![]() The twin taillights recall Ford Mustang-because why not-and broad Sorento badging adds a somewhat upscale touch. And there are some fake vents, just for kicks. But the tall, almost shapeless flanks suggest otherwise. From the side, it’s like an off-brand Acura MDX with its roofline that appears to slope sportily toward the rear. Limited brightwork adds a delicate touch. It’s clean and cohesive, with a chunky grille flanked by intricate LED lights. The Sorento’s front end may be its best touch. It’s a 6 on our scale, with that point above average allotted to its exterior. We can’t fault Kia’s designers for trying, though we wish they’d picked one or two fewer themes. The Sorento seems to sample just about every crossover and SUV in its complex, overwrought style. Opt for a hybrid with all-wheel drive and its price will still hover just around $40,000. Our money would be on a $37,315 Sorento EX with its synthetic leather, upsized 10.3-inch screen, and power-adjustable driver’s seat. The $31,415 LX comes with alloy wheels, cloth seats, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Standard automatic emergency braking softens the blow, and most versions have adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warnings with braking, and blind-spot monitors. On the safety front, the 2023 Sorento scores well in IIHS testing but misses the mark according to the NHTSA. ![]() USB ports abound, too, including some versions with plugs mounted to the front-row seatbacks. The busy dash nearly obscures a terrific infotainment system with standard wireless smartphone compatibility. Most versions wear synthetic upholstery, though cloth and real leather are available. The Sorento’s cabin easily accommodates four passengers in supreme mainstream comfort. Optional all-wheel drive should sweeten the deal in cold-climate markets, too. They work better with the 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox that can struggle in turbo-4 models. Hybrid versions are our top choices here, and not just because they offer upward of 30 mpg combined. Hybrids fill the gap in 227-hp form, or as a 261-hp plug-in with 32 miles of all-electric range on a full charge. Powertrain choices include a thrill-free 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 or a reasonably peppy 281-hp turbo-4 in gas-only versions. Inside, its dash is an assault on the senses, though its interior is plenty spacious and most versions have a big 10.3-inch touchscreen that works quite well. Its brash exterior combines a host of styling themes into a single, complex package. ![]() This crossover SUV comes only with three rows of seats. The Sorento sees few tweaks aside from some trim-level availability adjustments this year. It rates a 6.3 out of 10 on the TCC scale. This rational choice serves up a big interior and the allure of 30 mpg-plus fuel economy, if you can get over a few head-scratching details.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |