• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / New Car Reviews / Behind the Wheel of a2017 Kia Sorento SUV

Behind the Wheel of a
2017 Kia Sorento SUV

November 5, 2016 by admin 7 Comments

2017 Kia Sorento.
2017 Kia Sorento.

Shop for a midsize SUV and you have more choices available to you than you can count on your two hands. To differentiate product line, manufacturers must develop ways to set their products apart. In Kia’s case, the automaker has gone with an extended wheelbase platform to deliver both two- and three-row versions under the same model name.

The Sorento is the name of this versatile midsize SUV, offering standard seating for five and available space for seven. Completely overhauled for 2016, the 2017 model offers a pair of new safety features — automatic emergency braking and adaptive headlights. Also newly available is Android Auto and Apple Car Play integration.

2017 Kia Sorento

The 2017 Kia Sorento shares its platform with the Hyundai Santa Fe, but unlike the Hyundai version there is no short wheelbase model (the Hyundai counterpart is marketed as the Santa Fe Sport). This means Kia also offers a greater number of powertrain choices, three, than Hyundai. Indeed, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, while a 3.3-liter V-6 and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder are also available. All three engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Kia offers five standard trims with the 2017 Sorento: L ($25,400), LX ($26,700), EX ($31,500), SX ($38,600), and SXL ($43,900). There are also a pair of interim trims LX V6 ($28,990) and EX V6 ($33,100) bringing in an engine upgrade.

2017 Kia Sorento

Both the L and LX are powered by the base 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine making 185 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The EX is the only trim powered by the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. All other trims are powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine making 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque.

Front-wheel drive is standard across the model line, except in the base L trim. All-wheel drive is an $1,800 upgrade elsewhere.

Fuel economy for each front-wheel drive model is as follows. The base model makes an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The turbo is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The V6 is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. For all-wheel drive models, your fuel economy will drop by two or three mpg.

Exterior Highlights

Standard exterior equipment includes projector beam headlights, heated side mirrors with embedded turn signal indicators, positioning lights, a rear window wiper and washer, a rear spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Upgrades include high-intensity discharge headlamps (SXL), dynamic bending lights (SXL), illuminated door handle pockets (EX), a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade (SX), smart power liftgate (SX), roof rails (LX), and a shark fin antenna (LX V6). Upgraded 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels are available, the latter available with chrome.

2017 Kia Sorento

Interior Highlights

All Sorento L, LX and EX models seat five; the other trims seat seven. Behind the front bucket seats is a 40-20-40 split-folding bench seat. In models equipped with a third row, a 50-50 split folding seat is present.

Equipment levels vary greatly from base to SXL trim. Nevertheless, all models are equipped with remote keyless entry, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, an overhead sunglasses holder, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, and an under rear cargo floor storage compartment. Push button start is included at the EX level and above.

Cloth seats covered with water- and stain-resistant YES Essentials fabric is standard on the L and LX trims. Leather seat trim is standard elsewhere, except the SXL model comes with premium Nappa leather trim.

The driver’s seat is manually operated in L and LX trim and features 10-way adjustment and lumbar support for the EX level and 14-way adjustment from the SX level. The front passenger seat is manually operated on all trims.

Heated front seats appear on the EX trim. Ventilated front seats and heated front seats are standard with the SXL and available with the SX. Other high-end features are introduced at the SX or SXL trim levels and include a heated steering wheel, carpeted floor mats, aluminum door sill scuff plates, stainless steel liftgate trim, and stainless-steel pedals.

The 2017 Sorento has 38.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seat. Fold both rear seats and you’ll enjoy 73.5 cubic feet.

2017 Kia Sorento

Key Technology Features

All models except for the base trim comes with a rearview camera. A seven-inch touch-screen color display with Android Auto and Apple Car Play shows up at the EX level.

2017 Kia SorentoA standard audio package with satellite radio gives way to a 10-speaker Infinity Surround Sound audio system at the SX level. All models come equipped with USB/auxiliary input jacks and 12-volt power outlets. A 110-volt power inverter is standard at the SX level.

Opting for the Infinity system provides improved sound balance throughout the cabin, along with the clarity you’d expect with a premium audio package.

On the Safety Front

Safety is a big deal for manufacturers and no less so for Kia. The 2017 Sorento is equipped with a suite of airbags, traction and stability control, brake assist, and hill-start assist.

