2011 Kia Sorento Rating

Performance With the standard and more economical four-cylinder engine under the hood, this Sorento is no rocket ship. But the shifts from the six-speed automatic transmission are smooth and well timed, and the Sorento does well with what it's got.

Driving Dynamics Taut suspension and well-weighted steering give the Sorento driver a measure of control and confidence behind the wheel.

Ride Comfort But the Sorento's taut suspension and the low-profile 18-inch tires on our EX tester also give it a firmer-than-average ride for the segment. Damping is quite good, though, so the ride isn't queasy.

Quietness Wind and road noise aren't absent, but they are balanced and appropriate for this class of vehicle. The inline four-cylinder engine isn't particularly loud, but it does sound like it's working hard when accelerating.

Ergonomics Mr. Spock would approve of the Sorento because the controls are logical and largely self-explanatory.

Visibility Outward visibility is generally quite good, though the rear three-quarter view is about average. Our test vehicle's rear camera system made easy work of backing up and parking.

Seat Access & Space Up front, the seats are easy to access and provide adequate space. The same is largely true of the second row, though legroom can be tight for a tall passenger sitting behind a tall driver. Our test vehicle did not have any third-row seats.

Cargo & Storage The Sorento's rear seats fold flat into the floor, and the headrests automatically retract in the process. Models that lack third-row seats have a good-size underfloor compartment instead. Several small bins are available up front.

Build Quality Nice-looking materials are used inside, and the Sorento's exterior fit and finish is good.