Kia improves stylish Sorento
For 2007 Sorento, the popular midsized SUV from Kia gets its first makeover since it was introduced for 2003. Named after the picturesque Italian village on the Amalfi coast, the Sorento looks, feels and drives more like an entry-level luxury SUV than a mid-sized price leader.
We hadn't driven a Sorento since it was first introduced and were thoroughly surprised and pleased with the first-rate build quality and materials inside and out.
The South Korean automaker has come a long way since it was first introduced in the States, when the name Kia was synonymous with "junk." Kia products have improved consistently and significantly in terms of quality. So much so that J.D. Power and Associates ranks it higher than BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda and Volkswagen in initial quality.
Need more convincing? How about safety? Kia vehicles, including Sorento, routinely earn five-star ratings in government crash tests.
Everyone, except Kia owners, seems shocked by that. Perhaps that's why Kia has made "The Power to Surprise" its advertising slogan.
For 2007, the new Sorento has considerably upped the power with a new 3.8-liter, 262 horsepower V-6 engine, up 70 horsepower over the previous 3.5-liter V-6.
There's also a new electronically regulated five-speed automatic transmission that allows the driver to choose between automatic and manual shifts. The five-speed manual shifter has been discontinued. All Sorentos are rear-wheel drive with four-wheel drive optional.
Visually, Sorento receives a mild exterior face-lift with minor changes to the front and rear fascias, new projector headlamps, redesigned taillamps, less bulky side cladding and larger 17-inch wheels. You would have to park the old and new models side by side to tell the difference. Interior changes are limited to an option for black cloth or leather with the LX Sport model.
Sorento is available in three trim levels: base ($20,695) LX ($23,295) and EX ($24,995). Add $2000 for four-wheel drive on the LX and $1900 on the EX. All come well equipped; however, the base model does not have air conditioning. The LX adds air, cruise, luggage rack, keyless entry and a rear cargo cover. The EX includes everything on the 
LX plus power seats, fog lights, wood-grain interior appointments, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, carpeted floor mats, heated and power outside rearview mirrors, trip computer and Homelink security system.
Inside, the Sorento is roomy and comfortable with an abundance of storage for space for cell phones, bottled water, sunglasses and loose change. Seats are large with plenty of support, 
even on long drives. There's room for three in the second row of seats, but only for short drives. Third-row seating is not available. Visibility is excellent.
Unlike most utility vehicles in this class, Sorento constructed body-on-frame with a truck chassis. True crossover vehicles are built on passenger car chassis. This detracts from ride quality, which isn't as good as some competitors in this class. But the construction does make it a good choice if you need to tow a boat, trailer or camper.
Standard safety equipment is impressive, with dual front, side-impact, and full-length side-curtain airbags and even a driver's side knee airbag. Electronic stability control, front active headrests, traction control and anti-lock brakes are also standard. Sorento has earned the highest 5 star rating in government crash tests.
Given its attractive pricing, long list of standard features and safety equipment, Sorento is one of the best-valued vehicles on the market today. With superior build quality and looks strongly resembling a Lexus RX 350 or M Class Mercedes-Benz, Sorento ranks among the best vehicles we've driven this year.
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