Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Daily News Deal Of The Week: 2016 Kia Sorento


Kia redesigned its midsize crossover SUV, the Sorento, for the 2016 model year, moving this model upscale in terms of its appearance, materials, equipment, and driving character. The automaker didn’t abandon the lower end of the market, which is still serviced by the base Sorento L, but if you get inside of a loaded Sorento SX Limited, you’d swear you were in a luxury SUV if not for the Kia badge on the steering wheel.

Because this Kia might not be on your radar, the company is making the Sorento even more enticing from now through September 8, 2015. Better yet, because this isn’t a year-end, closeout special, dealers ought to be well stocked with a variety of trims, colors, and equipment.

Incentives and Rebates

Granted, a $1,000 cash rebate isn’t that big a deal. Rather than focus on the amount of the rebate, consider what it means.

Any time a rebate is available for a new car, you can automatically assume that you’re going to pay no more than invoice price for the vehicle. Use the rebate for a down payment, and now you’re getting your new set of wheels for well under invoice.

Based on what TrueCar is showing for a Kia Sorento in our New York City zip code, you should be able to get one for at least 10 percent off the sticker price, if not more. Keep in mind, though, that such a big discount includes the value of the rebate.

Financing Offers

Honestly, between the three types of deals Kia is offering on the new Sorento, this one is your best bet: zero-interest financing for 66 months and a cash rebate of $750 to sweeten the deal. Kia requires that you apply the rebate to the down payment, but you would’ve done that anyway. You also need to have a top-notch credit score.

Using TrueCar pricing as a guide, this means you can get into a loaded Sorento SX Limited with all-wheel-drive, use that rebate for your down payment, pay the taxes and other fees out of pocket or with your trade-in, and roll out of the showroom for under $600 per month.

In other words, every other version of the Sorento will be more affordable than that, especially if you pay more than the $750 rebate as a down payment.

Leasing Deals

You can also walk into the Kia dealership without a dime in your pocket and lease a Sorento LX for $289 per month, plus tax (but you’d better have terrific credit).

For that monthly sum, you’ll get an adequate 4-cylinder engine, and you’ll be able to drive a reasonable 12,000 miles per year for three years. Just remember that you’ll be on the hook for a $400 termination fee at the end of the lease, along with any wear-and-tear charges.

Why We Recommend the Kia Sorento

Based on a drive in a loaded Sorento SX Limited, this is a stylish and sophisticated crossover SUV. The V6 engine is powerful, the seats are comfortable, and it exudes luxury.

Is it possible that the less expensive versions of the Sorento are not quite as impressive? Sure. But they all come with a kick-ass warranty and roadside assistance program, they all get the best possible crash-test ratings, and most of them include free UVO eServices technology as an option or as standard equipment.

The main problem with the Sorento is that it is a bit small inside, so forget about using it as a 3-row SUV. Fold that cramped third-row seat down, and enjoy a roomy cargo area combined with 5-passenger seating and impressive driving dynamics.


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