Here's a vehicle that won't impress you with high-tech gadgetry or its ability to drive by itself. If that's what you're looking for, you might as well shop for an SUV such as a Ford Edge with its comprehensive array of electronic safety features.
That's right -- the 2012 Kia Sorento doesn't offer a blind-spot monitor, a lane-departure warning system, a collision warning system or adaptive cruise control. Nope, you essentially don't need all these gizmos, irritating or not.
And that basically is what's so good about the Sorento. It's a competent midsize SUV that delivers a lot and asks for little. In short, it's got everything you need in this type of vehicle; nothing less, nothing more.Packed with features
That doesn't mean the Kia Sorento has a short equipment list. Every trim level includes alloy wheels, fog lamps, power heated mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, cloth or leather upholstery, heated front seats, sound system USB port, Bluetooth connectivity as well as a backup sonar or rearview camera. Our EX-V6 Luxury tester also adds a power panoramic sunroof, power-folding mirrors, a power-adjustable and ventilated driver's seat with position memory, a 10-speaker sound system, navigation and a heated steering wheel. The switchgear in the Sorento couldn't get simpler, with temperature rotary dials and well-placed wheel and steering column stalk controls. The touchscreen infotainment system isn't as driver-friendly as Chrysler's Uconnect but better than Ford's MyTouch. There is one flaw: the rear window wiper/washer is activated by dash-mounted buttons on the left of the steering wheel, which is awkward. On the LX-V6 and EX-V6 Luxury trims, you can also get a 50/50-split folding third-row bench for an extra $1,200, if you need it; it's standard in the top-shelf SX. There is plenty of space in the Sorento: it feels bigger inside than the outside shell suggests. The seats, front and back, are comfortable for road trips, while cargo space sums up to 1,048 litres with the rear seatback in place; fold it down, and volume almost doubles to 2,052 litres. The Sorento is roomier than the Ford Edge and the Mazda CX-7, but not as roomy as the Ford Explorer, the Dodge Durango or the Chevrolet Traverse.
Got muscle
Base versions of the 2012 Kia Sorento are equipped with a 191-hp, 2.4L inline-4, but most shoppers will likely choose the 3.5L V6, which develops 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. Both are connected to a 6-speed automatic with manual mode. Acceleration is strong, as Kia's 6-cylinder powerplant offers plenty of low-rpm muscle. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds (or 1,588 kg), which is the class norm.
A Sorento for all budgets
What's good about Kia's midsize SUV is its relative affordability. It starts at $26,595 for a 4-cylinder, front-drive LX, while our EX-V6 Luxury tester rings in at $38,495. A midrange LX-V6 AWD should satisfy almost everyone's needs, priced at $31,095.
Source: Auto123
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