We drive the 2019 Kia Sorento SXL AWD

Kia Sorento SXL AWD

Kia’s best-selling Sorento has received some upgrades this year and Kia has been trying to make it more upscale. We were intrigued so we just had to test it ourselves to see if their claims are just hype or for real. What we found was that just as in the past, the Sorento is still a great deal and its success is no accident.

Well proportioned, the Sorento goes for a refined and rugged exterior look, which was established when it underwent a complete redesign for the 2016 model year. The styling was in many ways inspired by the Cross GT concept unveiled in 2013.

But a subtle facelift now gives Kia’s popular crossover a tighter, sharper appearance. The revised front-end is headlined by a more artfully detailed radiator grille flanked by a new headlamp configuration, which offers full-LED lighting on upper trims – SX (optional) and SXL.

[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]The crossover’s familiar ice cube-style foglamps have also been redesigned featuring projection bulbs for EX and SX trims while SXL enjoys the more distinctive LEDs.

The interior is what really makes the Sorento feel special. The Sorento’s cabin maintains a premium look and feel thanks to a new steering wheel, new shifter knob and a revised instrument cluster with improved graphics. The makeover also includes alterations to the air vents and the center console design.

Even more important is that the materials used feel rich and soft which really gives a premium feel. We tested the Sorento next to an equivalent Lexus SUV and even though the Lexus was $20,000 more expensive, all of our testers preferred the Kia interior.

In terms of versatility, Sorento offers standard 40/20/40 second-row folding seats and 50/50 third-row folding seats. Access to the third row is easier than most similar SUVs and room for adults in the third row is above average. Our top of the line SXL had heated and vented front seats as well as heated second row seats.

Front passenger compartment

SUV buyers in this segment prefer their vehicles with the latest in technology. The Sorento is loaded with it including an upgraded navigation system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, at least on the higher trim levels.

You also get a wireless phone charging pad which makes life much simpler. Our SXL Sorento also came with a 630-watt, 10-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system with an 11-channel amplifier with surround sound.

The SXL comes with a V6 engine as standard while lower models have a four cylinder as standard. The 3.3 liter V6 uses an 11.5:1 compression ratio to produce 290 hp yet only requires 87 octane fuel.

The engine is strong and sounds very smooth even when it is pushed. It is connected to a newly available 8-speed automatic transmission. This pairing also helps Sorento deliver a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. when equipped with AWD.

Ample rear cargo room

The advanced AWD system is designed to automatically route power to the wheel with the most traction. When certain adverse conditions call for more sure-footed capability, the 4WD Lock Mode splits engine power evenly between the front and rear drive shafts.

The system also provides drivers the added stability of Torque Vector Cornering Control (TVCC). The TVCC system is activated when yaw and steering sensors detect unwanted understeer. The system actually works very well and you will notice it if you start driving the Sorento like you stole it. Most buyers will probably skip the AWD and select the 2WD model which improves fuel economy and saves you on the purchase price.

Kia has worked hard to stiffen up the Sorento chassis and claims that 53 percent of the unit-body consists of advanced high-strength steel.

Liberal application of industrial strength adhesives, the use of dual-seal lip joints as well as laser and large diameter welding techniques combine to make the Sorento feel solid and strong.

Rear seat room

Sorento prices start out at $26,290 for the 2WD L model. Our top of the line AWD SXL was $46,490. That extra $20,000 buys you a lot of luxury features but this is one of the rare cases that even the top of the line model is a bargain. The Sorento SXL may have a Kia label on it but it feels premium and if you compare it to similar offerings from premium labels you will find that they are offering a great product at an even better price.

Specifications