It’s amazing how many Hyundai and Kia vehicles are redefining segments with bold styling, good equipment packages and decent value per dollar. Kia is the other half of the Korea-based Hyundai-Kia Motors Group. 

The company has design centres in California, a tech centre in Michigan, a proving ground in California and a new plant in West Point, Georgia. 

The Sorento SX, driven for this review, sports a 276-horsepower V-6 and a ton of luxury equipment normally found on more expensive vehicles. Standard items include dual-zone climate control, rear air conditioning, an Infinity surround-sound audio system, Bluetooth wireless technology, heated and cooled front leather seats, Sirius satellite radio, traction control, vehicle stability control and anti-lock brakes. 

Prices start at $21,250 for the front-wheel-drive LX and reach $34,850 for an all-wheel-drive SX. I drove a front-wheel SX, and its base price was $32,195. 

Kia’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine is smooth and strong across its powerband. It has 248 pound-feet of torque (more than the Chevy Equinox and Ford Edge) and can tow up to 3,500 pounds. It is rated at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. 

The SX also has push-button start, heated outside mirrors, voice-activated navigation system and a backup camera. It also has LED tail lamps, chrome 18-inch wheels, fog lamps and chrome door handles. 

The test car from Kia’s press fleet was front-wheel drive. I would prefer the optional all-wheel drive system for our winter climate because it can send power to all four wheels when conditions require. The driver can also lock the vehicle in all-wheel drive, and that’s great for snow. There is no extra-low gear for off-road use, but crossovers aren’t meant for off-road use anyway. 

The real attraction of the SX goes well beyond the extra power of the V-6. Its interior is as cozy and comfortable as many luxury SUVs, and that is a good indication of how much this vehicle has matured. The fit, finish and quality of interior materials give the Sorento SX an upscale feel. The gauge pod has leather-like texture and stitching around the edge. The centre console is highlighted by carbon-fibre style trim. 

Although the vehicle’s basic shape is rather square, the overall look is smart and energetic thanks to a stylish front end and Kia’s signature grille. 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 Sorento’s ride was tight and sporty, but there were times when it seemed a bit too harsh over small bumps. The 18-inch wheels might have been a contributing factor. 

Utility vehicles are meant to be practical, and the Sorento is that. The cargo space is big enough to haul a lot of stuff, and folding the backseat is a breeze. There are numerous storage pockets throughout the interior. 

Standard safety features include hill-start assist and downhill brake control. There are six airbags, including side-curtain air bags, with sensors so they stay inflated in case the vehicle rolls over. 

Price 

The base price of the test vehicle was $32,195. The only option was a panoramic sunroof. The sticker price was $34,190. 

Warranty 

Five years or 60,000 miles with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.