Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento midsize sport-utility vehicle, now in its second generation, took Kia into the competitive segment for vehicles that haul families and their stuff. Kia has learned from its experiences with the Sorento, though, and the new version—on sale first as a 2011 model—is vastly more in focus for its market. Among other features, it now offers an optional (if small) third-row seat, putting it into competition with the Toyota Highlander, the Honda Pilot, the Ford Edge, the Chevrolet Equinox, and even the Nissan Murano and Mazda CX-7. Prices start in the low-$20,000 range.

The first generation Sorento, offered from 2003 to 2010, offered good value for money but fell down in aspects that are often important to family buyers. Unusually in this category, it was not a car-based crossover, but rather a traditional sport-utility vehicle built on a separate frame, like a truck. This gave it good towing capacity as well as a four-wheel-drive option, but it hurt the handling and ride. One of two V-6 engines—a 242-horsepower 3.3-liter and a 262-hp 3.8-liter—was matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel-drive capabilities were offered on both, but the system for the smaller engine was part-time rather than full 4WD. Towing capacities were 3,500 and 5,000 pounds, respectively, for the smaller and larger engines. Fuel economy, however, was just 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway with the smaller engine, and a dismal 15 mpg, 20 mpg with the larger.

The new 2011 model of Sorento, however, switches to a car-based platform, and many of the mechanicals are closely related to those in its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Santa Fe. It’s also now built in Georgia. And like many of its competitors, it now offers a choice among two four-cylinders and a V-6, rather than two sizes of V-6. The 175-hp, 2.4-liter four is rated at 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and comes with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, while a direct-injection version, new for the 2012 model year, has 191 hp and EPA-rated highway mileage of 32 mpg. The 276-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic is almost as good, at 20 mpg, 28 mpg. Front-wheel-drive is standard, with all-wheel-drive available with the top two engines and on all trim levels except the base version.

All models are well-equipped, with air conditioning, cruise control, Sirius Satellite Radio, and tilt/telescoping steering wheel standard. The EX model adds 18-inch wheels, and a host of electronics, including push-button start, backup sensors, automatic headlamps, and a power driver’s seat. Options include navigation, a better audio system, leather seats, a sunroof, and a DVD entertainment system.