2016 Kia Sorento

The 2016 Kia Sorento is offered in five trims, that share amongst them three-engine, two drivetrains, and a single transmission option. It falls in an all-encompassing range that extends from $25,100 for the base variant to $43,300 for the top-tier trim. Apart from an extensive list of standard features, it also provides several optional packages to suit the needs of a large number of buyers.

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The base 2016 Kia Sorento LX trim with front-wheel drive configuration offers ample features like power-adjustable seats, automatic headlights, and heated front seats along with much more and offers great value for money. For all-season drivability, adding the optional all-wheel drive at just $1,800 isn't bad either.

The 2016 Kia Sorento is made available with three engine options. The base unit is a 2.4L inline-4 engine that is capable of producing 185hp and 176lb.-ft of torque. Step up to the turbocharged inline-4 unit and the SUV belts out 240hp and 260lb.-ft of torque. The last engine option is a 3.3L V6 that generates 290 hp along with 262lb.-ft of torque. Each engine transfers power through a 6-speed automatic transmission that allows for composed ride quality.

Each trim can be channeled as an FWD or AWD variant. The acceleration and braking are acceptable for a vehicle of its size. A V6-equipped 2016 Kia Sorento takes 7.1 seconds to reach 60MPH and the quarter-mile mark can be reached in 15.7 seconds.

In comparison with the competition, each SUV makes use of a V6 engine and is channeled as a front-wheel-drive variant. Except for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder, each vehicle makes use of a 6-speed automatic transmission. While the power output is not the highest, the 2016 Pilot produces 280hp and churns out the highest torque in the segment of 262lb.-ft. The Honda is the quickest in the segment taking 6.2 seconds to the 60-mph mark ad 14.8 seconds to the quarter-mile. The 2016 Highlander produces lower outputs and the Toyotaalongside the Nissan takes more time than their competitors in the acceleration test.

According to the EPA, the 2016 Kia Sorento’s gas mileage with a V6 engine has a mileage of 18 mpg for the city, 26 mpg for the highway, and 21 mpg combined, which is impressive, but there is also a turbo inline-4 gasoline version gets 23 mpg combined. It features a standard 18.8-gallon fuel tank which is perfect for long journeys and manages a range of 338 and 488 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

In the segment, the Toyota Highlander manages similar efficiency as the Kia Sorento, but despite a larger fuel tank, it covers a lower range. While the Nissan Pathfinder is the most efficient option on the block averaging 23 MPG, the Honda Pilot remains a notch below. Both SUVs can hold 19.5-gallons of fuel and cover a similar range of 527 miles on the highway.

The 2016 Kia Sorento’s interior has vastly improved and feels livelier and is a nice place to be in. It offers up-to-date modern features both in terms of convenience and safety. It can seat seven passengers, however; the third row is no-good for adults and the second row isn't as comfortable as the first-row seats.

In terms of design language and quality, the 2016 Sorento offers the best of materials and resonates with an upmarket aura. It is also ergonomic and provides almost all features at an arm’s distance from the driver, which ensures minimum distraction while driving. Like the passenger space, even cargo capacity feels low and with all seats up, the trunk has a total volume of 11.3 cubic feet.

The 2016 Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot can seat eight passengers, as compared to the Kia’s and Nissan’s seating capacity of seven. While Toyota manages to provide ample space up front, the middle and rear seat occupants receive lower space than competitors. Even in terms of cargo capacity, it lags marginally behind, while the 2016 Pilot and Pathfinder have total trunk volumes of 16.5 and 16 cubic feet, respectively.

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2016 Kia Sorento?

The 2016 Kia Sorento’s infotainment system builds feature-to-feature as one moves upward from the base trim. As standard, the L trim includes Bluetooth Connectivity, a CD Player, and a USB Connection. Move to the mid-level LX trim and it features a 4.3-inch touchscreen system, while available as optional on the EX and standard on the SX is an 8-inch unit. Some standout infotainment features include:

• WiFi Connectivity
• Rapid charging USB ports
•  Satellite Radio
•  iPod Connectivity
•  Auxiliary Audio Input
• Kia UVO Telematics

Although the 2016 Sorento has been updated in terms of styling, it maintains its familiarity with the outgoing design and still looks elegant. It is more of a crossover than an SUV when looked at from the outside and has an either love it or hate it kind of design language. In its essence, it looks premium and also offers a great road presence with great visibility all around.

The 2016 Kia Sorento’s dimensions are, however, smaller than the segment standards. It is 187.4 inches long with a wheelbase that measures 109.4 inches. It is 74.4 inches wide and stands at a total height and ground clearance of 66.5 and 7.3 inches, respectively. It is also the lightest SUV in the segment weighing 3,968 lbs.

When compared to the competitors, the 2016 Toyota Highlander is the heaviest vehicle weighing 4,244 lbs and also sports the highest clearance from the ground of 8-inches. On the other hand, the Nissan Pathfinder, is the longest and has a wheelbase that measures 114.2 inches. It is also the tallest vehicle standing at 77.2 inch however, it has the lowest clearance from the ground of 7 inches. Amongst the lot, the 2016 Honda Pilot is the widest in the segment and sports a similar ground clearance as the Kia.

Some of the salient exterior features include:

• Roof Rails
• Power Liftgate
• Sunroof
• 17/18/19-inch wheels
• Tiger-nose front grille

The 2016 Kia Sorento’s recalls for safety have reduced from the prior year, which directly indicates the brand’s idea of prioritizing safety and security of passengers. It comes equipped with a lot of advanced specifications and its capabilities are backed by the 5-star ratings it receives from the NHTSA and also the ‘Top Safety Pick+’ award it gets recognized with by IIHS. Some of its salient safety specifications include:

• Rollover Sensors 
• Brake assist
• Hill start assist system
• Blind-spot Monitor
• Rearview Camera

As one of the safest vehicles in the market today, the Kia Sorento is hard not to like. It is available with great standard features and its optional specifications only add to its practicality. It is easily maneuverable and sports an ultra-modern design on the outside with a cabin that reeks of refinement on the inside. Even though it has some flaws, the 2016 Kia Sorento is one of the better vehicles available in a saturated market of crossover SUVs.