Kia Sorento Review

When the midsize Kia Sorento first appeared, it featured a traditional, trucklike body-on-frame design that provided a level of ruggedness not typically found on crossover SUVs. Blessed with above-average off-roading and towing abilities, the V6-powered first-generation Sorento won our respect for its practical nature. It also boasted impressive value, offering the dimensions of a midsize SUV at a compact-crossover price point.

But the original Sorento was clearly out of sync with the crossover craze. Most consumers want carlike unibody construction in their SUVs these days, so Kia decided to provide precisely that with the current, second-generation Sorento. The present model also offers a usable third-row seat, standard four-cylinder power with a V6 option, and Kia's extensive warranty package. Even more so than its predecessor, the current Sorento offers midsize functionality and refinement at an extraordinarily reasonable price.

Current Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV offered in base, LX and EX trim levels. A third-row 50/50-split-folding seat with room for two is available. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, and it produces 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque through either a six-speed manual transmission (base only) or a six-speed automatic. The EX has an optional 3.5-liter V6 good for 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque; the only transmission here is a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive with a locking center differential is available.

Even the base model comes with alloy wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and a CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio and a USB audio jack. Upper trims net standard and optional niceties like rear parking sensors, a back-up camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a navigation system and an Infinity sound system. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is also available.

In reviews, we've been roundly impressed with the Kia Sorento. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine seems a bit buzzy and overtaxed in this application, but that's practically the only false note this Korean crossover hits. The ride is smooth and quiet, the handling is secure and the driving position puts you at a commanding height. The optional V6 pulls hard and sounds good doing it. Seating is comfortable, and the available third-row bench can even accommodate adults on short trips, making the Sorento an affordable alternative to full-size three-row crossovers. And with all those available luxuries, the Sorento should have something to offer every shopper in this competitive segment.

Used Kia Sorento Models

The current, second-generation Kia Sorento debuted for the 2011 model year.

The first-generation Kia Sorento was produced from 2003-'09 (there was no 2010 model). It debuted with a 3.5-liter, 192-hp V6 in LX or EX trim. LX models had either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, while the EX came only with the automatic. From 2005 on, the automatic was a five-cog unit. Both part-time and full-time 4WD were available, depending on the trim, and both systems included low-range gearing, a feature absent from the current Sorento. For 2007, all Sorentos were upgraded to an all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 engine good for 262 hp, and the interior received a different dash design and better-quality materials. For 2008-'09, a base model with a 3.3-liter V6 was introduced, and the LX got this engine as well; the EX, however, kept the 3.8-liter V6.

Standard equipment on the first-generation Sorento included air-conditioning, full power accessories, a CD audio system, multiple power points and 60/40-split flip-and-fold rear seats. Upper trims added items like alloy wheels, a sunroof, keyless entry, cruise control and leather upholstery. Dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and heated front seats were among the notable options.

In reviews, we noted that this Kia Sorento changed considerably over the years, so if you want more power and a higher-quality cabin, it's best to focus your attention on more recent model years. The late-arriving 3.8-liter V6 had plenty of power, and all Sorentos excelled off-road relative to car-based rivals. The cabin had an abundance of storage space, the front seats were well-shaped and three could be seated in the rear if need be, though knee and toe room were somewhat tight. Downsides included lackluster on-pavement handling and ride quality and below-average fuel economy. But if you're looking for an affordable SUV that can take on the occasional camping trip without breaking a sweat, a used Sorento's worth a look.