RIDE-CT – Classic Cars Celebrating Classic Cars in Connecticut
EAST HADDAM, CT – Long story short, the Kia Sorento is a value-laden utility crossover that will do what needs to be done. It brings to mind the Garrison Keillor monologue on the virtue of his fictitious whole wheat, powder milk biscuits that “…give shy persons the strength to get up and do what needs to be done.”
So, while the mid-size Korean companion may help make “all the woman strong, all the men good looking and all the children above average,” as Keillor quipped from the radio stage in his imaginary hometown of Lake Wobegon, it certainly won’t keep the rest of up at night dreaming about it.
Kia’s description of the Sorento, meanwhile, as “Powerful & Polished” might be just as whimsical.
Again, the Kia Sorento is a solid citizen. But not necessarily awe inspiring. It’s available with a spacious second row, one-touch slide-and-fold captain’s chairs, and more limited third-row seating which makes it flexibly accommodating as an infrequent occasion arises.
SynTex synthetic seating material provides a natural, earth-toned air of comfort and refinement, while I further enjoyed an optional, upscale olive brown leather package.
—
On the outside, the Sorento’s exterior was refreshed for 2024 with flagship Telluride styling cues that include a blockier front end with squared-off edges. Signature “Star Map” amber daytime running lights, vertically stacked LED projector headlights and an aggressively rectangular, gloss-black front grille create a Kia-identifiable fresh face. That’s complimented by Telluride-type taillights out back.
Underneath, a new X-Pro package serves to accommodate those who intend to head for the hills. Matte black 17-inch alloy wheels are shod with taller cross-section, B.F Goodrich all-terrain tires. Unfortunately, the aggressive rubber howls a bit along normal pavement.
The beefed-up X-Pro can also tow 4,500 lbs. (up from the standard 3,500) and cosmetic skid plates are included, as is a bridge-type roof rack.
A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. torque with 20 City/27 Hwy mpg via an 8-speed automatic transmission. That is certainly respectable enough, though weighing in at 4,200-plus pounds, it’s not earth shattering. This I can confirm after a week behind the wheel.
The Kia all-wheel drive system activates on-demand with a center-locking differential and torque vectoring to direct traction to an individual wheel for utmost pulling power. This is in keeping with its demonstrated value proposition to overdeliver by including somewhat of a high-end alternative in what is more of a mainstream offering. Drive Mode Select includes a Snow calibration, along with Comfort/Normal, Sport, Eco and Smart settings.
A Connected Car Navigation Cockpit is now specified for the Sorento, with faster operating controls and improved electronic interface. Along with over-the-air update capability. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. Instrumentation and infotainment systems are contained within a dual, 12.3-inch Panoramic Display with Touch Screen. My Sorento also had Bose Premium Audio and a panoramic sunroof, along with retractable rear door sunshades.
The Kia’s safety suite is fairly comprehensive with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Safe Exit Assist, available Highway Driving Assist and more. Surprisingly, the heavily “assisted” Kia Sorento only achieved Four Stars in the U.S. Government 5-Star Safety Rating program.
—
Assembled in West Point, GA (southwest of Atlanta), it’s interesting to note that the 2.5-liter turbo engine also originates in America, which is a bit unusual.
What’s now the Korean norm, however, is that the Sorento is backed by America’s best 10 Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Warranty and a 5 Year/60,000 Mile Limited Basic Warranty. Pricing starts at $31,990, while my top-of-the-line X-Pro SX-Prestige model went out the door for $49,285.
By keeping emotion and aspiration in check, sales record-breaking Kia has been driven to the forefront by simply combining middle-of-the-road, mass market value with family-friendly versatility. Which is the Sorento’s stock in trade.
And that’s the news from Lake Wobegon.
(Photos courtesy of Kia unless otherwise noted)
