 2011 Kia Sorento LX-V6. Click image to enlarge |
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Review and photos by Haney Louka
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2011 Kia Sorento
My, how time flies.
Although the current Sorento was introduced as a 2011 model, it actually went on sale in February 2010 so it’s been with us for nearly two years. Adding to the Sorento’s perceived seniority in Kia’s line-up is the fact that the Korean automaker has overshadowed it with newer, bolder designs in the form of the Sportage and Optima, also introduced for 2011. So while it’s tough enough for a vehicle to stand out amongst its competitors, the Sorento is having a heck of a time standing out in its own showroom. But for those who take the time to give it more than a glance, a real gem awaits.
The 2011 model started at $23,995 for a front-drive LX with manual transmission, but not surprisingly the shift-it-yourself option has been discontinued for 2012 and the starting price has been bumped up to $26,595 (but it also includes reverse parking sensors). The base engine is a direct-injected 2.4-litre four-banger that’s good for 191 hp and 181 lb.-ft. of torque.
 2011 Kia Sorento LX-V6. Click image to enlarge |
Standard equipment on all Sorentos includes 17-inch alloys, turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, roof rails, windshield wiper de-icers, air conditioning, power windows and locks, six-speaker audio with auxiliary and USB inputs, wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, and a trip computer. The expected safety features are on board as well, like front, side, and curtain airbags and traction/stability control. Plus there are a few pleasant surprises: hill assist and downhill brake control; and perhaps most notably for a base model is the reverse park assist.
Step up to the LX-V6 and things get a little more exciting: the price of entry is $29,195 and that nets a 3.5-litre six-pot with a stout 276 hp and 248 lb.-ft. of twist. Our tester was an LX-V6 with the $1,900 all-wheel drive package. That bump in price also includes push-button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and trailer pre-wiring (with a 3,500-lb. tow max when properly equipped).
  2011 Kia Sorento LX-V6. Click image to enlarge |
The Sorento can be optioned all the way up over the $40K mark with goodies like a panoramic roof, ten-speaker audio, a heated steering wheel, navigation, and more. That certainly makes for a slicker ride, but a more basic spec such as that found in our tester is quite a buy.
So for a sticker in the low-$30,000 range, buyers get a powerful all-wheel drive crossover with serious cargo-hauling ability. Cargo space behind the second row measures 1,047 litres (a third row is available, but eats into that space and adds another $1,200 to the bottom line). Fold the second row down, and that number nearly doubles to 2,052 litres. Compare that to similarly priced rivals such as Chevy Equinox (872/1,803), Ford Edge (912/1,951), Honda CR-V (1,011/2,064), Mitsubishi Outlander (1,025/2,056), and RAV4 (1,015/2,074), and you’ll see that the Sorento ranks among the roomiest in the class.
It’s also among the most attractive, being one of the first models to display Kia’s current design language under chief Peter Schreyer. Angular and aggressive, it doesn’t quite have the panache of the Ford Edge (or even Kia’s own Sportage), but it is a design that is set to age well.
