Tuesday, March 24, 2015

2016 Sorento Keeps Enhancing Kia’s Image

The 2016 Kia Sorento represents the third generation of the Korean automaker’s popular crossover utility vehicle. It is based on the Cross GT concept vehicle that bowed two years ago at the Chicago Auto Show. Kia is also celebrating its 20th anniversary in the U.S. and has grown from two available vehicles to 12.

This latest Kia Sorento hits the ground running, featuring a stronger body structure, a wheelbase that’s 3.1 inches wider and an overall length that’s three inches longer as well. The CUV comes in either a versatile two- or three-row seating configuration and comes loaded with enhancements in driving dynamics and technological advancements.

Overall cargo volume in the new Sorento increases from 72.5 cu.-ft. to 74 cu.-ft., while cargo volume behind the third row increases from 9.1 cu.-ft. to 11 cu.-ft., providing increased space for essentials and active-lifestyle equipment without sacrificing rear-passenger room.

The 2016 Kia Sorento will be available in five distinctive levels of trim: the base L; an LX that moves up the scale in terms of features and equipment; the EX, SX and the flagship SXL. Dependent upon the trim level, the 2016 five-passenger Sorento comes with a 40/20/40 folding second-row as standard fare (4-cylinder models) or in a 50/50 folding third-row seven-passenger seating configurations (V6 models). For added luxury, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 14-way power driver and 8-way power passenger seats, driver’s seat thigh extension, a four-way headrest with one-button adjustment, dual-zone HVAC and Kia’s second-generation panoramic sunroof, as well as available premium Nappa leather trim seating surfaces, similar to those found in Kia’s luxury flagship sedan, the K900 are all available.

Second- and third-row passengers will enjoy enhanced comfort thanks to a .5-inch increase in rear passenger space for both rows and a roomier flattened second-row center floor. Access to third-row seating is improved with 1.5 inches of additional boarding space, while headroom throughout the cabin is also increased.

The new Kia Sorento has improved in its visual appeal, drawing some of its design inspiration from nature. Overall, the Sorento displays a more athletic and planted stance, communicating a pleasing edginess. The profile presents a clean and simple image that’s easily recognizable as a Sorento, with stronger shoulders and a long hood that delivers a more aerodynamic and sleek persona. The Sorento’s packaging is more efficient, allowing for greater interior room. The front end is aggressively styled, and with its narrower headlight design, is an evolution of the upper fascia seen on the Cross GT concept, while bearing a strong family resemblance to the all-new Kia Sedona multipurpose vehicle. Distinctive LED positioning lights set the Sorento apart from others in the midsize CUV segment.

Sitting below the headlights, the lower intake and fog lamp pockets are more prominent, showcasing a sportier appearance that blends harmoniously with the overall styling proportions. Premium enhancements include available LED rear dimensional tail lamps and LED fog lamps. The body rides on four new alloy wheel designs, ranging from 17 to 19 inches, depending on trim level.

In terms of progressive technology, four additional UVO eServices are now available: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. Additionally, with the introduction of the Kia App store, select apps may be downloaded at no charge from iTunes or Google Play. The Kia app connector is available for partnership with the content community for downloading apps such as Yelp, while Soundhound, Pandora and iHeart Radio will come preloaded at a later date.

Accessed through a crystal-clear 8-inch capacitive-touch color screen, the available navigation system features SD card storage for MAP DATA and USB 2.0 support for high-speed updates as well as an integrated rear backup camera, Bluetooth hands-free support and UVO voice recognition A 4.3-inch TFT color touch screen is standard, which also incorporates Bluetooth and UVO voice recognition capability.

Safety issues are addressed by such features as: seatbelt anchor pretensioners and six airbags, with all Sorento models providing standard active safety features such as Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Brake Assist System, Hill-start Assist Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Antilock Braking System. Additional technologies such as Roll Over Mitigation and Cornering Brake Control on AWD models also were added as standard equipment for improved dynamic control and safety.

New available driver aid technology, includes: Vehicle Stability Management, Forward Collision Warning System, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Surround View Monitor.

Sorento will continue to offer an advanced AWD system that automatically routes power to the wheel with the most traction. Should conditions require more sure-footed capability, a 4WD Lock Mode splits engine power evenly between the front and rear drive shafts. The system also provides drivers the added stability of Torque Vector Cornering Control, which is activated when yaw and steering sensors detect unwanted understeer. V6 models are capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.

During the national media launch of the 2016 Kia Sorento, I was able to experience time behind the wheel of both the new 2.0 T and V6 powered versions in AWD and in SXL Trim. The Turbo model wore an exterior coat of Titanium Silver metallic, while the V6 sported a Snow White Pearl effect exterior. Base pricing ranges from $24,900 for the 2.0T to $43,100 for the V6. I later spent time piloting the SXL AWD 2.0T on my home turf with an exterior finish of Titanium Silver, and the interior executed in silver and black tones. Its base price was set at $41,700. Which increased to $45,095.after adding the SXL Technology Package and the Inland Freight and Handling Fee.

SUMMARY: Driving the all-new 2016 Kia Sorento powered by either the 2.0T turbocharged 4-cylinder or the 3.3-liter V6 provided a most pleasurable experience. Both engines provide satisfying performance levels in terms of acceleration, while the four-banger obviously has to work a little harder and emits a little more noise in the process, but not an objectionable amount.

The transmission shifts smoothly, almost imperceptibly in either fully automatic mode or in manual mode, which proves to be somewhat more responsive.

The interior ambience and the ride quality are quite pleasing — not too firm and not too soft. Handling characteristics consist of an on-center steering feel and a planted stability.

The 2016 Kia Sorento will be built at Kia’s U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Ga., where the Optima is also built.

In final analysis, the 2016 Kia Sorento in virtually any of its configurations or trim levels, delivers a solid value in a package that is not only good looking, but is capable of fulfilling a wide variety of functional desires and individual requirements.

The Buzz

“The 2016 Kia Sorento represents the third generation of the Korean automaker’s popular crossover utility vehicle.”

The Specs

2016 Kia Sorento CUV

Base Price: $41,700.

Price as Tested: $45,095.

Engine Type and Size: 2.0T, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged inline four-cylinder with dual CVVT and Gasoline Direct Injection.

Horsepower (bhp): 240 @ 6,000 rpm.

Torque (ft./ lbs.): 260 @ 1,450-3,500 rpm.

Engine Type and Size: 3.3 –L, DOHC, 24-valve GDI with dual CVVT.

Horsepower (bhp): 290 @ 6,400 rpm

Torque (ft./ lbs.): 252 @ 5,300 rpm

Transmission: Electronically controlled six-speed automatic, overdrive, with Sportmatic manual shift.

Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / FWD or AWD with torque on demand and locking center differential.

Suspension: Front — Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs and stabilizer bar. Rear — Independent, Multi-link, stabilizer bar, DFD (Dual Flow Dampers).

Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front) with ABS, ESC, TCS, BAS, HAC and CBC.

Tires: Michelin Premiere 265/55 R19 mounted on 5-“Y”-spoke alloy wheels with painted inserts.

Wheelbase: 109.4 inches.

Length Overall: 187.4 inches.

Width: 74.4 inches.

Height: 66.5 inches — with roof rails.

Curb Weight: 4,101 lbs.

Turning Circle: 36.2 ft.

Fuel Capacity: 18.8 gallons.

EPA Mileage Estimates: Not yet certified.

Drag Coefficient: 0.33.

0 - 60 mph: Not tested.


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