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2011 Kia Sorento Review


The 2011 Kia Sorento is built on the all-new XMA platform. The restyling comes from the 2009 update, which makes it more car-like.

The 2011 Kia Sorento is built on the all-new XMA platform. The restyling comes from the 2009 update, which makes it more car-like. The mid-size crossover is one of the most popular vehicles that Kia makes. The Sorento in its second generation, now comes with a smaller 4-cylinder engine too, unlike the previous generation which came only with a V6.

Pricing and Features
8.0/10


The 2011 Kia Sorento comes in four different trims. The base trim starts at around $21,195 while the top-spec SX trim comes at $32.395. The base trim gets the 2.4L inline-4 motor. The base 4-cylinder does feel lagging in terms of performance when compared to the rivals. The LX and EX trims can be chosen with either the Inline-4 or a 3.5L V6. However, the larger engine comes at a premium of around $2,500. The top-spec SX trim comes with the 3.5L V6 alone and offers all the modern-day tech from Kia.

TRIMS

Base

LX

EX

SX

ENGINE

2.4L Inline-4

2.4L inline-4 / 3.5L V6

2.4L inline-4 / 3.5L V6

3.5L V6

$MSRP

$21,195

$22,795 / $25,595

$25,195/$27,595

$32,395

Features

Independent front and rear suspension 

Satellite Radio

Navigation System

Power Driver Seat

 

Bluetooth

Cruise Control

Steering mounted audio controls

Twin-Zone Climate Control

 

Aux Input

Heated Front Seats

Automatic Climate Control

Tire Pressure Monitor

 

MP3 Player

 

Bucket Seats

6 Airbags

 

Power Mirrors

 

Keyless Start

 

 

Vinyl seats

 

 

 

 

Air Conditioning

 

 

 

We Recommend

We recommend the top-spec SX trim with the V6 motor. The SX trim comes loaded with tech which makes it even with rivals from a segment above. The capable powertrain also ensures that the Sorento stays with you happily for a longer period, without compromising on modern-day tech.

Engine and Performance
7.7/10


Kia gives you two engine options with the 2011 Sorento. The base trim is powered by a 2.4L inline-4 engine. This motor produces over 175 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque. However, for an SUV of its size, the power seems low. You can also opt to have a 3.5L V6 engine that puts out 276 horsepower.

The engine also has a fairly decent torque of 248 lb-ft, which comes at a high revving 5,000 RPM. This makes the Sorento fun to drive. The SUV touches the 60 mph mark in 7.6 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 17.2 seconds.

Model

Kia Sorento SX AWD

Toyota 4Runner SR-5 4WD

Nissan Pathfinder SV AWD

Ford Explorer XLT AWD

MSRP

$34,095

$32,045

$33,920

$33,520

Engine

3.5L V6

4.0L V6

4.0L V6

3.5L V6

Transmission

6-Speed auto

5-Speed Automatic

5-Speed Automatic

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain

AWD

4WD

4WD

AWD

Power

(hp)

276 hp @ 6300 rpm

270 hp @ 5600 rpm

266 hp @ 5600 rpm

290 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

(lb-ft.)

248 ft-lbs. @ 5000 rpm

278 ft-lbs. @ 4400 rpm

288 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm

255 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm

0-60mph

(sec.)

7.6

7.7

7.9

7.9

Quarter-Mile 

(sec.)

17.2

15.7

15.8

16.1

Top Speed

(mph)

130

115

134

131

The Kia Sorento with the V6 engine can touch 60 mph in just 7.6 seconds. This makes the Sorento the fastest SUV at this price point. The Sorento, however, runs out of oomph in the midrange where it lags behind the competition in covering the standing quarter mile. The 2011 Ford Explorer gets all-around disc brakes, which helps it to stop from 60 mph in just 120 ft. The 2011 Kia Sorento also stops at a similar barking distance of 120 ft.

Fuel Economy
7.0/10


The 2011 Kia Sorento gets one of the most efficient motors in the segment. The powerful V6 engine also gives amazing fuel economy. The engine returns over 25 MPG in city driving conditions. The engine feels effortless on the highway and easily returns over 33MPG. On a combined daily driving basis, we can expect the Sorento to return anywhere 28 MPG. 

Model

Kia Sorento SX AWD

Toyota 4Runner SR-5 4WD

Nissan Pathfinder SV AWD

Ford Explorer XLT AWD

MPG

(city)

25

21

22

22 

MPG

(highway)

33

27

29

30 

MPG

(combined)

28

23

25 

25

Fuel Tank Capacity

(gallon)

 

15.9

 

13.5 

 

15.9 

 

15.3

Range 

(city/highway/combined)

398 / 525

284 / 365

350 / 461

337 / 459 

The Kia Sorento and the Nissan Pathfinder get equally large fuel tanks at a capacity of 15.9 gallons. The Sorento can return 525 miles of range on a full tank of gas. The Toyota 4Runner gets the smallest gas tank of 13.5 gallons of capacity and can only return 365 highway miles on a full tank of gas. The 2011 Toyota 4Runner is the least fuel-efficient in the city, returning 23 MPG combined.

