2011 Kia Sorento

The 2011 Kia Sorento is available in four trims namely the Base, LX, EX, and SX. All the trims of the Sorento are well equipped with respect to their asking price. The 2011 model is available with two engine options depending on the trim you choose. Starting at a base price of $19,995, the Kia Sorento offers two engine, transmission, and drivetrain options to choose from.

Which trim should you buy?

The EX trim with a V-6 engine makes more sense to us. It is a perfect combination of features and value. It comes with many features that are present on the top trim. However, if you are willing to shell out more bucks then the SX trim is the way to go.

The 2011 Kia Sorento is powered by two engine options. The base trim is powered by a smaller 2.4L inline-4 engine producing 175 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. The power figures seem to be inadequate for an SUV of its size. The upper trims can be powered by a 3.5L V-6 engine producing 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It comes with FWD as standard and can also be had in AWD configuration. The base variant is available with a 6-speed manual transmission and is channeled as an FWD variant, as standard. 

The Sorento offers very good performance from its V-6 engine. It takes about 7.6 seconds for a 0-60 mph sprint. A quarter-mile drag is completed in about 17.2 seconds. The 2011 Ford Explorer offers the maximum firepower but loses out in the acceleration game, only marginally though. All the SUVs in the competition perform very similarly in the acceleration tests. The 4Runner and Pathfinder come with larger 4.0L engines. The performances in the segments differ by the barest of margins, however, rivals perform better in the quarter-mile sprints. 

The 2011 Sorento offers class-leading fuel efficiency figures from its V-6 engine. It offers 25 mpg, 33 mpg and 28 mpg, in the city, on the highways and in combined driving conditions. With a fuel tank capacity of 15.9 gallons, it can travel up to 398 miles, 525 miles and 445 miles in the city, on the highways and in combined driving conditions. The efficiency figures are unbeatable in the segment.

The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder offers decent fuel economy despite its larger engine. With a tank capacity of 15.9 gallons, it can travel up to 398 miles in combined driving conditions. The 4Runner offers about 23 mpg in combined conditions. With a fuel tank capacity of just 13.5 gallons, it can travel about 310 miles on a full tank in mixed driving conditions, while the Ford Explorer that averages 23 MPG lurks at the bottom of the table.

The 2011 Sorento interiors are pleasing to the eye, the moment you get in. The quality of material is really good and they are built to last. It can seat a maximum of seven passengers across three rows. The seating is comfortable and supportive but the third row leg space is not class-leading. The lower trims get tricot seat upholstery and as you move higher in the trim level, you get cloth trim and leather trim.The cargo capacity is on the lower side with just 9.1 cu-ft of space behind the third seat. The second row seats are 60/40 foldable and the third row seats are 50/50 foldable, hence accommodating your luggage is more convenient. 

The Pathfinder offers better third-row legroom in the third row and the Sorento offers the least legroom across the third row. The Sorento comes with very less cargo capacity. The 2011 Ford Explorer offers a good cargo capacity of 21.0 cu-ft despite having three rows. The 2011 Toyota 4Runner can seat only five passengers and hence offers the best cargo capacity. 

Some of the standout interior features include:

• 60/40 foldable 2nd-row seats
• 50/50 foldable third-row seats
• Dual-zone climate control system 
• Heated Seats
• Sunroof 

How intuitive is the 2011 Sorento’s infotainment system?

The 2011 Sorento gets an easy-to-use and intuitive infotainment system. It gets an AM/FM/CD/Sirius audio system as standard. It is equipped with a USB/auxiliary jack and Bluetooth connectivity for added convenience. As you climb up the trim ladder, you also get access to the Infinity surround sound system with 10-speakers, a Navigation system with a rear-camera display, and an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Some of the standout infotainment features include

• AM/FM/CD/Sirius audio system
• USB/Aux port 
• Infinity surround sound system with 10-speakers
• Navigation system
• Rear camera display
• Optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

The 2011 Kia Sorento has been updated and looks better than ever. The front fascia imbibes the signature Kia grille with a chrome outline and parallelogram-ish headlamps that look sleek. The new design also helps it with better handling and the lackluster steering feel of its predecessor is now absent. The side profile is that of a typical SUV and the roof rails grant it a rugged look. The rear profile gets two minimalistic taillamps and a vertical opening liftgate. The rear roof-mounted spoiler with integrated stop light looks sporty

The ground clearance on the Sorento is quite less as compared to some of its competition. The Toyota 4Runner comes with the highest ground clearance of 9.6-inches and it makes it off-road capable. The Ford Explorer comes with a longer wheelbase which aids in better leg space across the rear rows.

Some of the standout exterior features include:

• Auto light control 
• Integrated fog lamps 
• Roof rails 
• Rear spoiler 
• Optional panoramic sunroof 
• Rear LED taillights

The 2011 Sorento is developed on a new platform which is found to be lighter and stiffer than the previous model. It also helps with a more composed ride and better handling. The NHTSA has given an overall 5-star safety rating to the 2011 Kia Sorento and the IIHS has also awarded it the “2011 Top Safety Pick” award. This proves that the Sorento is a safe SUV and does not compromise safety. 

Some of the standout safety features include:

• Brake assist system
• Downhill brake control 
• Hill assist control 
• Side-impact door beams
• LATCH system 

The 2011 Kia Sorento is definitely a better deal than its predecessor. It looks better, offers very good fuel efficiency, and performs well too. With all the benefits, safety has not taken a back seat and it offers many features as standard. The handling of the Kia Sorento is now more car-like and inspires confidence. So, overall It's a solid SUV with an attractive price.