They don’t make cars like they used to. That’s true enough, at least if you ask an old guy with a jones for Detroit iron.
Nope. They don’t make cars like they used to – and neither, for that matter, does Kia. And that’s a very good thing, if you’re into buying high value vehicles with loads of content. At the 2006 New York International Auto Show, Kia trotted out their latest upgraded vehicle, and, from the looks of it, the 2007 Kia Sorento will win it’s share of fans.
Few will be surprised by that anymore, especially considering that Kia has hit record sales three months running, and have just announced a partnership with Sirius that will make satellite radio available in all 2009 models. As for the Sorento, it already has a lot going for it, with new sheet metal and grille, an upgraded interior design, more power and – at least according to Kia – better fuel efficiency. Len Hunt, Kia’s US top man said that the 2007 Kia Sorento, at 262 horsepower, enjoys more power than Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner. That’s impressive on paper – we’ll see what it’s like on the road.
Why it matters As a main bread and butter vehicle for Kia, the new Sorento gives the Korean automaker a serious contender among major sellers such as the Ford Escape the Toyota Highlander. With more power, room, interior upgrades and a slew of standard safety features such as full-length side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), active front headrests, and a driver knee airbag.
What’s under the hood People sure love their power, especially SUV buyers. They like a healthy engine to boost around all that extra curb weight. Kia, in the past, had heard this cry several times:
Such and such car is too slow, so and so is sluggish off the line…Not anymore. With the 2006 Kia Sorento’s new 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 262 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with shift mode. The new powertrain setup has a tow rating of 5,000-pounds. Underneath, the Sorento comes with standard 16-inch wheels (17-inch wheels available), supporting a body-on-frame construction and a double wishbone front suspension and a five-link solid rear axle. A long wheelbase (106.7 inches) and wide track (62.2 inches) should likely provide a comfortable ride and excellent stability in all driving situations. The 2007 Sorento is available in both two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive configurations. In the two-wheel-drive version, power is directed to the rear wheels, while the 4WD offering includes a part-time or a Torque-on-Demand automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system, depending upon the option package. The part-time four-wheel-drive system engages with the turn of a knob for convenient shift-on-the-fly operation and has a transfer case equipped with a low range for the most challenging off-road situations. The full-time automatic Torque-On-Demand four-wheel-drive system, also with a low range, is available on the EX trim level as part of the Luxury Package.
What’s insidePower is nice, but interiors sell cars, and boy – Kia sure knows it. Judging from the new 2006.5 Kia Optima, in fact, they’ve made significant gains in the quality of their interior materials and cabin design. The Sorento is likely to offer more of the same, with upgrades such as a new gauge cluster and floor console in your choice of new wood and metal trim materials. Leather is available in the Sport and Luxury Packages, and additional interior upgrades include a standard front passenger side central door lock, and revised steering wheel mounted cruise control and steering wheel mounted audio controls. Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning (dual-zone auto on EX Luxury Package), power windows/door locks/heated mirrors, cruise control, 10-speaker CD player and mp3 audio system, full overhead console, four 12-volt power outlets, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seats, rear privacy glass, cargo cover, roof rails and keyless entry with alarm.
LX Sport Package models add black interior cloth or leather, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, side step bars, spoiler and the new 17-inch wheels and tires. The EX trim line features a power sunroof, heated power mirrors, fog lights, deluxe door scuff plates, eight-way power driver’s seat, outside temperature gauge, compass, average speed and travel time to the overhead console and new 16-inch alloy wheels. The EX Luxury Package adds leather seating and interior trim, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, auto headlamps, chrome door handles, Torque-on-Demand (TOD) full-time four-wheel drive and 16-inch machined alloy wheels.
What we thinkAutomakers that ply their trade in the SUV market should beware: the 2007 Kia Sorento looks like it’s going to turn a few heads, both on the road, standing still and from the cabin.
Photos by Ron Perry
