Kia has added more power and freshened the interior and exterior styling of their popular mid-sized SUV, the Sorento. This should make an already impressive level of refinement even harder to ignore in this competitive segment.
Let's face it, Kia is better known for building inexpensive vehicles. It hardly seems proper using the words Kia and refinement in the same sentence.
But I was impressed with the level of refinement found in the new Kia Sorento, both in terms of the ride and amenities offered.
Available in LX and EX trim lines, as well as LX Sport Package and EX Luxury Package, and two-wheel or four-wheel drive, Sorento builds on the previous-generation model with subtle exterior refinements, giving it a more sophisticated and appealing physique.
Kia also paid attention to Sorento's interior. More dramatic changes inside the vehicle take the Sorento to a new level. A new center fascia, gauge cluster and floor console are enveloped in new, upscale wood and metal trim materials, creating a functional and comfortable cabin feel.
First- and second-row seats, with available leather on the Sport and Luxury Packages, feature front active headrests and a new rear seatback lever for easier reclining adjustment. Additional interior upgrades include a standard front passenger side central door lock, and revised steering wheel mounted cruise control and steering wheel mounted audio controls.
Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning (dual-zone auto on EX Luxury Package), power windows/door locks/heated mirrors, cruise control, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, full overhead console with sunglass storage, map lights and garage door opener pocket, four 12-volt power outlets, eight-way adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seats, rear privacy glass, cargo cover, roof rails and keyless entry with alarm.
I found it pretty easy to get comfortable in the new Sorento. Four large adults or a family of five are easily accommodated inside the new interior.
Standard safety features found in the 2007 Sorento include full-length side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS).
When we last visited Sorento (2005), I noted that its V6 was underpowered. Kia has addressed that with a new, all-aluminum, 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 262 horsepower. This is a 36 percent increase over the previous-generation engine.
Mated to the new V6 is a five-speed automatic transmission. The new powertrain setup yields a class-leading 5,000-pound towing capacity for true versatility and utility.
Featuring large four-wheel disc brakes and standard 16-inch tires and wheels, the Sorento is a serious performer, on-and off-road. A rugged, authentic SUV, the Sorento features body-on-frame construction with nine crossmembers, a double wishbone front suspension and a five-link solid rear axle.
Yet, Sorento is docile and pleasing for on-road excursions. I appreciated how smooth and refined my Sorento EX 4x4 tester felt while traveling on many different types of roads.
Sorento is likable for its good maneuverability in crowded parking lots as well as providing a quiet and tranquil experience while cruising at highway speeds.
When equipped as a two-wheel drive, power is directed to the rear wheels. Sorento 4x4 models feature either a part-time or optional automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system.
The part-time four-wheel-drive system engages with the turn of a knob for convenient shift-on-the-fly operation and has a transfer case equipped with a low range for the most challenging off-road situations.
The full-time automatic Torque-On-Demand four-wheel-drive system, also with a low range, is available on the EX trim level as part of the Luxury Package. The system automatically detects wheel slippage 200 times per second, seamlessly transferring power between the rear and front wheels without requiring driver input.
Sorento has all the goods necessary to please most mid-size SUV buyers, including one of the best warranties in the business. Don't overlook this diamond in the rough.
2007 Kia Sorento EX 4X4
Engine: 3.8-liter (262 hp) V6
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Drive Type: 4WD
Fuel Economy: 16 city/22 highway
Base Price: $26,195
As Tested: Not available
Website: http://www.kia.com