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Josh Rosenberg
Josh Rosenberg

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2014 Kia Sorento Pros,
Cons And Prices


(See Also: "How To Get The Best Price On A New Kia Sorento")
2014 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento has been one of our favorite midsize crossover SUVs these past few years. With available V6 power, plenty of features and a roomy interior with an available third-row seat, the current-generation Sorento is a great option for shoppers who want something a bit bigger than the typical small crossover. This year's updated 2014 Kia Sorento has all the same draws, but it brings some significant improvements to keep it up to speed with the competition.

For 2014, the Kia Sorento receives a slight styling update, an upgraded cabin and a new, more powerful V6 engine. Last year's base four-cylinder engine has been dropped, leaving the previously midrange 2.4-liter four-cylinder as the Sorento's entry-level engine. Ride quality and steering feel have also been improved, as has Kia's Uvo voice activation system. Finally, a new range-topping SX-L trim level debuts.as Kia has stiffened the body structure, fitted a new front suspension and retuned the rear suspension to improve both ride comfort and handling. There's more power, too. A new direct-injected, 3.3-liter V6 cranks out 290 horsepower, up from last year's 276 hp.

As before, the 2014 Kia Sorento is one of the few crossovers in this class to offer a third-row seat. Kia also packs in the features, as even the midgrade EX comes with items such as leather upholstery and heated front seats. This year the automaker has also updated the Uvo voice activation system for more accurate control and added a larger touchscreen with improved menus and graphics that grants the Sorento one of the best tech interfaces in this price range. The gauges can also feature an optional large LCD that digitally replicates an analog speedometer and provides additional trip computer information.

If you're expecting to get all of these features for a bargain price because of the Kia brand name, you're in for a bit of surprise, though: The entry-level Sorento LX starts in the mid-$20,000 range, but the upper trim levels go deep into the $30Ks.

All that said, while the 2014 Kia Sorento has a lot going for it, it does have some drawbacks as well. Here's a list of the positives and negatives worthy of consideration:


Pros:

   Good-looking exterior styling
   Handsomely revamped cockpit
   Good first- and second-row seats
   Plentiful standard and optional features
   quiet and comfortable ride
   superior tech interface
   powerful V6 awd standstill to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds
   V6 AWD model came to a stop from 60 mph in 120 feet, a better-than-average
   available third-row seat
   lengthy warranty.
   New V6 engine is a welcome improvement.
   Revised suspension improves ride quality
   Stiffer chassis delivers better handling.


Cons:

   Standard four-cylinder engine's mediocre acceleration
   Around turns, the Sorento's handling and steering are far from sporty, but most drivers should find it sure-footed enough for a family vehicle.
   Somewhat challenging rear visibility
   typically more expensive than a small crossover
   Gas mileage is just on par
   Third-row space is tight for most adults
   SX is mostly for show, not sport
   Although there are a lot of features and packages to add, they quickly boost the price to where some luxury vehicles are at.
   The base audio system is disappointing, so most consumers will feel the need to upgrade.
   Not practical for off-road use; really only designed for on-road handling.
   Second row seat does not slide and recline.


Overall:

The 2014 Kia Sorento is one of our top recommendations to consumers shopping for a small or midsize crossover SUV, thanks to its well-mannered driving characteristics, roomy interior and generous standard and optional features.


Other opinions:

From Car And Driver:

"Smooth describes the ride quality, too. The suspension tuning leans toward soft, as you’d expect of a family-oriented ride, but stops short of squishy—owners are unlikely to need Dramamine on twisty stretches—and the new electric steering delivers an acceptable approximation of on-center feel. After experimenting with the three Flex Steer settings, we simply left it in Sport (the highest-effort setting). "

From Edmunds.com:

"On the road, the Sorento is exceptionally quiet with a scarcity of road noise. We also like the way it rides, as the suspension soaks up bumps with ease. Around turns, the Sorento's handling and steering are far from sporty, but most drivers should find it sure-footed enough for a family vehicle."

From TheCarConnection.com:

"The third-row seat's for junior petites, but the Kia Sorento's first two rows have excellent adult-sized space."

From AutoTrader.com:

"Try to find a leftover 2013 model while supplies last, or choose the 2014 Sorento for its impressive technology upgrades."



Best price? Here's how to get the lowest Kia Sorento price



Invoice And Sticker Prices:

    Model Invoice Price Sticker Price
    LX, 2.4L 4-cyl., FWD $23,255 $24,100
    LX, 3.3L V6, FWD $24,800 $25,700
    LX, 2.4L 4-cyl., AWD $24,995 $25,900
    LX, 3.3L V6, AWD $26,540 $27,500
    EX, 3.3L V6, FWD $28,425 $30,000
    EX, 3.3L V6, AWD $30,130 $31,800
    SX, 3.3L V6, FWD $32,865 $35,000
    SX, 3.3L V6, AWD $34,555 $36,800
    SX-L, 3.3L V6, FWD $35,965 $38,300
    SX-L, 3.3L V6, AWD $37,655 $40,100





Other Pages Of Possible Interest:

2012 Kia Sorento Review
Used SUV Buying Guide





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