By Autoreviewman
Kia, continues on its stellar reputation for offering incredible value for money. No better example than the new, revamped 2019 Kia Sorento that adds top-class connectivity and technology features to the mix. Yes, there are a few exterior tweaks such as a revised grille design, a new front fascia, redesigned LED fog lights and LED tail lights, and a revised rear bumper, that add to the Sorento’s, neat, inoffensive looks. There are now as-standard items such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a built-in wireless phone charging station, Kia’s’ digital UVO Intelligence system allowing you to connect to your car via smartphone. There is also a new standard seven-inch touchscreen, with an eight-inch upgrade for the SX and SXL models. A long list of safety features are available, many found on luxury cars costing many times more, such as driver-attention alert, and advanced smart cruise control. The interior is also very nice with a neat, high quality look and feel.
There are four trim levels (LX, EX, SX, SXL) in the 2019 Sorento lineup, starting with the front-wheel-drive LX 2.4L FWD at $27,995, Engine choices include: 2.4L 4-cylinder with 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque or the 3.3L V6 engine with 290 and 252 lb-ft of torque 6-speed automatic transmission or 8-speed automatic/FWD or AWD drive. All V6-powered trims are seven-seaters; but as usual the third-row is more kid friendly. However, a decent 73 cu.-ft. (2,066 litres) is available when both the second- and third-row seats are folded. Properly equipped, towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. We tested the upper range V6 powered SXL with every option ticked.
On the road, the Sorento handles very nicely with Kia’s All-Wheel Drive system able to detect where more grip is needed and automatically delivering more torque to those wheels. There are four available drive modes — Comfort, Eco, Sport and Smart; Sport provides the best for all round driving in my opinion, firming up the steering and delivering crisp handling, Fuel consumption is rated by Transport Canada City/Highway, l/100 km: 2.4 litre FWD — 10.7 / 8.2; 2.4 litre 4WD — 11.2 / 9.0; 3.3 litre 4WD — 12.5 / 9.7.
To sum up, a lot to like about the Kia. It looks good, has a comfortable cabin and even in base trim arrives superbly equipped. Down sides are few, the third row seats are cramped for adult, but overall the Sorento remains a wonderful value packed family SUV with seating for up seven people.
2019 Ki Sorento Base price: $27,995 – $48,865
More info at www.kia.ca
