Kia isn't exactly following the rules with its crossover lineup, but no one's complaining. The redesigned 2016 Sorento is the late unconventional entry where potential buyers are the winners.
It's getting increasingly common for manufacturers to offer crossovers in four sizes subcompact, compact, midsize and full-size. Kia doesn't technically have a subcompact crossover, although the quirky Soul is close and a big seller. Nor does Kia actually have a full-size crossover. The large Sedona is actually a passenger van cleverly designed to look like a Sport Utility Vehicle.
So that leaves the compact Sportage, which is larger than the Soul and available with all-wheel-drive, and the Sorento, which is now doing double duty. Last year's Sorento was not that much larger than the Sportage. But the new one has been stretched until it can now accommodate two or three rows of seats, meeting the needs of those who want room for seven but still refuse to buy a van, even one as good as the Sedona.
The Sorento has another trick up its sleeve, however. It includes sporty EX, SX and SXL models that come with a peppy turbocharge 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine and no third seat row option. That keeps the weight down, which helps improve performance. The base engine is a normally-apirated 2.4-liter inline four, and a 3.3-liter V6 is available for seven-passenger versions.
Our test model was the SXL version with the turbo 4 and a wealth of options, including AWD and many comfort and technology features. Although Kia started out building low priced economy cars, it has seriously focused on improving the design and quality of its products over the years, and our 2016 Sorento rivaled everything in the affordable crossover class and some that might be considered luxury models.
The first and continuing impression was how solid the Sorento feels. It does not tiptoe gently over rough pavement, trying not to lose its composure. Instead it plows confidently ahead, feeling like a much larger vehicle.
The turbo 2.0 is a great engine, providing ample torque to get off the line and increasing power as speeds increase. The six-speed transmission shifted flawless, regardless of the different driving modes Eco, which reduced throttle response to save fuel; Normal, which was hardly noticeable; and Sport, where the turbo's potential was most fully realized, even though mileage might have suffered a bit.
The all-wheel-drive system was the best option available for the wet Pacific Northwest, and it included a locking center differential activated by a button next to the drive modes for better handling snow and mud. This feature alone separate the Sorento from pretenders that might look tough but can't handle the going when it gets, well, tough.
As is usual with review vehicles for auto writers, our test model came with practically every option, including an upgraded stereo, a larger display screen, and enhanced safety features, like a Blind Spot Detection System. They helped pushed the price over $45,000, which may seem a lot for a Kia, but that's actually less than many similarly equipped competitors.
The cargo space behind the second row of seats was also impressive, since it actually included enough room for a third row. But if you're never going to need it, why pay the extra cost and carry the additional weight?
And don't forget the 10 year/100,000 mile limited power train warranty, still one of the best in the business just another way Kia is covering a lot of bases in addition to the redesigned 2016 Sorento.
2016 Kia Sorento SX AWD
Base price: $27,095
Price as tested: $52,450
Type: Midsize crossover
Engines: 2.4 (185 hp, 178 ft-lbs); turbocharged 2.0 (240 hp, 260 ft-lbs - as tested); 3.3 V6 (290 hp, 252 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with Eco, Normal and Sport modes
EPA estimated mileage: 20/27 (as tested)
Overall length: 187.4 inches
Curb weight: 3,704 to 4,101 pounds
Final assembly: West Point, Georgia