2011 Kia Sorento EX-V6 Luxury Review

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The first-generation Kia Sorento was known for its rugged character, roomy interior and relatively thirsty engine. Launched earlier this year, its successor proves more efficient and more spacious while offering 4- and 6-cylinder engines and available all-wheel drive.


The Sorento and the competition
In Kia's portfolio, this midsize SUV slots between the compact Sportage (4-cylinder only) and the full-size Borrego (available with powerful V6 and V8 engines).

Outside the company, the Sorento must square off with a ton of big guns, including the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander. Making up in various upgrades for what it lacks in fame, this Korean model effectively wins over a surprising number of buyers.

Just look at the sales charts. According to Automotive News, the Sorento has sold twice as many units as the Pilot and Highlander through the first 10 months of 2010! Not bad at all for a ''little guy''...

Admittedly, Kia used aggressive marketing strategies to raise the Sorento out of the shadows. In particular, they emphasized the American origins of the new model. That's right: production now takes place at the West Point assembly plant in Georgia. As a result, the Sorento strikes a bigger chord in Canadian consumers.

Incidentally, the same factory started building the Hyundai Santa Fe in October. As you probably know, both vehicles share a common platform and several key components. No wonder they prove equally popular!

Engine choices
Selection is the operative word of the 2011 Kia Sorento. Five trim levels make up the model lineup: LX and EX are powered by a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder engine, while LX-V6, EX-V6 and EX-V6 Luxury feature the same 3.5-litre V6 as the Sedona minivan.


All V6-equipped models feature a 6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic manual mode.

The performance delivered by the bigger powerplant impresses more than the buttery smooth operation of the autobox. That's what I found out during a test drive of a Sorento EX-V6 Luxury. It may weigh 200 kilos more than the two-wheel drive variants, but at 1,835 kilos, it's roughly 100-kg lighter than the previous generation. My tester sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in under 8 seconds, which is plenty fast for such a high-riding, family-oriented machine.


Such performance obviously affects fuel economy, though. After more than 500 kilometres of city and highway driving, I wound up with an average of 12.5 L/100 km – or 25 percent more than the automaker's optimistic rating (9.95 L/100 km).

Full-time AWD technology
Canadians living in rough climates will certainly appreciate the all-wheel drive option of the 2011 Kia Sorento. This full-time system is optional with the two lower-end V6 models and standard on the top-of-the-line EX-V6 Luxury.

Electronics distribute torque to the front and rear axles based on the level of grip. In normal conditions, the front wheels receive 100 percent of the torque, but as soon as either one starts to slip, part of it is transferred to the back for superior traction. A lockable centre differential guarantees an even torque split (50-50) between the front and rear axles.

The Sorento also features Hill Start Assist, which prevents the vehicle from rolling back when you release the brakes on a hill, as well as Downhill Brake Control, which ensures a steady momentum during steep descents.

The fully-independent suspension provides a smooth, surprisingly-comfortable ride for such a big truck. Kia engineers also strived to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), making the Sorento almost as quiet as a Highlander.


More sophisticated
The 2011 Kia Sorento has clearly become a modern SUV. The elegant bodywork has been streamlined for improved aerodynamic performance (the drag coefficient dropped from 0.425 to 0.38). In addition, the roomier cabin can comfortably sit four or five adults. Optionally, up to seven passengers can find a seat, including two small children in the third row.

Trunk capacity in five-passenger configuration has increased by 20 percent since the 2009 model year. Still, it's not enough to best rivals like the Pilot and Highlander. Granted, the Sorento is slightly shorter overall.

On the plus side, manoeuvrability is improved thanks to a shorter turning radius (10.88 vs. 12.0 m), a two-piece panoramic sunroof is available and a full assortment of airbags comes standard across the line.


Self-explaining success
Ironically, the Sorento's success explains the Borrego's lack of success. Of course, rising fuel costs played a part in tarnishing the image of big, burly SUVs, especially those powered by a V8.

However, you also have to look at towing capacities. A Sorento V6 can tow up to 1,588 kilos (3,500 pounds), which will suit the vast majority of owners with a personal watercraft, a small camping trailer or a platform carrying one or two snowmobiles.

Who actually needs a large SUV like the Borrego on a regular basis? Sure, it will tow 2,268 kilos (5,000 lbs) with a V6 or 3,402 kilos (7,500 lbs) with a V8, but in the case of the latter, fuel consumption is 20 percent higher than my tester's. Now that puts a lot of things in perspective!

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