Like a quarterback back seeing gaps in the opponent’s defense, Kia has a knack for finding unexpected openings.

Last year, it debuted the K900, a luxury sedan that aims to replicate the full-on luxury experience for thousands less than the (mostly German) competition. This year, a fully made-over Sorento crossover targets another underserved slot.

The Sorento is either a large compact or a small midsize. Its $26,000 (including destination) base price targets midrange buyers, but five trims and extensive options packages can lift it into the near-luxury classes. 

Outfitted with all the accoutrements of the class — Nappa leather, Infinity surround sound, intelligent cruise control, navigation, and much more — and fitted with a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, my top-of-the-line tester rang up a bullish $45,095. 

So, it’s a broad niche. 

Kia’s agenda here is clear. The word “premium” appears frequently in press materials; the Sorento is “Packed with Premium Features and Amenities.” It “delivers a premium utility experience.”

In fact, Kia does load the  Sorento with features that scream “premium.” It has improved cabin materials, added a third engine option and invested heavily in measures that reduce noise, vibration and harshness (known collectively in the industry as NVH). 

Soft-touch materials cover virtually every surface and, with minor exceptions, high-quality trim provides upscale ambience. Interestingly, higher Sorento trims receive more sound insulation than lesser ones. 

Sorento’s wheelbase grows 3.1 inches this year, to 109.4 inches, which helps to improve ride quality, boosts interior room and allows for more efficient packaging.

Every new Sorento receives LED running lights, air-conditioning, cruise control, tilt-and-telescoping steering, sliding, reclining and folding second-row seats, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface. Three driver-selectable drive-modes alter steering feel and transmission response, though the distinctions are subtle.

Models equipped with navigation get an 8-inch capacitive-touchscreen with crisp graphics and large icons; others have a 4.3-inch TFT color touchscreen that incorporates Bluetooth and voice-recognition capability.

Kia’s is one of the better touchscreen systems available, and redundant buttons streamline such oft-used operations as changing radio stations. Note to Kia: The addition of a console-mounted control knob/input device, like the one Mazda uses, would make this already-good system a better one.

The new engine this year is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four that makes 240 horsepower (23 mpg combined/20 city/27 highway). It joins a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four rated at 185 hp (25/22/29), and a 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6 (21/18/26) .

Seven-passenger models are powered by the V-6; five-seaters get one of the fours. Tow capacity ranges from 2,000-6,000 pounds. 

Kia benchmarked German automakers when developing the Sorento’s chassis and suspension and steering systems. The effort pays off in excellent ride quality and minimal body lean; it doesn’t produce Euro-style handling, though. The Sorento is capable but not engaging.

Not long ago, Kia was angling to become Hyundai’s sporty twin (the companies are jointly owned and their cars share platforms and components). Now, it appears to be slipping into roles where sophistication trumps dynamics. The 2016 Sorento plays its part well.

Don Adair is a Spokane-based freelance writer. Contact him at don@dadair.com.

2016 Kia Sorento SXL AWD
Vehicle base price: $24,900
Trim level base price: $41,700
As tested: $44,200
Options included xenon HID headlights; lane-departure warning system; forward-collision warning system; electronic parking brake; surround-view monitor; smart cruise control.
Tow rating: 6,000 lbs
EPA ratings: 22 combined/19 city/25 highway
Regular unleaded fuel specified

 

 

 

 

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