Login Register Sign up for the GRM e-newsletter

New car reviews » 2011 Kia Sorento EX AWD

Better than: The old Kia Sorento
But not as good as: Kia Soul?
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 79.29  

The original Kia Sorento never really caught our attention. For one, we’re not too into these small cute-utes. Also, it’s a crowded market out there, and the Kia was overshadowed by the competition.

The Sorento has received a total redo for the 2011 model year. The old body-on-frame foundation has been replaced by a unibody layout. A four-cylinder engine has also been returned to the option list.

Then there’s new, sexier body. A sexy SUV? Okay, well, it does look sharp.

Our test car had the 3.5-liter V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive with locking center diff. The big options included the Limited package ($2000 to get navigation, rearview camera and 18-inch wheels) plus the $2700 Premium package (panoramic sunroof, leather seat trim and heated seats).

Other staff views:

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

I can’t say that is the most memorable vehicle that I have ever driven, but it’s a nicely styled, practical ute. I know, they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. Hey, I don’t own one, either. But if you have to go down that route, I’d check out the Kia. They have come a long way in the last few years.

Reader comments:

  1. pinchvalve: — Dec 7, 2010 8:48 a.m.

    At $25,000 this is a great vehicle. At $35,00, you can cross shop the Grand Cherokee (base) and a lot of other great vehicles. Kias are getting better and better all the time, but are they loosing their value proposition?

2011 Kia Sorento EX AWD Specs:

Drivetrain Layout:
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Engine:
3.5 liter V-6
Horsepower:
276 bhp at 6300 rpm
Torque:
248 lb.-ft at 5000 rpm
Transmission:
automatic
Brakes:
(front)
(rear)
Weight:
3898 pounds
Price:
Base: $29095
As tested: $34840

Staff Ratings:

Stock Performance:
***
Performance Potential:
***
Daily Driver Manners:
****1/2
Fit and Finish:
****
Overall:
***1/2

Save & Share:

What's this?

If you're reading this, you've probably seen these odd links with funny names somewhere on the site and want to know what they're all about. Well, prepare to feel a bit more Net savvy. Those links are what the geeks call "social networks."

Social networking sites allow you to store and share links and pages across the Internet. It's like taking your bookmarks list and being able to see it from any computer.

Even better, social networks allow you to steer friends, relatives, colleagues and pretty much anyone else to the cool stuff you've found, so they have something better to do online than watching the skateboarding squirrel video on YouTube for the thirtieth time. You're making the world a better place.

The only catch is that while all the social networks are free, you do have to register. Each site has a slightly different focus, so take a look through the links and see which service suits you best.