Slipping into the cabin of the totally redesigned 2011 Kia Sorento EX was a reminder of just how much this midsize crossover vehicle has matured. The fit and finish, the overall design and the level of standard equipment are representative of what would have been found in luxury vehicles not that many years ago, and yet the Sorento is a moderately priced crossover vehicle.

It squares off against the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4. It has an edge because it is the newest of the bunch and has one of the longest warranties.

The base engine is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine, while a 276-horsepower V-6 is optional on the EX. Most buyers will be more than happy with the performance of the 175-horsepower four-cylinder, and that was the engine in the test car. The four-cylinder delivers its torque at relatively low rpm, and that means it moves away from a stop with ample energy. The Sorento weighs 3,796 pounds, and that is quite a bit for a four-cylinder to haul around, but the Sorento did just fine. The fuel mileage is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway.

The transmission is a Sportmatic six speed automatic, the gearbox of choice, which also enables the driver to shift manually.

This proprietary transmission was designed, engineered and built specifically for Kia vehicles.

The Sorento’s styling is clean and modern without being quite as brash as the Hyundai Tucson, a crossover of similar size. The

Sorento’s 106.3-inch wheelbase yields more interior space than the Tucson.The test car was a front-wheel-drive model. I would prefer the optional all-wheel drive system for winter climates because it can send power to all four wheels when conditions require. There is no extra-low gear for off-road use, but crossovers really aren’t meant for off-road use anyway.

The Sorento’s ride was tight and sporty, but there were times when it seemed a bit too rough over small bumps. The 18-inch wheels might have been a contributing factor.

Later this summer, Kia will offer the loaded Sorento SX. Pricing and exact availability have not been announced.

The SX will have a host of convenience features such as push-button start, heated outside mirrors, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, voice-activated navigation system and a back-up camera. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine has 276 horsepower and 248 pound feet of torque, making it more powerful than the Ford Edge and Chevrolet Equinox.

Utility vehicles are meant to be practical, and the Sorento is no exception. The cargo space is big enough to haul a lot of stuff, and folding the back seat is a breeze. There are numerous storage pockets throughout the interior.