The 2011 Kia Sorento straddles the line between compact and midsize SUVs. Though the Sorento can cost more than $29,000 if you opt for the highest trim, a modestly equipped base model is quite a good value. Kia estimates the new Sorento’s base fuel economy at 21/29 mpg city/highway. So far, test drivers say the all-new Sorento has few faults. Just remember that you won’t be getting the Sorento’s excellent warranty coverage.
Since the Sorento can be compared to both compact and midsize SUVs, buyers should shop both classes. Since the RAV4 and Sorento are so similar, it’s best to test drive them both.
It’s technically a midsize SUV, but it actually starts at almost $2,000 less than the Sorento.
The 2011 Kia Sorento has been fully redesigned. Overall, though, the Sorento is a highly impressive effort.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Kia Sorento is a crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: base, LX, EX and the sporty SX. A third-row 50/50-split-folding seat with room for two is optional on the LX and four-cylinder EX, and standard on the EX V6 and SX.
A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is available on EX V6 models without the sunroof.
All Sorento trim levels come standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. The base model has a six-speed manual transmission, while the others come with a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, while LX and EX models are eligible for all-wheel drive. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the front-wheel-drive automatic. Fuel economy stands at 20/26/22 with front-wheel drive and 19/25/21 with AWD.
Safety
The 2011 Kia Sorento comes stanhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifdard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, hill-start assist, hill descent control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front active head restraints.
Interior Design and Special Features
It doesn't slide fore and aft without the optional third-row seat (standard on EX V6), meaning the Sorento's not quite as versatile as the Equinox, CR-V or RAV4. With the rear seats folded, the Sorento can carry up to 72.5 cubic feet of cargo -- about as much as a RAV4 or Honda CR-V.
Driving Impressions
As with the RAV4, the 2011 Kia Sorento is a tale of two engines. At highway speeds, the Sorento's cabin remains impressively isolated from both road and wind noise. We're also fond of the Sorento's handling ability, as this crossover responds directly to steering inputs.
The 2011 Kia Sorento SX is equipped with a 3.5 liter DOHC CVVT V6 engine producing 276 horsepower (HP) and 248 foot pounds of torque, and is available in both front-wheel- (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD).
The official fuel economy estimates for the top-of-the-line 3.5-liter V6 2011 Kia Sorento SX are 20 city / 26 highway miles per gallon (MPG) with FWD and 18 city / 24 highway with AWD. Inline four-equipped LX and EX Sorentos are rated at 21 city / 29 highway with FWD and 21 city / 27 highway with AWD.