2012 Kia Sorento EX FWD new car reviews

Since the 2011 model year, the Kia Sorento has been a smart-looking, mid-sized SUV.

Better than: All past Sorentos
But not as good as: A goat
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 68.01

The original Kia Sorentos were a kind of bland-looking, mid-sized SUVs. In fact, we can't remember ever driving one. For 2011, the Sorento got a total do over. The look follows Kia's current design DNA and, we should add, it's built here in the States.

Our test vehicle was a midlevel EX fitted with just one major option, the Premium Package 1. For $3800, it added leather seat trim, heated seats, power front seats, auto-dimming mirror, navigation system and an Infinity surround-sound system.

We should note that the photo comes from Kia's media site; it's not the exact vehicle that we drove.

Like what you read here? You can get a whole magazine full of these types of articles delivered to your home or shop 8 times a year. Subscribe now or visit the Grassroots Motorsports online store for back issues.

Other staff views

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens
Editorial Director

Last year we sampled an all-wheel-drive, V6-powered Sorento, but at $35k it seemed a bit pricey. The $30k tag on this one is more appealing, at least for me. I mean, I love all-wheel drive, but that's a pretty big price hit.

I still wish that regular, old station wagons would come back. Take the Sorento and give it more of a car-like stance. I still think that's what the average person really needs.

Join Free Join our community to easily find more articles.
Comments
belteshazzar
belteshazzar UberDork
6/23/12 7:18 a.m.

thats alot of car for those hp & torque numbers

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
12/10/13 12:00 a.m.

The original Kia Sorentos were a kind of bland-looking, mid-sized SUVs. In fact, we can't remember ever driving one. For 2011, the Sorento got a total do over. The look follows Kia's current design DNA and, we should add, it's built here in the States.

Our test vehicle was a midlevel EX fitted with just one major option, the Premium Package 1. For $3800, it added leather seat trim, heated seats, power front seats, auto-dimming mirror, navigation system and an Infinity surround-sound system.

We should note that the photo comes from Kia's media site; it's not the exact vehicle that we drove.

Like what you read here? You can get a whole magazine full of these types of articles delivered to your home or shop 8 times a year. Subscribe now or visit the Grassroots Motorsports online store for back issues.

You'll need to log in to post.

Our Preferred Partners
xAeNgNjvmfDRTP7K5r8JpNR8a61fUheUgcfk0VemUAbDnucrkRfaRE4RyP3VINX0