2011 Kia Sorento EX V6

It’s happening more and more. Kia is the latest automaker to revise a model so substantially that it has completely changed market segments. The outgoing Sorento was a truck frame-based SUV, capable of serious off-road duty and impressive hauling and towing capability. The new 2011 Sorento is still a decent tow vehicle, albeit only capable of 1,588 kilos (3,500 lbs) compared to the old model’s 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) in top trim, though it’s clearly a crossover in that it’s now unibody, like a car, and has no low gear range and less ground clearance to traverse rocky or muddy terrain.

2011 Kia Sorento EX V6

But does that really matter? Considering the small percentage of buyers that use their SUVs off-road, it may not be worth making a vehicle that is inherently less capable on pavement. After all, the taller a vehicle is the more prone it is to top-heavy handling, and a truck based frame experiences greater torsional twist and therefore can’t react as well in corners. The new Sorento, however, feels like a sports car in comparison to the old.

Actually, the new Sorento just might be the best midsize crossover available today from an entry-level brand, or at least right near the top. It would require a back-to-back test to confirm, of course, but I’m beyond impressed with its character. Handling is superb and the Sorento’s top-line powertrain is ultra-smooth and plenty powerful.

While the base Sorento starts with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder capable of 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque, my tester’s powertrain featured a silky 3.5-litre V6 that puts out 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, ample for spirited launches from a standstill and superb passing performance. The transmission is one of the smoothest I’ve experienced in the crossover segment, a six-speed automatic with manual mode.

At high speed the Sorento feels ultra stable and fully in control. I’m guessing that it would be good in the wet too, although Mother Nature thankfully didn’t comply. All Sorentos get a lighter weight and more compact MacPherson strut front suspension plus a fully independent multi-link rear setup for 2011. My tester featured front-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive is optional. That all-wheel drive system incorporates a locking centre differential that distributes power evenly to each wheel during low-speed operation when traction is less than adequate. But again, you’ll probably want to assess your personal needs, as most won’t require the added grip when countering such benefits with increased mechanical complexity and fuel consumption, especially considering how capable modern-day traction and stability control systems are, and these last two features are standard with the Sorento. Kia’s new crossover even comes with Hill Start Assist, so you won’t roll back when taking off from a sharp incline, and Hill Descent Control, for maintaining a steady speed down a steep grade, plus standard ABS enhances its four-wheel disc braking system.

My well-appointed EX V6 test model felt more like a premium crossover than anything mainstream, other than the hard plastic surfaces covering dash and door panels. Still, their textures don’t look cheap and overall fit and finish is excellent.

Likewise, switchgear is attractively laid out in an efficient design, with buttons that don’t slop around from side to side but are well damped for that quality feel we all like. The top-line automatic HVAC system is ultra-easy to operate and features large dials that can be actuated while wearing gloves, important for colder climes. The nicely finished leather-clad front seats integrate heated cushions for those frigid mornings or occasional relief of lower back pain, although only one preset temperature is offered. They’re power actuated as well, and were totally comfortable.

The Sorento is comfortable in the rear too, with room to spare in either its five or optional seven seat configuration. This is because its greater length and width make it roomier than the outgoing model. Overall, it’s now 4,671 mm (183.9 inches) long and 1,885 mm (74.2 inches) wide, increasing cargo room by 140 litres (5 cu ft). Interestingly, despite a lower roofline, the new Sorento delivers more headroom than the outgoing model.

That lower stance and longer profile makes for a lean looking machine, enhanced by Kia’s extremely attractive new design language. It looks upscale and, like the interior, premium in execution. Just the right amount of chrome trim accents an angular package, brought to life on my test vehicle by a beautiful hue of Spicy Red metallic paint surrounding luxurious Beige hides.  Two-tone Black and Ivory leather is also available, as is solid Black or Grey leather, while more basic models can be had in Grey, Black or Beige cloth.

Cloth trimmed LX models start at a very reasonable $25,645, including a $1,650 pre-delivery inspection and freight charge; while an LX V6 can be had for $30,745, freight and PDI included. An EX will set you back $31,445, while my front-drive EX V6 costs $33,445. The EX V6 Luxury can be had for $39,195 or slightly over 40 with the freight and PDI.

Standard EX V6 items include seventeen-inch alloy wheels, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, leather seats and trim, an eight-way powered driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, proximity sensing Smart Key access with push-button start, a rear back-up camera integrated into the rearview mirrors, and much more.

Also standard is Kia’s excellent warranty that includes five years or 100,000 km of limited comprehensive coverage, five years or 100,000 km of powertrain coverage, five years and unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage, and 5 years or 100,000 km roadside assistance.

By repositioning the Sorento into the more popular crossover segment, giving it an extremely stylish design, adding a more powerful and more refined drivetrain, improving ride quality, and moving the interior upscale, Kia’s raised the game of the entire midsize segment.-greencarreports.