The Kia Sorento is a "tweener," playing in the space between small crossovers such as the Honda CR-V and midsized vehicles like the Toyota Highlander. Splitting segments like that allows the Sorento to be city friendly while offering accommodations, storage, and features akin to larger vehicles. For some shoppers, this Goldilocks package lands in the sweet spot.
The sculpted looks are backed up by substance, manifested in a comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and reassuring handling -- not to mention the peace of mind that comes with driving an SUV deemed a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Advanced safety equipment, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, is standard or optional on most trim lines.
The base Sorento starts at $25,795, including destination charges, but it comes with just a 185-hp four-cylinder engine and only front-wheel-drive. If you want more power from either a turbo four cylinder or a V6, or if you want a third-row seat, it will cost you a few grand more.
Our tested EX V6 trim adds leather seating surfaces, heated power front seats, and automatic climate control. It's classy inside.With the V6, you'll always get the kids to soccer practice on time. The engine's 290 hp is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission to the front or all four wheels. Our AWD V6 version is capable of towing an impressive 5,000 pounds.
On the road, the Sorento has a comfortable ride, absorbs pavement flaws effectively, and transmits low levels of road and wind noise into the cabin. Handling, traditionally not one of Kia's fortes, is responsive and secure. The third row is roomy for younger kids.
Kia has made living with the Sorento as easy as possible. Pairing your phone via Bluetooth is straightforward, and the voice control system understands myriad commands. Midgrade and higher Sorentos come with a large touch screen infotainment system and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For all of its goodness, the Sorento literally doesn't measure up to the competition. Its features may be the equal of the larger SUVs on the market, but when you're hauling kids and their stuff, those precious extra inches of length and cargo capacity might matter.
The Sorento's pleasant driving experience and family-friendly functionality have placed it among our highest-scoring midsized SUVs. It may be a tweener, but it is right-sized for us.