he Sorento offers three different engine options, a 2.0L turbo, 2.4L I-4, and a 3.3L V6 engine. It is priced at $33,300 and is offered in a 3.3L V6 engine, which produces a power output of 290hp. Despite having a difference in their capacities, all the engines come along with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Overview

Since its debut in 2002, the Kia Sorento is thriving in the US to date and falls in the midsize SUV car segment. The 2017 model of Kia Sorento embodies within the 3rd generation of the Sorento concept. For a change, the 2017 model offers new optional packages in certain trims along with an upgraded infotainment system.

The Sorento offers three different engine options, a 2.0L turbo, 2.4L I-4, and a 3.3L V6 engine. It is priced at $33,300 and is offered in a 3.3L V6 engine, which produces a power output of 290hp. Despite having a difference in their capacities, all the engines come along with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the SUV offers a choice between having either a front-wheel-drive-wheel drive or an all-wheel-drive mechanism.

Pricing and Features
6.0/10

The 2017 Kia Sorento is available in 5 different trims, namely L, LX, EX, SX, and Limited. Apart from the L trim, all the other trims offer a choice between FWD and AWD drivetrain. The L trim is the basic or low-end variant of the 2017 Kia Sorento while the Limited is the fully-loaded trim.

Trim	L	Lx	EX	SX	Limited
MSRP (FWD)	$25,600	$26,900	$31,700	$38,800	$44,100
MSRP (AWD)	NA	$28,700	$33,500	$40,600	$45,900
Key Features	17-inch alloy wheels,	Sound-reducing windshield,	18-inch wheels,	19-inch wheels,	Chrome-clad 19-inch wheels,
	Stain-resistant fabric upholstery,	Roof rails,	Sound-reducing front side glass,	LED running lights and taillights,	LED fog lights,
	A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel,	Rearview camera,	Keyless ignition and entry,	Special exterior trim,	Upgraded leather upholstery,
	40/20/40 split-second-row seats (fold, slide, and recline),	The 4.3-inch touchscreen interface and two rapid-charge USB ports.	Leather upholstery,	A 10-way power driver seat (plus four-way power lumbar),	The leather-and-wood-trimmed steering wheel and heated second-row outboard seats.
	Bluetooth connectivity,		Steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles (2.0T engine only) and second-row manual side sunshades	Driver memory settings,
	CD player, satellite radio, and USB and auxiliary audio inputs.		Blind-spot monitor, a 110-volt household-style plug, an adjustable-height hands-free power liftgate,	8-inch touchscreen interface
			Power-folding mirrors and the upgraded instrument cluster.
			Panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting, and the safety components of the LX's Advanced Technology package.

We Recommend

Since the 2017 Kia Sorento offers 5 trims and 13 configurations, the choice of selecting one among them completely depends upon the customer's requirements. However, if it comes to selecting the best value for money trim, the LX trim bags our favor. The difference between the price of the LX trim and EX trim is almost $4,500, whereas the LX's FWD is only $1300 more expensive than the L trim.

Engine and Performance
7.4/10

There are 3 different engine options offered by the 2017 Kia Sorento. The first one is the 2.0-Liter Turbo engine, which generates a power of 240 hp and torque of 260 lbs.-ft. The next engine on the list is a 2.4-Liter 4-cylinder engine that cranks out a maximum of 185 hp of power along with 178 lbs.-ft. of torque.

Last but not least is the 3.3 L 6-cylinder engine, which is the most powerful offering on the Kia Sorento pumps out a massive power of 290 hp while the maximum torque is limited to 252 lbs.-ft. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard in the Sorento for smooth and effortless gear shifts.