As part of an advanced technology package (LX $1,500), you can get autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, advanced smart cruise control, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given this model high marks, specifically its Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2016 model. That score should carryover for 2017. The IIHS recognized the Sorento with a superior score for its available front crash prevention technology.

On the Road

Our test vehicle was an all-wheel drive SXL edition, priced from $46,990. That means the V6 engine was present, one of the most power-dense engines of its kind. It is the best pairing for this model as it offers excellent off-the-start acceleration and keeps delivering copious amounts of power as you accelerate.

The all-wheel drive Sorento stays planted with minimal body roll detected while tackling twisty roads. One of the nice things about this engine is as soon as you work your way out of a curve, ample power is at the ready. Credit the fully overhauled suspension system and stiffer body of the current generation model for imbuing driver confidence and overall control.

2017 Kia Sorento

Front-wheel drive and both four-cylinder models have a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Choose the V6 with all-wheel drive and your towing limit climbs to a competitive 5,000 pounds. Braking is firm to the touch.

I can’t comment directly on the other engine choices, other than the new turbo four and my opinion is based on what my colleagues have stated. Bengt Halvorson, deputy editor for Internet Brands’ Automotive Group says the turbo “feels perkier in most types of driving—in all but off-the-line acceleration.” He sensed more turbo lag with this engine in the Sorento than when found in the Optima and Sportage. On the plus side, Halvorson noted peak torque is reached at 1,450 RPM, ideal for quick moves in traffic.

Parting Thoughts

The Kia Sorento makes a compelling case for itself. And it has to as the Toyota Highlander, Buick Enclave, Mazda CX-9, Volkswagen Touareg, Dodge Durango, Ford Edge and Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Honda Pilot are counted amongst its competitors. All 12 of its direct competitors plus the Hyundai Santa Fe operate in the same sphere, although only the Mazda, GMC, and Honda are as new as the Sorento.

The SX V6 all-wheel drive model may offer the best bang for the buck. Include the advanced technology package with your favorite driver-assist safety features and your cost comes in at $43,690. Fortunately, Kia dealers offer discounts. And with careful research and strong negotiation on your part, a $40,000 final price before taxes seems possible.

One other benefit Kia has that few other manufacturers can claim is a minivan. We reviewed the Kia Sorento earlier this year and found it ideal for families. This front-wheel drive only model offers space for up to eight and is powered by the same V6 engine found in the Sorento. Consider the Sorento and Sedona a strong 1-2 punch from this Korean automaker.

See Also — Introducing the Second-Generation GMC Acadia

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 SUV, all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, IIHS, Kia, Kia Sorento, Nappa leather, V6 engine, YES Essentials

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Ringmaster: 2017 Audi A4 says:
    November 5, 2016 at 10:41 am

    […] See Also — Behind the Wheel of a 2017 Kia Sorento SUV […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. Road Beast: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT says:
    November 7, 2016 at 9:37 am

    […] See Also — Behind the Wheel of a 2017 Kia Sorento SUV […]

    Log in to Reply
  3. Refreshed: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport says:
    November 12, 2016 at 7:10 am

    […] See Also —- Behind the Wheel of a 2017 Kia Sorento SUV […]

    Log in to Reply
  4. Refreshed 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Excels says:
    December 30, 2016 at 5:25 pm

    […] segment where the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Dodge Durango, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Buick Enclave, Hyundai Santa Fe, and the GMC Acadia vie for customers. Yes, customers […]

    Log in to Reply
  5. Swanky SUV: 2016 Kia Sorento EX AWD says:
    January 1, 2017 at 6:03 pm

    […] See Also — Behind the Wheel of a 2017 Kia Sorento SUV […]

    Log in to Reply
  6. Specifications of a 2013 Kia Rio says:
    January 9, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    […] See Also — Behind the Wheel of a 2017 Kia Sorento SUV […]

    Log in to Reply
  7. About the 2014 Kia Sportage says:
    July 6, 2017 at 7:18 am

    […] See Also — Behind the Wheel of a 2017 Kia Sorento SUV […]

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand

Recent Comments

  • Temporary Repair Steps and Tips for Windshields — Auto Trends Magazine on 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • Pandemic Times: Car Disinfecting Tips — Auto Trends Magazine on 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • How to Detail Your Car Like a Professional — Auto Trends Magazine on 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips — Auto Trends Magazine on How to Detail Your Car Like a Professional
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips — Auto Trends Magazine on Product Review: Dyson DC31

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
November 2016
S M T W T F S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930  
« Oct   Dec »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in