X

2012 Kia Sorento EX (pictures)

Kia releases a version of its Sorento SUV with a direct-injection engine, bringing ample power from a four-cylinder engine and better fuel economy than any other version of the vehicle.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
35322405_OVR.jpg
1 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
Kia's largest SUV is not some mammoth nation cruiser, but a nicely packaged vehicle with plenty of versatile interior space. It embodies Kia's value proposition very well.
35322405_FT.jpg
2 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The grille shows the standard Kia tiger nose design, leading back to nicely rounded headlight casings and fenders. The overall look is modern, but not remarkable.
35322405_SD.jpg
3 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
At 15.25 feet, the Sorento is not very long, but has ample space for five passengers. The optional Premium Plus package adds a third-row seat, increasing the utility.
35322405_SS01.jpg
4 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
Kia offers the Sorento in all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive versions. The suspension is somewhat rigid, making for decent handling but a sometimes harsh ride.
35322405_SS02.jpg
5 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
With the third-row seats up, there is no cargo area at all.
35322405_SS04.jpg
6 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
Putting the third- and second-row seats down leaves a large, cavernous cargo area.
35322405_SS17.jpg
7 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
In the mid, EX trim level, Kia offers a nice cabin interior, including leather seats. The driver-side seat is power-adjustable, and the passenger-side becomes power-adjustable with the Premium Plus package.
35322405_SS18.jpg
8 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The second-row seating is not luxurious, but better than we would expect at the Sorento's price point.
35322405_INT.jpg
9 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The Premium Plus package also brings in the navigation head unit. When this package is selected, it eliminates the UVO advanced voice command system available on the base model.
35322405_SS06.jpg
10 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
Kia sticks to hydraulic boost for the steering wheel, tuning it for responsive handling.
35322405_SS07.jpg
11 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
Audio controls sit on the left spoke of the wheel, with voice command for the Bluetooth phone system on the lower spokes.
35322405_SS09.jpg
12 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The Sorento comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, which also offers manual gear selection.
35322405_SS11.jpg
13 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The navigation system is somewhat basic, only showing 2D maps, but it does offer traffic integration.
35322405_SS14.jpg
14 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The navigation system shows a good points-of-interest database, accessible through category browsing or search.
35322405_SS13.jpg
15 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
When using an audio source such as a USB drive, the interface shows the file and folder structure. With a connected iPod, the interface shows a complete music library.
35322405_SS15.jpg
16 of 16 Josh Miller/CNET
The stereo also supports Bluetooth audio streaming, a more convenient way of listening to music from a smartphone.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos