2011 Kia Sorento SX AWD

2011 Kia Sorento SX AWD

Overview

The Kia Sorento has been totally re-designed from the ground up for 2011 and drives just like a car. The new Sorento has a rattle-free unibody construction and is fun to drive.

The styling is contemporary and Kia is definitely paying attention to quality as seen on the interior & exterior of the Sorento.

Safety

  • 4-wheel ABS
  • Front and rear head airbags
  • Dual front side-mounted airbags
  • Child seat anchors
  • Remote anti-theft alarm system
  • Emergency braking assist
  • Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
  • Rear door child safety locks
  • Engine immobilizer
  • 2 front headrests
  • 3 rear headrests
  • Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
  • Rear center 3-point belt
  • Front seatbelt pretensioners
  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Electronic brakeforce distribution
  • Rear height adjustable headrests
  • Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
  • Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
  • Tire pressure monitor

Under the Hood

The 3.5-liter V6 delivers 276 horsepower and 248 ft-lbs of torque. The acceleration is exhilarating and delivers consistently in any traffic situation.  The V6 is both quiet and delivers a refined feel and sound.

The EPA-rates this V6 at 19-mpg city and 25-mpg highway.

Driving Impression

The new Sorento drives and handles just like a car and has a quiet ride.

This crossover is agile and easy to control but I found the power assisted steering to be loose and a tad sloppy. The 4WD models use full-time all-wheel drive, which makes the vehicle excellent for all-weather conditions.

The four-wheel disc brakes are excellent and brought the vehicle to a complete stop with ease.

Inside

The center stack is nicely laid out and the Navigation Screen is lacking in graphic dynamics. The Navigation is easy to operate and includes a back-up camera. The steering wheel has controls, which are easy to access for the Infinity 10-speaker sound system, cruise control, and Bluetooth telephone. Easy accessible dials and push buttons operate the dual zone heating and air controls. At the base of the center stack is a large storage bin with dual 12-volt outlets.

The 2nd row seats are comfortable and have reclining seatbacks there is plenty of head and legroom in the 2nd row of seats.

The 3rd row seats are not as comfortable as the 2nd row, but can be used for children and in a pinch for adults.

The interior is accented with a gray simulated-wood trim and the driver’s seat has an eight-way power adjustment and lumbar support.

The SX comes standard with such amenities as Homelink, and leather trimmed and heated front seats.

Outside

The 2011 Sorento’s styling is crisp, contemporary, sleek and clean and Kia uses their signature new grill. Styling is aggressive with a big grill and lower air intake.

The front end is highlighted with unique headlights, turn signals; fog lights and has a matte-black to match the grille mesh.

The SX comes standard with18-inch wheels and roof rack rails. Plus integrated fog lights.


 Summary

The Sorento SX is a great family vehicle, fun to drive, well equipped, versatile, attractive and comes standard with AWD.

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Specifications

  • Width: 74.2 in.
  • Height: 67.3 in.
  • Length: 183.9 in.
  • Ground clearance: 7.5 in.
  • Front track: 63.7 in.
  • Rear track: 63.8 in.
  • Wheel base: 106.3 in.
  • Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 9.1 cu.ft.
  • Maximum cargo capacity: 72.5 cu.ft.
  • Maximum towing capacity: 1650 lbs.
  • Gross weight: 4828 lbs.
  • Curb weight: 3763 lbs.

Front Seats

  • Front head room: 39.2 in.
  • Front hip room: 56.3 in.
  • Front leg room: 41.3 in.
  • Front shoulder room: 59.3 in.
  • Height adjustable driver seat
  • Cloth
  • Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

  • Rear hip Room: 55.9 in.
  • Rear head room: 39.2 in.
  • Rear leg room: 37.6 in.
  • Rear shoulder room: 58.7 in.
  • Split-folding rear seatback
  • Rear ventilation ducts with fan control

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