The Kia Sorento is a mid-size crossover with proportions befitting all-wheel capability and three-row capacity. Although all-new in 2016, the Sorento remains a fashionable and features-oriented choice.
What's New for 2018
A carryover model for 2018, the Kia Sorento sees a few updates, specifically new standard equipment on every trim level. This includes a rearview camera (L); third-row seats on AWD models (LX four-cylinder); a hands-free power liftgate and power-folding mirrors (EX); and rain-sensing wipers (SX V6). Packages have also been revised for select trims.
Choosing Your Kia Sorento
Save for the 7-passenger Sedona minivan, the Sorento is Kia’s largest vehicle with standard seating for five or, if equipped, with a third-row for up to seven occupants. And seating is only one of many options available, such as engine choices – there are three. Transmission options, however, are relegated to a lone six-speed automatic.
The standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder which produces 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is EPA rated at 21 city miles per gallon, 28 highway, and 24 combined for front-wheel drive models and 21/25/22 for AWD. An optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Front- and all-wheel-drive mileage is rated at 20/27/23 and 19/25/22, respectively.
A 3.3-liter V6 is available on all but the base trim and produces 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. Its fuel economy numbers for FWD vehicles, regardless of trim, are an estimated 18 city mpg, 25 highway, and 20 combined. A top-of-the-line Sorento V6 drops to 17 city mpg, 23 highway, and 19 combined.
The 2018 Kia Sorento is available in four trim levels:
CarsDirect Tip
Once exclusively a value brand, Kia has upped the ante on premium offerings, particularly with hot-selling crossovers. Budget-minded buyers, however, still have plenty of options. A Sorento LX V6 FWD with Convenience and Advanced Technology packages will be just shy of $34,000 but offer plenty of power, safety, and amenities. Add another $1,800 for AWD. For a similar package but with a higher-end flavor, the EX AWD with an Advanced Touring package is your best bet, and with a price tag less than $40,000.
With seven trims to consider, choosing the “right” 2018 Sorento may depend on your budget and personal preferences. That said, we like models equipped with the powerful V6 engine, so that rules out three grades. The 3.3 EX with a starting price of $32,087 (including a $940 destination charge) is the pick of the Kia Sorento litter.
At this price point, you have a well-equipped model with keyless entry with push-button start, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and seating for seven.
Attractive looks, three rows of seats, and a wide range of price points make the 2018 Kia Sorento a tempting option for consumers with big and growing families that aren't willing to accept the all-conquering capability of minivans.
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Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
2.4L I-4 / 185 HP / 178 ft.lbs.
Transmission
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
6-spd Sportmatic w/OD
Drive Type
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
21 / 28 / 24 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
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