2011 Kia Sorento - U.S. Built CUV Review and Road Test
Is the Kia Sorento Your Perfect New Car Match?
2011 KIA SORENTO - U.S.-Built CUV
By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
My week long drive in a 7-passenger 2011 Kia Sorento was just two weeks after having been in the 5-passenger Kia Sportage. A good set-up for comparing these two compact utility vehicles (CUV).
The Sorento is Kia’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. and that’s easily understood as to why, after having had some fun with its impressive power and handling. The Sorento was completely redesigned for 2011 and employs a unibody design offering two engine choices in three trim levels and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. My SX with AWD and V6 power was extremely responsive. The interior is very refined, comfortable and well laid-out. Chicago’s pot holes were soaked up by the suspension and maneuvering the city streets and a few parking structures were done with ease.
Customers can choose between LX, EX and SX trim levels, with pricing beginning at $22,795 for the LX trim. My SX all-wheel drive test car had a base price of $33,895 and totaled $35,890 with options and freight. Standard convenience features include air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service, MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth® wireless technology and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
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Standard comfort features include air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with integrated audio controls, trip computer, rear map pockets, automatic up and down driver's window function, illuminated vanity mirror, EcoMinder™ Indicator, and a second row arm rest with cup holder. The EX trim includes dual automatic temperature control, rear air conditioning (V6 models only) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. And the SX trims include an automatic dimming rear view mirror with Homelink®, heated front seats, leather seat trim for the first and second rows, stainless steel pedals and a stainless steel sill plate with illuminated scuff trim.
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The 2011 Sorento offers two engines – a 3.5-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower. Both are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission of proprietary design for Kia Motors. Both engines can be mated to either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations, the latter coming with a locking center differential to evenly distribute power to all wheels while operating the vehicle at low speeds during more severe weather conditions. The 2011 Sorento employs a compact and lighter MacPherson strut front suspension and a fully independent multi-link rear suspension.
EPA Fuel Economy estimates for the 2.4-liter engine are 21 city and 29 highway for FWD and 21 city and 27 highway for AWD. The V6 is rated at 20 city and 26 highway for FWD and 18 city and 24 highway for AWD. A manual 6-speed is offered only with the 2.4-liter FWD and is rated at 20 city and 27 highway mpg.
The Sorento was given a 2010 "Top Safety Pick" award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shortly after its debut. A plethora of standard safety equipment include driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, first and second row side curtain airbags and front active headrests, four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) also come standard on all models, Industry-Leading Warranty
The 2011 Sorento is sold by more than 725 U.S. dealers and is covered by Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage.
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I mentioned the Sportage and in case you are interested here’s the link to that review as published on The Auto Channel. Click Here
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Kia.com - Kia Sorento Explore
Kia Sorento Video
© Larry Nutson