INTRODUCTION: When Kia introduced
its midsized Sorento for the 2003 Model Year (MY), it was out to challenge some
of its Japanese competitors, such as the Mitsubishi Montero, Nissan Pathfinder,
and Toyota Highlander. Unfortunately, though, the Sorento just couldn’t stand
up to the Montero, Pathfinder, and Highlander, all of which were either
redesigned (Pathfinder, Highlander) or totally discontinued (Montero). For
2011, Kia decided to step up its game when it unveiled its all-new,
second-generation Sorento. The new Sorento offered new features in technology,
safety, and fuel economy, among others. For 2014, Kia gave the Sorento a
mid-cycle restyling. Let’s take a look at the newly-restyled 2014 Kia Sorento
LX (I4) FWD and see what it has to offer.
EXTERIOR: The minute you walk up to
the 2014 Kia Sorento, you’ll see how stylish this midsized crossover SUV can be.
Even the base (LX) model, which we’re reviewing, is very attractive, from its
chrome-and-black-mesh front grille, to standard seventeen-inch alloy wheels mounted
on all-season tires, to chrome door handle accent strips and exterior-color
power side-view mirrors. This particular Sorento was finished in Snow White
Pearl Coat, which makes the Sorento look luxurious. Front fog lamps come as
part of the LX Conveinience Package, which also adds heated side-view mirrors.
Rear backup sensors and a rear backup camera allow the driver to easily maneuver
the Sorento. A switchblade keyless entry remote and key combination with a faux
carbon fiber look makes the Sorento look even more upscale.
INTERIOR: When you step inside the
2014 Kia Sorento, the luxurious appearance continues. Faux wood trim adorns the
interior and door panels, and all interior panels (aside from the dashboard)
are made of a soft vinyl material. The transmission shift lever features a faux
leather shift boot. Manual climate controls are easy-to-use and provide adequate
adjustments. Both front seats are manually-adjustable, and the LX Conveinience
Package adds heated front seats, rare on cloth seating-equipped vehicles. The LX
Convenience Package also adds an
upgraded head unit for the audio system, featuring a 4.3-inch color touch
screen display with Kia’s UVO voice control system and auxiliary and USB input
jacks (a special adapter is required to be purchased separately that allows an
iPod or iPhone to be used properly with the system), Bluetooth with A2DP Stereo
streaming of audio from compatible devices, a single-disc CD/MP3 player, and
SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio, which would include a six-month trial subscription
courtesy of Kia when the vehicle is purchased new (the subscription in this
particular vehicle had expired). The system also integrated the aforementioned
rear backup camera, which included guidance lines for easy maneuvering in
reverse. The monochromatic displays were either white or dark red in color, and
washed out in direct sunlight (the digital clock located directly above the
radio and multi-informational display in between the gauges, for example).
Bluetooth pairing was seamless with a Samsung Galaxy S III Android smartphone. Speaking
of sound, the six-speaker audio system sounded tinny regardless of how it was
adjusted, and we’d recommend the upgrade to the Infinity premium sound system,
which features an external amplifier and subwoofer. The rear bench seat folds
flat, though not completely flat and third-row seating is optional (this
particular Sorento did not feature that option). The front seats were
comfortable on an eight-hour trip. The interior color on this Sorento was
Beige. Interior quality was right on target for a vehicle with 26,000 miles on
the odometer. Overall, the trip in the Sorento was enjoyable.
PERFORMANCE: This particular 2014
Kia Sorento featured a 2.4L, 190-horsepower Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDi)
Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine, though a 3.5L, 291-horsepower V6 engine is
also available on all models, and standard on some models. Front-Wheel-Drive
(FWD) was equipped on this particular Sorento, though All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) is
optional for all models. All models, regardless of engine and drive-train
selections, feature a six-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted
manually by the transmission shift lever. When the Eco Mode is engaged
(indicated by an indicator in the instrument cluster), fuel economy was
increased as opposed to not using the Eco Mode (this feature can be turned on
and off by utilizing a button in the center console). On an eight-hour trip,
each way, and for over 600 miles, we achieved about 25 Miles Per Gallon (MPG)
average, which is good for a larger SUV. If you’re looking for fuel economy,
purchase a model with the Inline Four-Cylinder (I4), preferably with
Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD). However, if you need the extra power, definitely opt
for the 3.5L V6 with All-Wheel-Drive (AWD).
SUMMARY: So, is the 2014 Kia Sorento
a good pick for the midsized SUV shopper? We’d say so. For under $28,000, the
LX I4 FWD model with LX Convenience Package offers an abundance of standard
features for a good price, as opposed to its competitors, such as the Nissan
Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander.
INFORMATION:
Vehicle: 2014 Kia Sorento LX (I4) FWD
Exterior Color and Interior Color:
Snow White Pearl Coat w/ Beige Cloth Interior
Mileage, as Tested: 26,000 Mile(s)
Engine: 2.4L Gasoline Direct
Injection (GDi) Inline Four-Cylinder (I4)
Transmission and Drive-Train: 6-Speed
Automatic w/ Manual Shifting Mode, ‘Eco’ Mode, and Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD)
Base Price, MSRP: $24,100.00
Additional Option(s): LX Conveinience
Package ($2,000.00 MSRP)
Total Price, MSRP: $26,995.00
-Vincent D.,
Vincent’s Auto Reviews
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