2012 Kia Sorento: Video Road Test and Review

The Kia Sorento is a four door seven passenger full size crossover that is powered by a range of fuel efficient four cylinder engines as well as a big V6, all being shifted via a six speed automatic gearbox, and are offered in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX.

The entry level Kia Sorento LX is powered by either a traditional 2.4 Liter four cylinder that produces 175 HP and 169 lb-ft of torque and is good for an estimated 21 MPG in the city and up to 29 MPG on the highway, or an optional gasoline direct injected GDI version which ups the four banger’s output to 191 HP and 181 lb-ft of torque while increasing economy for an estimated 22 MPG around town and as much as 32 MPG at speed; starting at $23,150 (AWD $25,350).  The Sorento LX V6 is powered by a 3.5 Liter six cylinder engine that makes a total of 276 HP and 248 lb-ft of torque, while returning an estimated 18 MPG on the way to the grocery store and up to 24 MPG on trips to visit grandma; starting at $24,950 (AWD $26,650).  All of the base model Sorentos ride on a set of 17 inch wheels and well adorned with body colored side mirrors complete with integrated turn signals and optional silver finish roof rails that come standard on the V6.  On the inside, Kia offers a host of amenities like a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth hands free wireless connectivity, second row armrest with cup holder and stylish black wood trim; while audio entertainment duties are handled by an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 stereo with USB and auxiliary input jacks.

The next level up is the Kia Sorento EX; which starts at $25,950 (AWD $27,650) for the four cylinder and goes up to $27,950 (AWD $29,650) for the V6.  All EXs wear a set of 18 inch hyper finish alloy shoes and are dressed up with a sporty rear spoiler.  On the inside, the Sorento EX gains interior accent illumination, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with leatherette seating and optional full leather as well as the optional panoramic sunroof.  Convenience features include a push button start with Smart Key, backup warning system, dual zone air conditioning with Ionized air filtration and the UVO Powered by Microsoft infotainment system.  The V6 can have the Premium infotainment system as an add-on, being channeled through the optional 10 Speaker Infinity Surround Sound Audio System.

The Kia Sorento SX is available exclusively with V6 power, and gets a set of 18 inch mirror finish rims, power folding mirrors and LED taillights.  Protecting the paintwork, the SX includes a stainless steel upper bumper protector and matching kick plates as well as a pair of chrome roof rails framing the optional panoramic sunroof.  On the inside, the top of the line Sorento gets a leather and wood steering wheel as well as leather seating and rear air; while a 10 Speaker Infinity Surround Sound Audio System with navigation display and back up camera handle infotainment duties, starting at $33,150 (AWD $34,850).

A list of cars similar to the Sorento includes the 2012 Toyota Highlander, 2012 Honda Pilot and 2012 Chevrolet Equinox.

See more details about the 2012 Kia Sorento.