Kia Sorento SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
There were no new Kia Sorento SUVs in 2010, so, much is expected of the 2012 model. It needs to be good because there is so much competition in this incredibly popular crossover utility vehicle market. The new Kia Sorento SUV has the ubiquitous aerodynamic sleek good looks of all the other lookalike CUVs and the obligatory 'unibody' build. Don't take this the wrong way but all CUVs are unique but very very similar. The most attractive thing about the Kia Sorento SUV when it was first launched in 2003 was the price and it is still the case today. Although the lighter metallic shades emphasize the Sorentos bone structure to best advantage. This car is not for exhibitionists. Lighter, slimmer (just a little) but longer the 2012 Kia Sorento SUV not only has all new steel covering but no longer is it that old 'body on a frame'. It has matured well. It is close to the ground which makes for easy entry and exit but, not that it matters, probably wouldn't go over rough terrain without significant scraping. The Sorento carries 4 to 5 people in comfort and two kids or midgets or mid size pets in the back row. Probably better to fold them down and pack more of your chattles, because with them up you'll have to leave the kitchen sink at home.
The 2012 Kia Sorento SUV has 2 engine versions either a 2.4 ltr 4 cylinder with 172 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque or an optional 3.5 ltr V6 that puts out 273 hp and 247 lb-ft. Giving controlled bounce to the front are independent MacPherson struts with coil springs while at the back there is an independent multi-link set up. Base 4X4 versions have a 6-speed manual transmission, while all other trims have automatic transmission. The fuel consumption is a creditable 20mpg in town and 27mpg on the highway. All-speed traction control, stability-control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, overhead curtain airbags, anti-whiplash head restraints and ignition disable are the most important of the standard safety additions on offer. The inside dimensions are significantly bigger with a handy 15% for amost a full 104 cubic feet. Put those back 'almost seats' away and you get loads of luggage space, in fact a maximum of 72.5 cu. ft. With a smoothly shaped opening under the all-in-one rear tailgate and a good size floor.
Nothing to complain or shout about inside the cabin. There are worse and there are a lot of better cockpits to spend time in. The fascia, dials and switches are nicely organized around the center piece 3 chrome highlighted gauges for tachometer, speed, gas and temperature, from left to right. It is all uncluttered and reachable behind a slightly clunky leather wrap steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof gives lots of light and the feeling of a much bigger space. Calm, near silent and very responsive is how the 2012 Kia Sorento SUV drives. A slightly above average vehicle for a well below average price make the 2012 Kia Sorento SUV well worth a look if you are in the market for a crossover.
The 2012 Kia Sorento SUV has 2 engine versions either a 2.4 ltr 4 cylinder with 172 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque or an optional 3.5 ltr V6 that puts out 273 hp and 247 lb-ft. Giving controlled bounce to the front are independent MacPherson struts with coil springs while at the back there is an independent multi-link set up. Base 4X4 versions have a 6-speed manual transmission, while all other trims have automatic transmission. The fuel consumption is a creditable 20mpg in town and 27mpg on the highway. All-speed traction control, stability-control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, overhead curtain airbags, anti-whiplash head restraints and ignition disable are the most important of the standard safety additions on offer. The inside dimensions are significantly bigger with a handy 15% for amost a full 104 cubic feet. Put those back 'almost seats' away and you get loads of luggage space, in fact a maximum of 72.5 cu. ft. With a smoothly shaped opening under the all-in-one rear tailgate and a good size floor.
Nothing to complain or shout about inside the cabin. There are worse and there are a lot of better cockpits to spend time in. The fascia, dials and switches are nicely organized around the center piece 3 chrome highlighted gauges for tachometer, speed, gas and temperature, from left to right. It is all uncluttered and reachable behind a slightly clunky leather wrap steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof gives lots of light and the feeling of a much bigger space. Calm, near silent and very responsive is how the 2012 Kia Sorento SUV drives. A slightly above average vehicle for a well below average price make the 2012 Kia Sorento SUV well worth a look if you are in the market for a crossover.
Great value for a solidly built SUV The 2012 model was built entirely in the USA! Has extra feature like Sirius radio,in car telephone,excellent fron seat storage,comfortable seats and easy to read dash instruments with extra power sources for electronics. 4 cylinder is ample power for this vehicle unless one requires a six cylinder capacity for towing.It's the best buy among comparable SUV's.We checked Jeep,VW,Hundai,Chevy and GMC and Ford.