THE PROS & CONS
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- What’s Best: Three different engines, choice of FWD/AWD and large cargo volume.
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- What’s Worst; Black is the main colour of all three trim interiors. Needs some brighter colours or trim pieces.
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- What’s Interesting: Kia’s decision to position one vehicle in two differing sub-segments.
When the third generation Kia Sorento compact CUV was launched, I noted the brand had managed to appeal to two separate sets of buyers with one vehicle.
Through clever interior packaging, Kia created both a five- and a seven-seat variant with the five-seat LX models aimed at Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and the Nissan Rogue competitors. Meanwhile, the mid-trim level EX and top-trim SX models are seen as an intermediate CUV competing against Toyota Highlander, Ford Edge and Nissan Murano.
The LX and EX are sold as five-seaters, while the SX is the only version with seven seats.
In effect, it results in one vehicle where seating for five plus a large cargo area is important to one set of buyers while the seven-seater is aimed at the buyer who also wants the convenience of a people mover.
Available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) and standard six-speed automatic transmission, there are three engines offered, starting with a 2.4-litre, direct injection four-cylinder (185 hp, 178 lb/ft of torque) and a 3.3-litre direct injection V6 (290 hp, 252 lb/ft).
New for the third generation is a 2.0-litre direct injection turbo four-cylinder with (240 hp, 260 lb/ft).
When properly equipped, towing numbers are: 2.4-litre, 2,000 lb; 2.0-litre, 3,500 lb and 3.3-litre, 5,000 lb.
Total cargo volume is 2,082 litres behind the front seats with 1,077 litres behind the two-row model seats and 320 litres behind the third row seat on the SX model.
On the five-seat models there is a quite large under-floor storage area with compartments, making it more like an organizer.
Standard equipment on every Sorento includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Antilock Braking System (ABS).
Roll Over Mitigation (ROM) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) on AWD models have been made standard for improved dynamic control and safety.
A vast array of optional driver aids includes Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Surround View Monitor (SVM).
The AWD system was developed with Magna International, having its world headquarters in Aurora.
It is hydraulically actuated with a normal front:rear torque split of 50:50. At highway speeds, the system sends up to 95 per cent of torque to the front.
In bad conditions such as ice, snow and lose surfaces there is a lockout button on the centre console that sends equal grip front and rear almost like four-wheel-drive. When speed increases beyond 30 km/h, the system automatically disengages.
Added to this is Kia’s Active Cornering Control (ACC), which is integrated into the electronic stability control. Here the ACC applies braking to the inside rear wheel for better cornering.
Also found on the centre console is the Drive Mode button that allows the drive to toggle between Normal, Eco and Sport, which modifies steering input, engine performance and transmission mapping. It does not adjust the suspension.
As you would expect, Normal is just that, while Eco delivers less fuel and adjusts ignition timing for improved fuel economy.
In Sport, more fuel is used and the spark timing advanced for more power.
Inside, the instrument panel is very clean, making it more functional. Backup camera is standard on all but the entry model. On the EX and up a heated steering wheel (my new favourite option) is standard, as are integrated sunshade blinds on the rear doors.
Tested here is what I consider to be the “volume” model, the EX with V6 and AWD.
The 3.3-litre is a known quantity and has more than enough spunk to dig in off the light and merge from the on-ramp without breaking a sweat.
The Drive Mode button really makes a difference in engine/transmission response. Cruising along in Normal and then selecting Eco sees the revs drop with the feeling like the brakes going on.
Conversely, switching up to Sport results in drivetrain tautness you can feel coming through the steering system to your fingertips.
Many other CUVs do the same thing, but there is the sensation you’re getting a little something extra in the Sorento.
Road manners are solid and the AWD does its thing in corners transparently so you don’t feel the extra grip even though you know it’s there.
I have not driven the Sorento in snow, but I appreciated the button beside the Drive Mode switch that locks up all four-wheels in heavy going.
At just under 40 grand all in including a $1,740 shipping fee, the 2017 Sorento with V6 and AWD packs a lot of standard features you would not expect for the price.
If you’re looking for a five-seat CUV in the compact segment that is really a mid-size, the 2017 Sorento should be on your list.
2017 Kia Sorento EX V6
BODY STYLE: compact CUV.
DRIVE METHOD: front engine, front-/all-wheel-drive.
ENGINE: 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder (185 hp, 178 lb/ft of torque; 2.0-litre direct injection turbo four-cylinder (240 hp 260 lb/ft of torque); (as tested) 3.3-litre V6 (290 hp, 252 lb/ft)
FUEL ECONOMY: (Regular) (FWD/AWD) 11.2/11/5L/100 km city, 8.2/9.3L/100 km highway; 2.0-litre, 12.3/14.0 city, 9.4/10.1 highway; 3.3-litre, (AWD as tested), 13.2/9.3/11.4L/100 km city/highway/combined
CARGO CAPACITY: (EX two row) 2,082 litres behind the front seats with 1,077 litres behind the two-row model seats.
TOWING: (Properly equipped) 2.4-litre, 2,000 lb; 2.0-litre, 3,500 lb; 3.3-litre, 5,000 lb
PRICING: EX V6, $37,095, as tested, $39,135 including $1,740 shipping
WEB: www.kia.ca
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