Redesigned 2016 Kia Sorento Climbs Midsize SUV Rankings

The redesigned 2016 Kia Sorento currently ranks second of 12 affordable midsize SUVs, which is an improvement over the 2015 model that placed 10th in the class. Here’s how the changes for 2016 help make the Sorento a top contender among midsize SUVs.

While the 2015 Sorento drew criticism when it was new for its lackluster interior materials, reviewers say the 2016 Sorento’s cabin is more upscale, with an attractive design and plenty of soft-touch surfaces. Test drivers also appreciate the additional 2.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the optional third-row seat. Additionally, they like that second- and third-row passengers have more space than before, although most agree that adults would not be comfortable in the third row for long trips.

On the road, the 2016 Kia Sorento retains the outgoing model’s comfortable ride and stable handling, according to critics. They say the new available turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has more than enough power in most situations, and the six-speed automatic transmission is responsive and smooth-shifting. The new Sorento’s steering is very precise and offers lots of feedback to the driver, test drivers note, marking an improvement over the previous generation.

While positive reviews of its performance and interior helped the 2016 Sorento move up in our rankings, it’s also available with several new driver-assistance technologies, including rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree parking camera system. Through Kia’s UVO eServices, newly available features can alert parents if their teenage driver is exceeding a certain speed, driving after curfew or outside the boundaries of a preset geographic area.

Although the 2016 Kia Sorento is a great choice for your next midsize SUV, don’t forget to check out some of the Sorento’s competitors before making a decision. The redesigned 2015 Nissan Murano, which currently ranks first in our midsize SUV rankings, has a luxurious interior and composed handling, critics say, and it gets good fuel economy for the class. The redesigned 2015 Ford Edge is currently sixth in the class and impresses test drivers with its adept handling, especially in the available Sport model. Reviewers also appreciate the Edge’s exceptionally quiet cabin.

If you’re considering buying used, the 2013 Kia Sorento is a respectable choice, as it currently ranks in the top half among 2013 affordable midsize SUVs. When it was new, test drivers liked the 2013 Sorento’s secure handling, and they reported that the UVO infotainment system is easy to use.

U.S. News Best Cars rankings are based off the consensus opinion of America’s top automotive journalists. Our team gathers every published, credible review of a vehicle, and for each third-party review, we score the vehicle on three components: Performance, Interior and Critic’s Rating, which is how strongly a reviewer recommends the vehicle. We combine these scores, along with reliability data from J.D. Power and Associates and safety data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, into a weighted average that is based on what car buyers say matters most to them. The result is an overall score for each new car on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best possible score. Our rankings are continually updated as more reviews of a vehicle become available, as well as when new safety and reliability data is released.

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