Inside Story: 2011 Kia Sorento

[CD_Editor]

The all-new Kia Sorento is well-equipped and well-priced, says interior reviewer Michael Clark.  The cabin is roomy and even the available third-row seat is surprisingly comfortable, he reports.

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[random006]

Nice machine.

A couple of niggles:

Michael Clark writes

Finally! A proper dimmer rocker switch control, much more appreciated than fiddling with what looks like an odometer reset on the instrument panel.

Huh?     The Sorento has always had a proper dimmer switch for the interior lighting, going back to the first generation in 2003.  The control is located on the lower dash area near the driver's side door and to the left of the steering wheel.

I'm glad that the new Sorento has a black bumper now.  Mr. Clark writes as if it always had one but here again, I can say that this is not the case.

[Spec5]

I love the fact that the lower bumper portions of my Tucson are uncoloured. No matter how careful you are they'll get scratched.

High 20s - low 30s for 7 seater w/V6 and AWD eh?! Hmmm, might have to put up with an a-hole of a sales guy to take one for a ride but it sounds like it'd be worth it. I'll need something to accomodate 3 adults and 2 little ones (in baby seats) in about 1-2 years - bugs should be worked out of thing by then. Trying to find something with 7 seats thats still comfy and still has SOME cargo room. Anyone have any practical experience with such vehicles?

[aknutson]

A nice looking vehicle, and in recent Kia fashion, loaded with standard features even in base models. I'm thinking the V6 LX FWD would be the value leader - you get the better engine/tranny combo with some bonus luxury features and the price (I would imagine) stays in the mid-20's, that's a smart buy. Why don't we get more efficient diesels though! Come on, Kia!

[chris chase]

Nice machine.

A couple of niggles:

Michael Clark writes

Finally! A proper dimmer rocker switch control, much more appreciated than fiddling with what looks like an odometer reset on the instrument panel.

Huh?     The Sorento has always had a proper dimmer switch for the interior lighting, going back to the first generation in 2003.  The control is located on the lower dash area near the driver's side door and to the left of the steering wheel.

I think he mentions this in general terms, in that the dash lighting adjustment in many cars is still accomplished via turning that tiny little knob you have to reach through/around the steering wheel to get to.

[Shnak]

Nice machine.

A couple of niggles:

Michael Clark writes

Finally! A proper dimmer rocker switch control, much more appreciated than fiddling with what looks like an odometer reset on the instrument panel.

Huh?     The Sorento has always had a proper dimmer switch for the interior lighting, going back to the first generation in 2003.  The control is located on the lower dash area near the driver's side door and to the left of the steering wheel.

I think he mentions this in general terms, in that the dash lighting adjustment in many cars is still accomplished via turning that tiny little knob you have to reach through/around the steering wheel to get to.

I'm not sure I understand the author's point though. What's wrong with the little wheel to adjust the interior lighting? And wouldn't a 'proper dimmer rocket switch control' have two settings, low and high? If so, I much prefer something analog with a bunch of in-between settings.

[random006]

Michael Clark writes

Finally! A proper dimmer rocker switch control, much more appreciated than fiddling with what looks like an odometer reset on the instrument panel.

Huh?     The Sorento has always had a proper dimmer switch for the interior lighting, going back to the first generation in 2003.  The control is located on the lower dash area near the driver's side door and to the left of the steering wheel.

I think he mentions this in general terms, in that the dash lighting adjustment in many cars is still accomplished via turning that tiny little knob you have to reach through/around the steering wheel to get to.

I'm not sure I understand the author's point though. What's wrong with the little wheel to adjust the interior lighting? And wouldn't a 'proper dimmer rocket switch control' have two settings, low and high? If so, I much prefer something analog with a bunch of in-between settings.

To Chris:
I agree that such an interpretation is most likely the correct one.  However, if that were the case, then a better choice of words would have been:  "at least with the Sorento, an easy to reach control has always been available.  Now it's even better with a rocker switch".


To Shnak:
A rocker switch does not necessarily connote "high" or "low".  It can mean "more" or "less", as seen by the volume control on the Sorento's steering wheel radio controls.  I can see why some people would prefer that over a wheel as it can be easier to manipulate quickly without taking one's eyes off the road.



Back to the car.  I'm glad they've improved the fuel economy.  The original engine's use of fuel was and is atrociously bad, especially by today's standards.  I did not mind it when I bought the car but the cost at the pump is really noticeable now that fuel is hovering around 20 or 25 cents more per litre than in 2003.

[Shnak]

A rocker switch does not necessarily connote "high" or "low".  It can mean "more" or "less", as seen by the volume control on the Sorento's steering wheel radio controls.  I can see why some people would prefer that over a wheel as it can be easier to manipulate quickly without taking one's eyes off the road.

Ahh okay makes sense. Meh, I don't have a problem with the 'wheels' in my cars though... Once set, I never touch them. I suppose it's better with the rocker switch as you described as you can tweak the setting with gloves, but it's such a non-important knob in a vehicle, I don't care either way.

I have to say that I have a 'rocker switch' type button for the volume in my car and I MUCH prefer this to the usual rotary knob. I can keep my gloves on and easily change the volume, it's great! I understand that with steering wheel control, it's a moot point, but for cars without steering wheel controls, I wish we'd see up/down volume buttons.

[Allen Parsons]

I wonder in what dimension the writer of the article was in when creating this mess that is less than clear.   CanadianDriver, please stick to evaluating vehicles with a voice that is easily understood.  Quote Michael Clark, "Remember Bonanza? Not the show; the restaurant chain with steaks by Uniroyal." "loaded-for-the-masses appears to have penetrated" "The tilt/telescoping wheel gets the well-placed and actuated trifecta of controls for cruise, audio, and Bluetooth phone engagement." "an auto detent." "ark-inspiring downpours." "hydration elation, instead of stuff stow." etc.

[crosbyman]

wasn't it call PONDEROSA ...same for  the restaurant chain