2014 Kia Sorento

The 3-row crossover SUV has supplanted the station wagon and the minivan as today’s family hauler of choice.  And with Kia’s all-new 2014 Sorento you can get the luxury treatment without the luxury price.

OK, so its as-tested price of $42,200 isn’t exactly chump change but this is the new SXL all-wheel drive – the pinnacle of Kia Sorento models.  This attractive Snow White Pearl is one of 3 available colors on the SXL’s reduced color palate while xenon headlights, 19” chrome wheels and red painted brake calipers add visual distinction beyond the SX trim.  Inside the SXL treats its occupants to soft, Premium Nappa Leather in the first 2 rows, heated second row seats, and a you-can’t-believe-it’s-not-wood heated steering wheel.  Centered by the extremely well executed and easy-to-use UVO eServices infotainment and telematics system, the interior is as convenient, accommodating and comfortable as they come.  The dimensions are just about the same as last year’s Sorento, so it’s still big enough to contemplate a 3^rd row which, for an extra $1,200 ratchets up seating to 7 with a 50/50 split fold seat and rear A/C controls.  It’s easily accessed from the passenger’s side where this seat pivots and slides out of the way, and actually leads to a good use of people space as long as those in the second row acquiesce by sliding up.  Other notable new features include rear sunshades, an enormous panoramic roof with a quick acting shade, cooled seats for those in the front, a whiz bang 7” LCD instrument cluster and a programmable power liftgate.  Spending time in here is a first class experience.  And on the safety side, a blind spot detection system has been added.  No rear DVD or Blu-ray on the factory menu, however.

From the driver’s seat, with your hands wrapped around the wood steering wheel and your eyes perusing the modern electronic displays it’s easy to forget your not in a high-end luxury SUV.  But it’s out here on the country road where the Sorento gets exposed for its sloppy and detached steering.

It looks phenomenal and its sporty design received praise all week.  We’ve already dissected the top-notch cabin and breadth of amenities.  It also has a smaller, but more powerful 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 which maintains fuel economy, and it’s built upon a new platform improving upon ride, handling and comfort.  But, the addition of Kia’s electric power steering with what is called FlexSteer is a sour ingredient.  No matter if it’s in comfort, normal or sport it reduces an otherwise promising driving experience.  It’s possible the typical Sorento driver won’t notice or mind but for anyone who even remotely considers themselves a discriminating driver it could be a deal breaker.

This all-wheel drive Sorento SX Limited with a 6-speed auto returns gas mileage of 18mpg city/24 mpg highway.  And for those looking towards the lower end of the spectrum the 4-cylinder 2-wheel drive LX starts at under $25,000.