Following last year's substantial redesign, the Kia Sorento has elevated its status to one of the top choices in the small or midsize crossover SUV segment. Now more than just an attractive value, the 2012 Sorento offers sporty road manners, a long list of standard features, a useable third row, a four-cylinder model that's good on gas as well as a V6 version with plenty of power, and one of the longest warranties available.
And new for the 2012 model year is Kia's "Uvo" system which is a voice-controlled interface much like Ford Sync. Also new is a ventilated driver seat as well as a new optional four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection that increases both power and fuel efficiency.
While still maintaining an attractive starting price, the 2012 Sorento is clearly taking aim at the perennial class leaders: the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. A big plus when compared to these longtime favorites is the Sorento's size advantage. Nearly a midsize SUV, it's roomy enough for a third row that can actually accommodate adults.
Also appealing is its array of engine choices, nimble handling, solid build quality and extensive feature availability.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2012 Kia Sorento is available in four trims: base, LX, EX and the SX.
Standard features on the already well-equipped Sorento base model include a 6-speed manual transmission, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, a tire pressure monitor, a trip computer and an audio system with a CD player, MP3 player, satellite radio, an iPod adapter and an auxiliary audio jack.
Opting for the Sorento LX adds a 6-speed automatic transmission, a second-row armrest and heated exterior mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. Available as an option on the LX is the Convenience package which adds the more powerful four-cylinder engine (for front-wheel-drive models), heated front seats, a backup camera, rear parking sensors, roof rails, foglamps and a third-row seat for V6 models.
Moving up to the EX model adds a power driver seat, Kia's Uvo voice-activated electronics interface, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning on V6 models, keyless entry/ignition, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Also available on the EX is the optional Premium Plus package which includes leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat, heated front seats, a navigation system, power-folding exterior mirrors, a rearview camera and a 10-speaker Infinity surround-sound system. There's also the Limited package that includes an air-cooled driver seat, an auto dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, driver memory functions, the navigation system and the power-folding exterior mirrors.
These optional packages also include a panoramic sunroof and a ventilated driver seat for EX V6 models.
The SX is outfitted very much like an EX V6 with the Premium and Limited packages, plus a sport-tuned suspension, some sportier outside styling details and some unique interior trim accents. The panoramic sunroof is available as an option on the SX.
A third-row 50/50-split-folding seat is standard on the SX and EX V6, and optional on the LX and four-cylinder EX.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
The base engine (found on the base and LX models) is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. Optional on the LX and standard on the EX is a direct-injected variant of the same engine that's good for 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet. The base model comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. All other models are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
All models come standard with front-wheel drive, while the LX and EX trims can also be equipped with all-wheel drive, which includes an available locking center differential for better low-speed performance off-road or in icy conditions.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for a front-wheel-drive, automatic model with this engine is 21 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway. These numbers drop slightly to 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway on all-wheel drive models. Gas mileage with the direct-injected four-cylinder and front-wheel drive stands at 22 mpg city and 32 highway, and 21 and 28, respectively, with all-wheel drive.
Also available as standard on the SX and optional on LX and EX trims is a capable 3.5-liter V6 that generates 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Paired only with the 6-speed automatic transmission, this engine takes the Sorento from a standstill to 60 mph in a quick 7.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs in its segment. The EPA-estimated gas mileage for this engine with front-wheel drive comes in at 20 city and 26 highway, and at 18 and 24, respectively, with all-wheel drive.
Safety:
Standard safety features across all 2012 Sorentos include hill descent control, stability control, hill-start assist, antilock disc brakes (ABS), front-seat side airbags, front active head restraints and full-length side curtain airbags.
In government crash tests, the new Sorento received four out of five stars for overall occupant protection, including four stars for front-impact protection as well as side-impact protection.
Interior:
The 2012 Kia Sorento's cabin is attractively designed, user-friendly and constructed with higher quality materials. In fact, it's one of the best in its class. And the new Uvo voice-activated interface is a big plus when it comes to controlling cell phone and entertainment features.
The seating is comfortable and supportive, both front and rear. The second row accommodates two adults comfortably and can manage three rather tightly. Unlike the Honda CR-V which has no third row and the Toyota RAV4's kids-only version, the optional third row of the Sorento can actually accommodate two adults. That said, the second row does not slide forward and backward (unless equipped with the third row) like those in the CR-V and RAV4.
In terms of storage, the Sorento has a cargo capacity of 72.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, about in line with the competing Honda and Toyota models.
Drive:
The Kia Sorento's base 2.4-liter engine gets the job done in city driving and on the highway as long as the overall load is fairly light. However, most drivers will likely be satisfied with the power from the new direct-injected four-cylinder. But those drivers who anticipate fairly regular extra passenger or cargo loads would be best off with the smooth and capable 3.5-liter V6.
The Sorento's overall handling is impressive and its steering is light yet responsive, making it one of the more fun crossovers on the road. An added plus is a cabin that stays well-insulated from wind and road noise on the highway. While most will be pleased with its overall ride experience, some may find the trade-off for its agility is increased harshness when confronting more serious road bumps and rough spots.
How To Get The Lowest Price:
Best Negotiating Tactic: Well, there's definitely a 'best way' when it comes to new car buying. If you want to get the best bottomline, out-the-door price you need to know exactly who to talk to at the dealership, how to make the contact and how to make this person eager to quickly drop prices as low as possible to get your sale.
