Bottom line is: The 2016 Kia Sorento offers stylish design in a usable package – with that awesome 100,000 mile stress-free Kia warranty. It’s competitors may offer more room but it comes at the sacrifice of style and personality. If you want something with panache and are in need of a 3 row crossover…this is your choice.
The exterior is one of it’s best traits. In a sea of forgettable design this is the stand out with it’s elegant and almost European aesthetic.
The interior has an European flair to it as well, it comes with stylish 2-tone leather options with all the bells & whistles, and the dash is classy and well put together. It shouldn’t come as a surprise – as Hyundai/Kia hired an ex-Audi interior designer a few years back. We kept calling it the ‘Napa Valley’ interior, just because it was that kind of fancy – especially with the large panoramic sunroof. It doesn’t have as much interior space as something like a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. But I guess the tradeoff is that’s it’s a little less ‘soccer mommy’ than those vehicles. The new 2016 Kia Sorento does have a 3rd row, but honestly – I think it’s more to check the ‘3rd row’ box than anything else. It’ll work in a pinch if you don’t have any luggage/cargo, but it’s not really for the daily user.
Our Limited V6 came equipped with the welcome lighting, which automatically lights up the door handle pockets & unfolds the mirrors then the key fob is detected. The power lift gate is convenient, and the Sorento will automatically open the rear lift gate when you stand behind the vehicle for a few seconds with the key fob on your person – great for when your hands are full. The interior is quiet, comfortable, & relaxing… as upper models in the lineup have sound-absorbing glass. Kia’s infotainment screen is easy to navigate. The stereo sounded great when it wanted to… but our tester had some sort of glitch in the stereo/audio, where it would not hold sound settings once you touched the volume. We called it Megan Trainer, because it was all about that bass – no treble. A Google search revealed that some other owners had the same issue. I’m sure the glitch is fixed by now, but just check it out before you leave the lot to save yourself a trip back to cash in that warranty.
The Sorento makes about 185hp, 240hp, or 290 horsepower – depending on which option/model you chose. All-wheel-drive is also available as an option on most models. All in all if you’re in need of a 3ish row crossover with some style inside and out, this is your choice.
