Think of the 2019 Kia Sorento as the shortstop of crossover SUVs. This three-row crossover does just about everything well, and some things even better for 2019 thanks to some tweaks to its suspension and steering. It’s roomy, comes standard with three rows of seats, offers a sophisticated V-6 engine teamed to a new 8-speed automatic, and well-priced.
There’s a lot to commend with the 2019 Sorento, no matter which version you choose: L, LX, EX, SX, or SXL. Overall, we rate it at 6.2 out of 10, a score that could improve once the latest Sorento is crash-tested. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
This year, the Sorento’s styling has been updated—but so subtly that it hardly renders the outgoing version yesterday’s news. The smooth, well-detailed design looks especially good in higher trim levels with their bold LED fog lights up front and alloy wheels that grow from 17 inches in base models up to 18- and 19-inchers on EX and higher trim levels.
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Inside, the cabin is well-organized and composed of soft-touch materials with a low sheen. Even at around $27,000, the base Sorento L doesn’t look or feel cheap inside. There’s decent room, but the Sorento’s 7-passenger capacity implies that not all the children are above average. The second row is low and not shaped for long-distance comfort. The newly standard third? row is not better, but our expectations are lower; there’s good room for two teenagers back there. The Sorento is smaller than some of its rivals, like the Toyota Highlander, so there’s less room for cargo aboard. What’s there is usable, though, and with up to about 73 cubic feet of overall cargo capacity, the Sorento should fulfill most needs.
Underhood, L and LX trims come with a lowly 4-cylinder engine and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. EX and higher trims are fitted with a more desirable 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 that shuttles power to either the front or all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission that has two more gears than last year’s. The engine is smooth and powerful, but no replacement for the strong turbo-4 that was optional, albeit not very popular with buyers, last year. What the Sorento begs for is a hybrid powertrain since its fuel economy figures don’t impress as much as its driving manners. The newly tuned steering is crisp and precise, almost enough for drivers to forget that they’re hustling a three-row crossover on a twisty road. The firm suspension doesn’t feel stiff. It feels more like an Audi Q7 than an affordable crossover.
The latest Sorento hasn’t been crash-tested, but we see little reason that last year’s impressive figures won’t carry over. Kia hasn’t followed Toyota and Honda, among others, in making collision-avoidance tech like automatic emergency braking standard across the line. You’ll find that gear on EX and higher trim levels only. Otherwise, the feature count is good. A big infotainment screen that’s Apple and Android compatible leads the way. Pop for the Sorento SXL and the roughly $45,000 sticker price might induce some shock, but the soft, heated and cooled nappa leather and 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system seem worth the price.
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