Models	Kia Sorento	Toyota Highlander	Ford Explorer	Chevrolet Traverse
MSRP	$33,300	$32,680	$31,160	$28,700
Engine	3.3-liter V-6 engine	3.5L 6cyl	3.5 L 6cyl	3.6L 6 cyl
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	8-speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	185 hp	295 hp	290 hp	281 hp
Torque	178 lb.-ft.	263 lb-ft	255 lb-ft	266 lb-ft

In comparison with the competing SUVs, the power offering of the 2017 Kia Sorento is 2nd best after the Toyota Highlander. However, in terms of torque delivery, the Kia Sorento stands at the last spot, while the top spot in the ranking is held by Chevrolet Traverse by offering 266 lb-ft of torque.

Acceleration

Observing the acceleration statistics, the 2017 Kia Sorento's 0-60 mph acceleration time is 6.6 seconds, which is quite decent and somewhat quick for an SUV. The strong engine, therefore, ensures that the acceleration of the 2017 Kia Sorento is smooth. Additionally, with the best quarter-mile time of 14.9 seconds, it is difficult for the rivals to keep up with the pace of the 2017 Sorento.

Models	Kia Sorento	Toyota Highlander	Ford Explorer	Chevrolet Traverse
0-60 MPH	6.6 sec	7.0 Sec	6.6 sec	6.7 sec
Quarter mile	14.9 sec	15.5 sec	15.0 sec	16.0 sec
Engine	3.3L	3.5 L	3.5L	3.6L

In comparison, the Traverse matched the Explorer for the 60 mph test but was a second late in the quarter-mile to become the slowest in the lot. Toyota Highlander stands last in the 0-60mph timing despite owning the most horsepower under the hood. In quarter-mile timing, Chevrolet holds the tag by taking the most time of 16 seconds.

Ride and Handling

The 2017 Kia Sorento offers good engine power and torque with all its engine line-up. The SUV with an AWD drivetrain is suitable for slippery and snowy roads. However, the off-roading capability of the Kia Sorento is only average. The ground clearance of the SUV is 7.3 inches, which is good in its segment.

Additionally, the Sorento's firm build-quality along with a superior suspension system allows it to have better control on the road and also gives extra confidence to the driver. The power steering integrated into the Sorento performs very well and its brakes are really soft and efficient.

Braking

The curb weight of the 2017 Kia Sorento is 3,968 lbs, which makes it the lightest among the rivals. Additionally, due to its lightweight, the Sorento has a 60-0 mph distance of 120 feet, which depicts the responsiveness of the brakes, and is impressive for the segment.

Model	Kia Sorento	Toyota Highlander	Ford Explorer	Chevrolet Traverse
Brake Front (in.)	12.6	12.9	12.8	12.8
Brake Rear (in.)	12.0	12.2	12.8	13.0
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3968	4370	4443	4713
60-0 MPH (ft.)	120	126	127	135

Analyzing the size of the brakes, the largest front brake of 12.9 inches is present in the Highlander, while the Chevrolet's Traverse 13-inches rear brakes are the biggest. Despite employing smaller 12.6-inch front and 12.0-inch rear brakes, the braking power of the Kia Sorento is the highest among the competitors.

Fuel Economy
6.9/10

By burning a single gallon of gasoline, the Sorento can cover a distance of 18 miles in the city condition, whereas this figure goes up to 25 miles on highways. The combined fuel economy of the Sorento is approximately 20 MPG, which can be deemed moderate.

Model	Kia Sorento	Toyota Highlander	Ford Explorer	Chevrolet Traverse
MPG (city)	18	20	17	15
MPG (highway)	25	27	24	22
MPG (combined)	20	23	20	18

The fuel economy of the Kia Sorento is better than the 18 MPG offered by the Chevrolet Traverse. However, Toyota's Highlander is the most efficient among all the competitors with its combined fuel economy of 23 MPG. Ford Explorer stands along with Kia Sorento with a combined mileage of 20 MPG.

Interior
7.6/10

The interior of the 2017 Kia Sorento is luxurious and cozy. The cabin is made up of superior quality refined materials, which only seems to get better as one goes up the trims. The cabin includes leather upholstery which complements the premium dashboard well. Overall, the interior is posh in addition to being functional.

