2011 Kia Sorento Review

Overview

The first vehicle to roll off the line at Kia Motors' state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, the all new 2011 Kia Sorento adopts Kia signature design cues and offers the U.S. market a well-equipped, well-appointed and versatile CUV suited perfectly for the time and a fun, dynamic generation of drivers. It is available in Base, LX, EX I4 and EX V6 trims.

Power and performance

The Sorento is available with two engines, both more powerful than the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, Kia claims. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 172 horsepower or a larger 3.5-liter V6 providing a class-leading 273 horsepower are both coupled to a new six-speed automatic transmission. To further meet consumer needs, both engines can be mated to either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

Body and styling

The 2011 Kia Sorento has been built using a unibody design with the ability to comfortably fit up to seven passengers. It has an overall length of 183.9 inches and overall width of 74.2 inches, and is longer and roomier than the previous-generation Sorento. This has resulted in more head, leg room and cargo space. A host of impressive technology features including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting personal MP3 players, and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones are standard. The available features include a panoramic sunroof (The first on any Kia model), push button-start ignition, voice-activated navigation, rear sonar back-up cameras and air ionization purification.

Safety Features

A host of safety features like the driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, front active headrests, four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) are standard. The 2011 Kia Sorento is covered by Kia?s comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive vehicle coverage.