Interior
7.9/10


The interior of the updated 2011 Kia Sorento is pleasing. The quality of materials seems to be built to last. The SUV also comes with automatic climate control and a power-adjustable driver seat in the top-spec SX trim. The 2011 Kia Sorento comes as a 5 or 7 seater, depending on your preference.

The rear row is tight and is preferable for children only. The SUV comes with a cargo capacity of 9.1 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, which can be enhanced by folding down the second and third-row seats whenever needed.

Model

Kia Sorento SX AWD

Toyota 4Runner SR-5 4WD

Nissan Pathfinder SV AWD

Ford Explorer XLT AWD

Seating Capacity

7

5

7

7

Front Row

(head/shoulder/leg)

(in.)

39.2/59.3/41.3

39.3/57.8/ 41.7

40.0\58.3\42.4 

39.1/61.3/ 40.6

Second Row

(head/shoulder/leg)

(in.)

39.2/58.7/37.6

38.6/57.8/32.9

39.0/58.4/34.2

38.3/61.0/39.8

Third Row

(head/shoulder/leg)

(in.)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Cargo Volume

(cu.ft)

9.1 cu. ft.

47.2 cu. ft.

16.5 cu. ft.

21.0 cu. ft.

With all rows up, the Sorento gives you just 9.1 cu.ft of storage which can fit in two small suitcases. However, if you flip down the third row, you can open up to 37 cu.ft. However, if you wanna transport larger items, folding the second row opens up 72.5 cu.ft of storage room. The Ford Explorer has the roomiest cabin, and it feels airier with its large wheelbase. Major interior features include-

  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Foldable Rear Seats
  • Automatic Climate Control
  • Powered Driver seat

Infotainment 

The 2011 Kia Sorento comes with a great-sounding audio system. The SX trim packs in a dynamic 10-Speaker audio system that sounds amazing.

The system also gets satellite radio, CD Player, USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. As an option, you can add a navigation console which makes it more premium for its price. Major infotainment features available with the SUV are-

  • DVD Player
  • CD 
  • Bluetooth
  • AUX IN
  • Navigation
  • 10-Speaker Audio system

Exterior
7.0/10


The 2011 Kia Sorento comes with updated styling. The new platform has taken away the truck-like architecture from the SUV. The independent suspension also makes the ride more composed.

The base Kia Sorento comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, whereas the higher trims get 18-inch wheels. The new design has incorporated the Kia tiger-nose grille. The SUV weighs 3,929 lbs and stands 7.1 inches above the ground.

Model

Kia Sorento SX AWD

Toyota 4Runner SR-5 4WD

Nissan Pathfinder SV AWD

Ford Explorer XLT AWD

Curb Weight

(lbs)

3929

4675

4775

N.A

Length

(in.)

183.5

189.9

192.3

197.1

Width

(in.)

74.2

75.8

72.8

78.9

Height

(in.)

68.3

71.5

72.6

71.0

Ground Clearance

(in.)

7.1

9.6

8.9

7.6

Wheelbase

(in.)

106.3

109.8

112.2

112.6

Premium features like a hands-free tailgate are missing on the Sorento even on the SX trim. The Ford Explorer has the longest wheelbase, which offers great space on the inside. However, the Sorento, having a low ground clearance of 7.1 inches, is not suitable for off-road driving. If you are planning to go off the tarmac, you are better off with the 4Runner. Major exterior highlights of the SUV are-

  • 18-inch wheels
  • Tiger-nose grille
  • Independent suspension
  • All season tires
  • Alloy wheels

Safety
9.0/10


The 2011 Kia Sorento has received an overall crash test rating of 5 stars in the crash tests conducted by NHTSA. The SUV has also been selected as the ‘Top Safety Pick’ for 2011 by IIHS. The all-new platform is much composed and can easily absorb high-impact collisions. This ensures that every drive in your Sorento is a safe one. Apart from all this, the SUV has a variety of safety features to keep you guarded. Some of them are listed below-

  • Antilock disc brakes
  • Stability control
  • Hill-start assist
  • Hill descent control
  • Front-seat side airbags
  • Full-length side curtain airbags
  • Front active head restraints

Final Verdict


The 2011 Kia Sorento is one of the most desirable SUVs in the mid-size category. The SUV manages to offer great practicality as well as drivability, which are the most vital checkboxes in this category. With adequate safety and great reliability, the Sorento has a great position among the rivals, thus we recommend the SUV.