The maximum passenger capacity of the 2017 Kia Sorento is 7. The space available at the front row of Sorento corresponds to 39.5 inches of headroom, 59.1 inches of shoulder room and 44.1 inches of legroom, and all of these figures are least as compared to its competitors.

Model	Kia Sorento	Toyota Highlander	Ford Explorer	Chevrolet Traverse
Passenger capacity	7	8	7	8
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.5/59.1/44.1	40.7/59.3/44.2	41.4/61.5/42.9	40.4/61.5/41.3
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.3/58/39.4	39.9/59.6/38.4	40.6/61.0/39.5	39.4/61.0/36.8
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	36.3/52.8/31.7	35.9/55.0/27.7	37.8/50.8/32.0	37.8/57.6/33.20

Moving ahead to the second-row space of the Kia Sorento, it is also the tightest amidst its rivals. On the contrary, the Ford Explorer offers the most space to the passengers in the second row. In the third row, the 2017 Kia Sorento comes with 36.3 inches of headroom, which is greater than the Toyota Highlander, but less than the other two SUVs. With a shoulder room of 52.8 inches, the Kia Sorento is a rank above the Ford Explorer, while its legroom of 31.7 inches is just better than the 27.7 inches legroom of Toyota Highlander. The main interior features of the 2017 Kia Sorento SUV include:

Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
Dual Zone Air Conditioning
Front And Rear Cupholders
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Interior Air Filtration

Infotainment System

Coming as a standard infotainment system in the 2017 Kia Sorento SUV is the 4.3-inch touchscreen display that supports Bluetooth and voice commands. Additionally, a 6-speaker stereo sound system along with SiriusXM satellite radio is also a part of the infotainment system.

The infotainment unit is quite intuitive and is easy to use, giving the occupants an upper hand to enjoy the ride. The higher trims of the 2017 Kia Sorento offer an 8.0-inch infotainment system as a standard, and it supports both the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay feature. The main infotainment features of the 2017 Kia Sorento SUV include:

Satellite Radio
Wi-Fi HotSpot
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration
Bluetooth Connectivity
USB Ports
Navigation

Cargo Capacity

With not much-impressing cargo storage, the 2017 Kia Sorento stands at last amid the competition. The Kia Sorento offers 73 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first seat row, 38.0 cubic feet behind at the second row, and just 11.3 cubic feet with all the seats upright in the SUV.

Model	Kia Sorento	Toyota Highlander	Ford Explorer	Chevrolet Traverse
Cargo Volume to seats 1 (ft.3)	73.0	83.7	80.7	116.3
Cargo Volume to seats 2 (ft.3)	38.0	42.3	43.8	70.3
Cargo Volume to seats 3 (ft.3)	11.3	13.8	21.0	24.4

From the data, it is evident that the Chevrolet Traverse has the most cargo volume, measuring about 116.3, 70.3, and 24.4 cubic feet behind seat 1, seat 2, and seat 3, respectively whereas, the Kia Sorento offers the least cargo space. Second to Traverse in the overall cargo space is Highlander with a cargo capacity of 83.7 cubic feet.

Exterior
8.6/10

The exterior of the 2017 Kia Sorento SUV attempts at being sporty while simultaneously retaining its softer style. The main exterior styling cues have been inspired by some of Kia’s prominent rivals. No wonder, the 2017 Kia Sorento looks refreshed and attractive. Moreover, the 2017 Sorento melts right into its area of the family-crossover tapestry and is filled with proportionate lines, even on the sides.

It also gives prominence to the Kia grille, and some cleaned-up more mature, upscale details in front and in back, and a little more softness to everything in between. The 2017 Kia Sorento measures 187.4 inches in length, 74.4 inches in width, and 66.3 inches in height. After analyzing the dimensions of the Sorento, it is found to be quite a small SUV.

