2016 Kia Sorento SX V6 TESTDRIVENOW.COM VIDEO REVIEW

2016 Kia Sorento SX V6 VIDEO REVIEW

The original Kia Sorento debuted during the midsize SUV craze over a decade ago. But, as tastes changed so did Kia and for 2011 the Sorento was reborn as a 3-row crossover. And now for 2016, Kia continues to refine their family vehicle concept with an all-new model.

Until you see them side-by-side, it can be easy to mistake this new Sorento for the previous one. With it being so successful, Kia saw no reason for a radical design change and so they re-sculpted what they already had into a CUV that’s instantly recognizable as a Sorento but with numerous changes to keep it modern as well as to make it more spacious.

Looking much like the new Sedona from the front, the Sorento now presents itself as more polished and also more planted with a an over 3” increase in wheelbase and a nominal increase in width. Kia also introduces a new turbocharged engine to the mix – a 2.0-liter unit making 240 horsepower, returning 22mpg combined, bridging the gap between the base 2.4-liter motor and this screaming, 290 horsepower 3.3-liter V6. Coupled with the optional all-wheel drive, this Sorento SX V6 is fleet of foot and good in the snow, even with the standard 19” all-season tires – the Premier LTX, which is all-new rubber from Michelin. Other benefits of the somewhat expensive all-wheel drive system – priced as a $1,800 option- include a 4-wheel drive lock mode for better traction in off-road conditions and Torque Vectoring Corner Control for improved dry-road handling. No matter which engine you choose, it’ll be mated to a 6-speed auto. Gas mileage here is rated at 17mpg city/23mpg highway…a tick below the less powerful Toyota Highlander while towing has been raised to handle 5,000 pounds. The Driver Mode Select comes standard across the board and manipulates the transmission, steering and engine characteristics ranging from Eco to Normal to Sport. V6 models also benefit from a rack mounted electric steering system and indeed the Sorento’s quicker wheel commands with better precision but is still a bit Kia-vague. The ride quality is far more sophisticated, enhanced by a more rigid body and a revised suspension that delivers increased softness over harsh roads and sharper handling. And it’s no doubt quieter inside, too.

The use of higher-quality and more aesthetically pleasing soft-touch plastics and standard leather trim greet the passengers. As you approach the Sorento, the mirrors unfold and ambient LED lighting shows the way. It’s a brilliantly easy cockpit to use free of clutter with intuitive control positioning, exceptional graphics displays and purposeful solutions.

The new UVO eServices is a subscription-free telematics system that uses your smartphone to do things like make a 9-1-1 call in the event of an accident or to setup a geofence that notifies you when the driver has left a certain radius that you define. UVO also has really cool features like SoundHound, Google Search and good voice recognition.

Chrysler’s industry best UConnect system has been put on standby because Kia’s UVO is arguably just as good and features Siri Eyes Free for iPhone users. The details present in the electronics are impressive, like this graphic alerting you to askew front wheels before driving off. Safety features here include a back-up warning system, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert. More advanced systems are optional on the range-topping SX Limited V6.

All three rows now benefit from increased head and legroom and the 3^rd row is easier to access thanks to the increased wheelbase. It’s a useable space, too with far more room than I would’ve imagined but getting there can only be done from the passenger side where the 40/20/40 splitfold seat slides fore and aft. The driver’s side doesn’t have that tilt and slide feature. The easy to drop 3^rd row and the dual levers for dropping the 2^nd row are very convenient. And getting the power hatch up is easier than ever with a proximity sensor that doesn’t require you to lift a leg. Looking up there’s a huge standard panoramic sunroof that lends airiness but can be a bit tricky to operate without also opening the glass. This is a cabin that has all of the little extras and clever designs to keep the family happy.

At the beginning there’s the Sorento L starting at about $25,000 and then just before the top of the line SX Limited V6 there’s this SX V6, priced with AWD at $40,595 with no other options. Kia’s 2^nd effort in the crossover genre produces a more appealing and mature entry.

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