Pros: Well-designed control layout and infotainment features; quiet cabin; improved 2nd-row room; comfortable ride
Cons: Cramped, hard-to-access 3rd-row seats; pricey option packages drive up prices in a hurry; base 4-cylinder engine strains to provide adequate performance
CG Says: Kia’s midsize SUV is redesigned for 2016 on a longer platform. In addition to the expected improvement in passenger and cargo room, it gets new styling, new technology features, and an optional turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. New safety features include available forward collision warning, blind-spot- and cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera. The new Sorento corrects one of the previous model’s main shortcomings—tight 2nd-row-seat room—while upping the refinement level all around. It also adds several well-executed available technology features, such as an excellent 360-degree camera system. However, choosing lots of options and/or higher trim levels pushes up the bottom line to sobering levels. The 2016 Kia Sorento is a worthy competitor to class rivals such as the Toyota Highlander and the freshly redesigned Honda Pilot.
Class | Midsize SUV |
Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
Passenger Count | 5 or 7 |
Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Kia |
Nation of Manufacture | USA |
Base Prices | FWD 2.4 L: $24,900 FWD 2.4 LX: $26,200 AWD 2.4 LX: $28,000 FWD 3.3 LX: $28,300 AWD 3.3 LX: $30,100 FWD 2.0T EX: $31,100 AWD 2.0T EX: $32,900 FWD 3.3 EX: $31,700 AWD 3.3 EX: $33,500 FWD 3.3 SX: $37,900 AWD 3.3 SX: $39,700 FWD 2.0T SXL: $39,900 AWD 2.0T SXL: $41,700 FWD 3.3 SXL: $41,300 AWD 3.3 SXL: $43,100 |
Base Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower 185 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25-27 |
Optional Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower 240 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 19-20 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25-27 |
Optional Engine 3.3-liter V6 |
Horsepower 290 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 18 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24-25 |