento LX comes standard with an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting personal MP3 players, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls and 17-inch alloy wheels.
To those features, the Sorento EX adds the UVO infotainment system, leather seating, push button-start with smart key and rear sonar back-up sensors, rear view back-up cameras, air ionization purification technology and 18-inch five-spoke hyper finish wheels.
Moving to the Sorento SX trim brings a voice-activated navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic while also adding an upgraded Infinity surround sound system with 10 speakers. 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels are also standard.
Occupant Safety
All Sorento models come equipped with dual front and side airbags, first and second row side curtain airbags and front active headrests, ABS, electronic stability control and electronic brake distribution. Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control also come standard, the former assisting in preventing the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, while the latter helps keep the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades.
Key Competitors
The Kia Sorento occupies a unique space between compact, two-row crossovers like the Honda CR-V and larger seven-passenger rigs like the Mazda CX-9. The Toyota RAV4 is perhaps closest in size and focus, although the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Forester are also worth a look if a third-row seat isn’t a necessity.
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- General
- Body Style: SUV
- Size: Midsize
- Market Segment: Standard
- Weight: 3605 lbs
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- Exterior
- Length: 183.9 in.
- Width: 74.2 in.
- Height: 67.3 in.
- Wheelbase: 106.3 in.
- Ground Clearance: 7.5 in.
- Front Track: 63.7 in.
- Rear Track: 63.8 in.
- Weight Distribution: 59/41
- Drag Coefficient: TBD
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- Interior - General
- Seats: 5
- Passenger Volume: 142.5 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume: 9.1 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): 72.5 cu. ft.
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- Interior - Front Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: 41.3 in.
- Head Room: 39.2 in.
- Shoulder Room: 59.3 in.
- Hip Room: 56.3 in.
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- Interior - Second Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: 37.6 in.
- Head Room: 39.2 in.
- Shoulder Room: 58.7 in.
- Hip Room: 55.9 in.
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- Interior - Third Row
- Leg Room: 31.3 in.
- Head Room: 36.7 in.
- Shoulder Room: 53.8 in.
- Hip Room: 44.4 in.
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- Propulsion
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Engine Type: 2.4L I4
- Power: 175 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 169 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
- Highway Fuel Economy: 29 mpg
- City Fuel Economy: 21 mpg
- Forced Induction: None
- Direct Injection: Yes
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- Chassis
- Layout: Front Wheel Drive
- Front Suspension: Strut-Type
- Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
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- Wheels
- Front: 17" Aluminum
- Front Tires: P235/65R17
- Rear: 17" Aluminum
- Rear Tires: P235/65R17
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- Trailering & Hauling
- Trailer Weight: 1650 lbs
- Payload: TBD
- Tongue Weight: TBD
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