Overview
For the 2017 model year, U.S. News & World Report-based on aggregation and evaluation of professional rankings and reviews-named the KIA Sorento the top midsize SUV in the country. And for good reason: The vehicle does lots of things right. It comes with great styling, powerful engine output, a robust list of tech features, a low starting price point, a very generous warranty, and the availability of third-row seats (still a rarity in its class). The 2017 KIA Sorento is roughly split into five trim levels: the base-level L, the LX (regular and LX V6), the EX (regular and EX V6), the SX V6, and the SXL V6.
Interior
Although the new Sorento is designed as a two-row midsize SUV, you can get a third-row model to expand maximum occupancy from five to seven people. Such models are the LX, LX V6, EX V6, SX V6, and SXL V6. On the EX trim level, KIA enhances the seat covers with leather, gives the driver's seat 10-way power adjustability and power lumbar support, and adds heating capability on the front row. On the SX V6, the driver's side is upgraded with 14-way power adjustability and a memory system. KIA adds second-row heating capability and front-seat cooling capability on the SXL V6. Base-level comfort and convenience features include cruise control, remote keyless entry, steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth connectivity, a SiriusXM satellite radio subscription, and a six-speaker stereo system. On the LX, a rearview camera with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen makes its debut. On the EX, KIA replaces the 4.3-inch display with a 7-inch one; and there's also dual-zone automatic climate control, a smart key system with push-button engine ignition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (new for this year) to control infotainment features with your smartphone, and UVO eServices voice-recognition technology. On the SX V6 and SXL V6, KIA replaces the six-speaker setup with a 10-speaker Infinity surround sound system and HD Radio. The SXL V6 is unique with its remote garage-door opener. However, there are other trims that have distinct features. For instance, the EX gets steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and the EX V6 gets a 7-inch LCD supervision meter cluster and third-row air conditioning.
Exterior
Although designed as a crossover vehicle-with the interior space of an SUV and the fuel efficiency of a passenger sedan-the new Sorento still upholds a high level of ruggedness not seen on most crossovers. Mainly credit that to a steel unibody construction that gives it a sturdy, stable feel. Base-level exterior features include projector beam headlights, side mirrors with heating capability and LED turn-signal indicators, and a rear spoiler for enhanced aerodynamic performance. On the LX or higher, KIA installs roof rails for additional cargo carrying capacity. The EX introduces dual fog lights for more penetrating illumination. On the SX V6 and SXL V6, KIA adds folding and reverse tilt-down ability on the side mirrors, smart power for the liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof to join the roof rails. The SXL V6 is unique in its auto-leveling high-intensity discharge (HID) and LED headlight bulbs, which burn brighter and last longer than the regular halogen ones.
Mechanical
A MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension provides the new Sorento with a lot of cushioning from uneven or bumpy road surfaces. Motor-driven power steering-which involves an electric motor, rather than reliance on drawing power from the engine-is standard on the vehicle. However, on the SX V6 and SXL V6, the electric motor is mounted on the steering rack, rather than on the steering column, thus enhancing each model's handling ability.
Powertrain
The base-level engine of the 2017 KIA Sorento is a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine, which generates 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. The "V6" suffix is ascribed to a model (i.e., LX, EX, SX, and SXL) that has the 3.3-liter Lambda V6, which generates 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. The EX is the only trim level that offers the option of a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4, which provides 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. All three engines are accompanied by a 6-speed automatic transmission, which includes a Sportmatic shifter to enable more gear shifting control. Although the standard drivetrain is front-wheel drive, you can opt for the Dynamax All-Wheel Drive if you go with a model above the base-level L.
Safety
For crashes, you'd be protected in the new Sorento with a pair of front impact airbags, a pair of side impact airbags, and dual front and rear side curtain airbags. Also standard on the crossover SUV are hill start assist, traction control, electronic vehicle stability, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. On the EX trim and higher, KIA adds a rear parking assist system to further aid the monitoring camera, and you can go up to the EX V6 to also get a blind spot detection system with rear cross-traffic alert. Forward collision warning, smart cruise control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking (which is new for this model year) are exclusive to the SXL V6.
Ready to check out a dealership for Dearborn Area 2017 KIA Sorento Sales, specials to Dearborn, or great 2017 KIA Sorento specials? Then come check us out at Glassman KIA, a Dearborn area KIA dealer serving Dearborn that has been serving Dearborn MI residents for many years. It is the ideal spot for Dearborn Area 2017 KIA Sorento Sales. Call Glassman KIA today to set up an appointment with one of our KIA sales professionals for specials to Dearborn and 2017 KIA Sorento specials.
AdChoices