2011 Kia Sorento Review

Introduction Of 2011 Kia Sorento

The 2011 Kia Sorento priced at MSRP: $19,995 – $28,895 is designed to stand between the small Sportage and the big Borrego SUV. This edition is priced below $20,000 which makes it very affordable. This edition will compete against star compact crossovers like Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

What’s on offer?

The new 2011Kia Sorento edition has been completely refurbished with more powerful engines and introduction of third row seats.

Silhouette

The 2011 Kia Sorento has an attractive exterior body style. This edition sits lower than its predecessor. The new headlamos and front grille offer an enhanced front fascia to this edition.

The Sorento edition is available three offerings viz. base edition, LX and premium EX edition.

Inside the cabin

The 2011 Kia Sorento sports a sophisticated look inside the cabin. It has been superbly designed using good quality materials. The dash board plastic look goods but are very hard in nature. The front seats are comfortable while the second row seats can happily seat two adult passengers or three children. The optional third row seats also have adequate leg space to seat adult passengers for a brief trip. The controls and gauges are well placed to offer convenience to the operator.

2011 Kia Sorento Powertrain

The 2011 Kia Sorento will be powered by 2.4 liter four cylinder engine which will generate 175 horsepower and 169 pounds feet of torque. This engine will be coupled with six speed manual transmission in the base edition and six speed automatic transmission in other trims. This edition will feature front wheel drive on all editions and option of all wheel drive on the LX and EX trims only. This combination would offer an estimated fuel economy of  21 mpg city levels and 29 mpg highways.

The premium EX edition offers an option of 3.5 liter V6 engine which will produce 276 horsepower and 248 pounds feet of torque which will be teamed with six speed automatic transmission. This combination would offer an estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city levels and 25 mpg highways.

Features of 2011 Kia Sorento

The 2011Kia Sorento standard edition is equipped with 17 inch alloy wheels, a tilt and telescoping multifunction steering wheel, full power accessories, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and a CD MP3 audio system with USB audio jack and satellite radio.

The mid level LX trim sports body color heated  outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, six seed automatic transmission and a armrest for the second row seats with cup holders. The LX trim also offers the option of Convenience package which adds heated front seats, fog lamps, rear parking sensors, a back up camera with a rear view mirror mounted display and roof rails.

The premium EX trim further adds 18 inch alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheels with shift knob, keyless entry and dual zone  automatic climate control . the EX trim offers option of Premium package which panoramic sunroof,  heated front seats, leather upholstery, roof rails, and back up camera with mirror mounted display. The EX trim also offers the option of Limited package if you have added Premium Package. The Limited package adds 18 inch chrome wheels, 12 speaker Infinity sound system and interior mood lighting  and voice activated  navigation system.

2011 Kia Sorento Safety

The 2011 Kia Sorento edition sports safety features such as front seat side airbags, full length side curtain airbags, hill start assist, hill descent control, front active head restraints, stability control and antilock disc brakes.

Conclusion

Overall the 2011 Kia Sorento is an affordable vehicle with a nice balance of ride comfort and handling.  The main highlights of this edition are long warranty, numerous standard features, and decent third row seats. The only drawback that was noted is the base four cylinder engine is not very peppy.