New Kia Sorento a high-tech family SUV (pictures)
The newest generation of the Kia Sorento, a 2016 model, can be had with a powerful turbocharged 2-liter engine, all-wheel drive with a locking differential, app integration and advanced driver assistance features.
For the 2016 model year, the Sorento enters its third generation, incorporating Kia's latest production technologies.
New styling features a floating bead grille and LED fog lights.
Kia calls the Sorento a CUV, or crossover utility vehicle. With its SUV body configuration, it serves well as a family wagon.
The example runs on a 2-liter four-cylinder engine, with direct injection and a turbo helping it produce 240 horsepower.
Two-row seating is standard, but models with V-6 engines can have three rows, good for seven passengers.
This side graphic is typical of SUVs, dictated more by body format than style.
A front-wheel-drive platform, the Sorento can be had with all-wheel drive.
The firm-but-comfortable ride will please most drivers.
Cargo capacity with the second seating row up rates at 38.8 cubic feet.
The interior feels as spacious as most SUVs.
In this Limited trim model, front seats feature heating and cooling.
The second row offers plenty of legroom.
A panoramic sunroof comes standard in higher trim models.
Kia offers the Sorento with its latest cabin and driver assistance technologies, but most features are only available at specific trim levels.
Electric power steering adjusts slightly for different drive modes.
An LCD center gauge shows a variety of useful information.
The shifter for the six-speed automatic transmission sits in front of the differential locking button on the console.
A surround-view camera system makes maneuvering the Sorento safer.
The home screen for the dashboard electronics shows navigation and current audio track.
Press the App button and you get all the cabin tech features shown as icons.
Navigation system maps look good, but only show in 2D, not perspective view.
Kia includes app integration, but only three apps were available during this review.
Yelp comes in handy for looking up restaurants and other businesses.
Kia also brings in data for traffic, fuel prices and sports scores through satellite radio.
HD radio comes standard in the stereo.
The SoundHound app, built into the Sorento, can identify any currently playing track from radio or a brought-in source.
The music library interface shows up for iOS devices and drives plugged in to the car's USB port.
The current track screen shows album art, when available.
Kia's UVO telematics service includes roadside assistance, destination help and stolen vehicle recovery.
A Bluetooth hands-free phone system comes standard.