Topic: 2016 Kia Sorento

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the thoughts of the designers behind the 2016 Sorento

http://thekoreancarblog.com/2014/11/11/design-story-the-third-generation-kia-sorento/

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the all new 2016 Sorento made its debut in LA today. (this is US info)
Here's a few highlights:

- Buyers will have a choice or 3 engines, including a new 2.0L turbocharged four (240 hp), as well as the 3.3L (290 hp) and an improved 2.4L (185 hp).
- There will be 5 trims levels: L, LX, EX, SX, SCL with sales beginning in the first quarter of 2015. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.
- Wheelbase increased by 3.1" and width increase by 0.2"
- Four new alloy wheel designs from 17"-19" depending on trim level
- available 14-way power driver and 8-way passenger seats, drivers thigh extension
- 0.5" increase in rear passenger space for both rows
- roomier flattened 2nd row center floor
- access to 3rd row seating improved by 1.5" of additional boarding space
- headroom throughout the cabin is also increased
- cargo volume has increased by 1.5 cubic feet to 74
- cargo behind the 3rd row has increased by 1.9 cu. ft. to 11
- available 630w, 12-speaker Infinity stereo system with 11-channel amplifier
- Clari-Fi music restoration restoration technology
- four new UVO eServices now available: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Crufew Alert and Driving Score
- 8" crystal -clear capacitive-touch color screen with the NAV
- torsional rigidity has by increased by 14% over the previous generation
- 53% of the unit-body consists of advance high-strength steel, a 115% increase over the 2015 model
- on AWD models, additional technologies have been added such as Roll Over Mitigation (ROM), and Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
- updates to rear suspension including a redesigned rear cross-member span that's longer and revised bushing to help reduce road noise
- revised suspension geometry up front with application of a "H" shaped subframe, 4-point busing mountings and hydraulic rebound stopper-type shocks
- direct mounting of the electric motor on the steering rack to enhance steering response and improve handling
- maximum towing with the V6 will be 5000 lbs.

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video crash tests from Europe on this new 2016 model receiving giving it a 5-star rating.  The European tests involve pedestrian safety as well.

http://youtu.be/bu7D2Vzg3ic

[EV Dan]

I think Kia is on the right path. Some may argue that offering 3 engine choices is expensive to a car maker, but I believe the option will attract all those shoppers disappointed with the RAV4, CR-V and others for not offering what ppl want.
Smart move.

[Serniter]

I think Kia is on the right path. Some may argue that offering 3 engine choices is expensive to a car maker, but I believe the option will attract all those shoppers disappointed with the RAV4, CR-V and others for not offering what ppl want.
Smart move.

Isn't the Sorento larger than the Rav4/CR-V?

[canbra]

Wow. I like it a lot. Really nice exterior design work. In terms of interior design (not quality materials or anything), I find it ok. It should end up as nothing to brag about, but not offensive either. Maybe some will even call it 'classy'. (Well, they do for VW bland-but-functional interiors.)

Anyhow, let us see the pricing strategy. With those many trim levels, this new top-end SCL should get mid to high 40s, no? That is like Highlander Limited and dangerously close to the MDX.

Oh, by the way, any idea how Kia's AWD perform? If I recall correctly, Hyundai was trying to get a performance-oriented on the new Genesis, right? But here, in this applicable, maybe not yet? Maybe a simpler slip-and-grip? Would it befit the SX and SCL top trims?

[EV Dan]

I think Kia is on the right path. Some may argue that offering 3 engine choices is expensive to a car maker, but I believe the option will attract all those shoppers disappointed with the RAV4, CR-V and others for not offering what ppl want.
Smart move.

Isn't the Sorento larger than the Rav4/CR-V?

Well, it was in the same category. I don't know if the 2016 Sorento is built upon the Fe Sport or Fe XL platform.

[canbra]

The Sorento is definitely larger than the CR-V and probably larger than the current RAV4 (at least previous gen RAV4 had an optional 3rd seat and current does not).

I thought the Sportage was more appropriate in terms of size / cabin volume to CR-V/RAV4/Rogue/CX-5 etc.

[EV Dan]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpugFcjokh0
TFL first drive. I'm curious where they will price the 2.0T, right in the middle?

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www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpugFcjokh0
TFL first drive. I'm curious where they will price the 2.0T, right in the middle?

MSRP has just been released in the US and there is an EX model and SXL models using the 2.0T.  No details on Canada yet.

[EV Dan]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpugFcjokh0
TFL first drive. I'm curious where they will price the 2.0T, right in the middle?

MSRP has just been released in the US and there is an EX model and SXL models using the 2.0T.  No details on Canada yet.

On which trim level can you get the V6?

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www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpugFcjokh0
TFL first drive. I'm curious where they will price the 2.0T, right in the middle?

MSRP has just been released in the US and there is an EX model and SXL models using the 2.0T.  No details on Canada yet.

On which trim level can you get the V6?

Again this is in the US - LX, EX, SX, SXL for the 3.3L V6 (and all either FWD or AWD)

[EV Dan]

TTAC review:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1af2axZsOc

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TTAC review:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1af2axZsOc

he longer does them on TTAC, he's now on his own - Alex on Autos.  Does an excellent job on everything he reviews, very extensive, but as he says in the video his time was somewhat limited and brief as its was at the KIA Motors intro.  He will do a more thorough review when he gets the use of one for a week.

[EV Dan]

^^ Hmmm.. my shortcut is out of date..
As for the engine choices, I think what some car makers don't realize is by saving on production and R&D costs of offering only one power plant, e.g. Rav4, CR-V and others, they also alienate a large demographic of people who are either old school, have stuff to tow or simply after better high-mileage reliability.
While the turbo 4 is an interesting exercise that should also allow the engine to be EPA test friendly, in real world I doubt it will save much on gas. I'd rather KIA licensed a planetary "CVT" gear set and coupled that with an Atkinson cycle 2.4L.

[Benhaze]

As much as I don't like the new exterior design it does look like Kia did a good job updating the model based on the first "reviews".

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US first drive review from The Car Connection 
http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1095903_2016-kia-sorento-first-drive

Some interesting comments:
"Kia has built what feels, almost, like a German car.  In terms of ride and interior ambiance."

"It's also grown more refined.  Much more refined - to the degree that in a top-of-the-line Sorento SX-L we'd be hard-pressed to name a luxury model in which the whistling of strong sidewinds and the noise of wet, slushy roads would have been better isolated."

"One thing that's been a Kia weakness throughout most of its model line - a 'restless' steering feel, on center - has been mostly quelled here, as far as we can tell.  During times when strong crosswinds let up, on our drive, we found a good sense of center and impressively confident tracking."

"We'd much rather be behind the wheel of the Sorento than the Toyota Highlander, with its rubbery responses and unremarkable, sea-of-plastic interiors."

"what you need to know is that the Sorento has grown and grown up - and it's definitely worth the wait."

[Benhaze]

I find the increase to 5,000# tow rating very interesting and allows the Sorento to stand out.

Two things were somewhat missed in this refresh: the instrument cluster that was somewhat innovative 2 years ago is now so-so and will be lacking the competition very quickly.

The Nav head unit looks aftermarket, like the ones Chrysler start using a decade ago and that are now all phased out.

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Dec 18 from Autoblog

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/12/18/2016-kia-sorento-first-drive-review/

Regardless of which engine is powering your Sorento, you'll appreciate the accurate, linear steering. This surprised us not because it was so spectacular, but more so because it represents a dramatic improvement from Kia's steering efforts of just a few years ago.

Kia engineers are making no small stink about the great lengths they have gone to in an effort to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), employing insulating and drag-reducing panels on the underbody. The panels must have been doing their job, because despite massive gusts, rough roads and stormy weather, the cabin was a relatively serene place

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Jan 16th - the all new 2016 Sorento got its official introduction for Canada at the Montreal Auto Show today.  It says it will be available at Canadian dealerships in the early spring.