Susan Frissell
womenwithwheels.com

In November 2014, the all-new 2016 Kia Sorento CUV debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show and available soon after to consumers. Available for sale in January, sales have already leaped upward (up 6.89 percent in February). Larger than its predecessor, the new Sorento is completely redesigned, has three rows of seating and is available in five trim levels (L, LX, EX, SX, SX Limited). Priced from $24,900-$43,100, the Sorento fits all pocketbooks and offers all-wheel-drive and a V6.sorento

For those who crave a choice of engines, buyers have their pick of three in the Sorento, including a new 2.0-liter Turbocharged, four-cylinder, a 3.3-liter V6 and an improved 2.4-liter normally aspirated inline 4. Drive is through the front wheels, with full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) available.

Whichever engine consumers choose, it will be paired with Kia’s electronically-controlled six-speed automatic gearbox with Sportronic Shifting. Our test Sorento came equipped with the 2.0-liter Turbocharged version, offering plenty of power and ability to pull this CUV.

The Sorento can tow 5,000 lbs, which makes it a viable roadtrip car, when equipped with AWD. This writer votes for the new turbocharged 240 HP I-4 which even produces decent fuel economy. EPA test ratings are 18 city mpg and 26 highway mpg. sorento3

As with all vehicles today, the best of safety equipment is standard. Both Active and Passive, the features on all Sorentos include Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Brake Assist System, Hill-start Assist Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Antilock Braking System.

Other technology includes Roll over Mitigation, and Cornering Brake Control on AWD models. New available driver-aid technology, including Vehicle Stability Management, Forward Collision Warning System, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Surround View Monitor, help make driving safer and easier all the time.
The 2016 Sorento is a very comfortable, quiet riding CUV, bigger than one would think. We were test-driving it during Chicago’s cold winter months so appreciated the extra heated steering wheel!

Another nice touch are the folding sideview mirrors. Which, by the way, also fold inward when not in use. This was more than welcome when trying to navigate narrow city streets lined with parked cars. sorento2

The 2016 Sorento has a much-improved overall structure along with refinements to suspension and steering. The end result is more comfort, a more confident feeling behind the wheel, and an overall more refined vehicle.

One can expect a wide array of model trim levels, engines and optional equipment. We recommend visiting Kia’s site (www.kia.com) to build your own Sorento. In addition, go ahead and compare what the Sorento offers to the other CUV’s in this category; namely, the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano. Costing less and offering just as much, the new Sorento is a bargain.

As with other Kia models doing the commercial gig, the new Sorento can be seen with Pierce Brosnan and the ‘perfect getaway’ in a Kia Sorento. The TV spot aired during the Super Bowl in January.

There is little to dislike and a lot to like about the new 2016 Kia Sorento. Kia doesn’t seem to know how to make a bad vehicle. The Sorento fits a niche that is becoming more and more popular each year. And they seem to be adding what customer’s crave: A good, solid contender, at a price that is affordable.sxl

SPECS

MSRP: $25,441-$41,677
Engine: 2.0-liter T, 16 valve, 240 hp., 260 lb.-ft. torque
Transmission: six-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
Category: Mid-size SUV
Wheelbase: 109.4 in.
Length: 187.4 in.
Width: 74.4 in.
Height: 66.3 in.
Weight: 3,704 lbs.
Trailing capacity: 1,650 lbs.
Tires: 235.60HR 18.0 front; 235/65R17.0 rear
Wheels:
EPA Fuel economy: 20/27 mpg.
Fuel tank capacity: 18.8 gal.
Seating: 5-7
Built in: Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia –West Point, Georgia
Warranty: 60 mth/60,000-miles Basic; 60-mth/60,000-miles; Road Assistance; 60-mth/100,000-miles Corrosion Perforation; 120-mth/100,000-miles Powertrain