Model	Kia Sorento	Toyota Highlander	Ford Explorer	Chevrolet Traverse
Curb weight (lbs.)	3968	4370	4443	4715
Length(in)	187.4	192.5	198.3	203.7
Width(in)	74.4	75.8	78.9	78.5
Height(in)	66.3	68.1	70.0	69.9
Ground clearance (in)	7.3	8.0	7.8	7.2
Wheelbase (in)	109.4	109.8	112.8	118.9
Track width (in) F/R	64.1/64.5	64.4/64.2	67.0/67.0	67.3/67.1

The ground clearance offered by the Sorento is 7.3 inches, which is surpassed by the 7.8 inches and 8.0 inches ground clearance of Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, respectively. The main exterior features of the 2017 Kia Sorento SUV include:

Chrome tip exhaust and door handles
Mud Guards
Liftgate rear cargo door
Trailer hitch
Rear spoiler
Wheel Locks

Safety
9.8/10

Several basic safety features are available as standard in all the trims of the 2017 Kia Sorento. Dual front airbags, curtain airbags at 1st and 2nd row, side-impact door beams, child door locks at rear, LATCH system, rollover sensor, traction control system, brake assist, and hill start assist system are some of those standard safety features. Hopping to the NHTSA ratings, the Kia Sorento scored an impressive 5 stars, which means that the SUV is an extremely safe ride. Except for a 4-star score in rollover rating, the 2017 Kia Sorento scored 5-stars in all the discrete parameters of the NHTSA safety test.

According to the IIHS, the 2017 Kia Sorento has an acceptable small overlap front passenger side, good roof strength, good head restraints & seats, poor headlights, and superior front crash prevention. Moreover, the LATCH system of the Kia Sorento is assessed as acceptable by IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Some of the major safety features of the 2017 Kia Sorento SUV include:

Stability Control
Emergency Braking Assist
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Traction Control
Blind Spot Warning Accident Avoidance System
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System

Competition
7.0/10

Toyota Highlander vs Kia Sorento

For a price of $32,680, the Toyota Highlander comes with a 3.5 Liter 6-cylinder engine under its hood, which is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. On the basis of power, the Highlander is a little ahead of the Kia Sorento.

However, for a thumping acceleration and braking experience, the Kia Sorento is preferred. In the overall metrics, the Highlander is a better SUV due to its large cargo capacity, better fuel economy, greater passenger capacity, and lower price tag.

Ford Explorer vs Kia Sorento

Ford Explorer is the American rival offered at a lower price tag. Additionally, the Explorer has an upper hand over the Sorento in certain features such as ground clearance, front and second-row space, and cargo volume. Ford Explorer matches very well with the features of the Kia Sorento and thus is a great alternative.

Chevrolet Traverse vs Kia Sorento

Despite having an MSRP, which is almost $4,600 less than that of the Kia's Sorento, the Chevrolet Traverse is definitely a tough competitor. It is true that the braking and fuel economy of the Chevrolet Traverse is not as good as that of the Kia Sorento. Still, it beats the Kia Sorento by a fair margin when it comes to overall vehicle dimensions, comfortable interiors, and cargo volume.

Final Verdict

The Sorento is not the best SUV out there in the US market but its high safety ratings and fast acceleration capability increase its worthiness. As the Sorento comes in different trims and configurations, it boasts a huge list of options among buyers. However, from an off-road and interior space perspective, the Sorento is not the perfect SUV.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 91,850 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 33,811 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 85,729 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 81,957 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 74,400 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 103,370 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 91,908 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 65,576 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 61,057 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 77,965 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 96,692 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 46,567 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 92,294 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 112,787 mi.

Certified 2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 96,424 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 101,673 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 94,919 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 112,647 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 78,605 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 76,782 mi.

2018 Kia Sorento SX-Limited - 100,434 mi.

2017 Kia Sorento Review

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