The Best Country Music Songs: 30 Days Of Ram 1500
Our 30 Days Of 2013 Ram 1500 rolls on today with a deeper dive into UConnect--specifically, all the... Read More
- #5LEADERBOARD RANK
- 5162ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 111COMMENTS POSTED
Around The Web
When it comes to Kia's recent design direction, sharp, geometric shapes and creases are the name of the game, especially noticeable in the case of the Sorento as the eye is drawn to the vehicle's deeply chiseled window sills and rocker panels.
Though vaguely reminiscent of the Mitsubishi Outlander, it's nonetheless a creased, well-proportioned and confident step away from the anonymity of the outgoing Sorento.
The Sorento’s cabin has a nice mix of textures and a handsome, logical design.
Inside, the Sorento's dashboard is simple but sleek, and the subtle faux-wood trim piece that bisects it is a welcome upscale touch. The plastics are all hard, but they look good and are certainly class-competitive.
Although the materials are on par with competitors, Kia hasn't perfected the finer details of texture, graining, and finishes. There's an abundance of matte black plastic where other automakers would inject a touch of style.
STYLING | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
When it comes to Kia's recent design direction, sharp, geometric shapes and creases are the name of the game, especially noticeable in the case of the Sorento as the eye is drawn to the vehicle's deeply chiseled window sills and rocker panels.
Autoblog
Though vaguely reminiscent of the Mitsubishi Outlander, it's nonetheless a creased, well-proportioned and confident step away from the anonymity of the outgoing Sorento.
Inside Line
The Sorento’s cabin has a nice mix of textures and a handsome, logical design.
Car and Driver
Inside, the Sorento's dashboard is simple but sleek, and the subtle faux-wood trim piece that bisects it is a welcome upscale touch. The plastics are all hard, but they look good and are certainly class-competitive.
Edmunds
Although the materials are on par with competitors, Kia hasn't perfected the finer details of texture, graining, and finishes. There's an abundance of matte black plastic where other automakers would inject a touch of style.
Automobile
Kia’s new direction for the Sorento kicks off with attractive styling. The Sorento sits lower now, and it’s taken on some of the cues from Kia’s passenger cars, like the “Schreyer line” named for the chief designer Peter Schreyer and which splits headlamps from its grille. The headlamps and grille form a wide arc across the somewhat high nose and wrap into a fairly deep wedge that defines the sideview. Kia dubs the sideview a “flying wing,” and the vertical pillar at the tailgate does give it an aeronautic look—as well as a passing resemblance to the Acura NSX, if we’re allowed to go there.
The passenger space is defined by a somewhat imposing dash; drivers face three big oval gauges with clearly marked faces, as well as a center stack with a large LCD screen flanked by big vents and footed by three big, round, useful climate-control knobs. It’s a simple, clean look that’s dulled only by some drab, open-grained plastic across the dash and the tops of the doors—and unconvincing fake-wood trim on certain versions.
Universally, Kia’s assembly quality has moved to global standards, and the Georgia-built Sorento is no exception. For its price, the hard plastic on the dash and doors is understandable, and it’s all pieced together with above-average fit and finish.
Conclusion
The styling transformation continues, as the 2011 Kia Sorento adopts a wedgy, exciting new look.
