The 2017 Kia Sorento is priced like a midlevel compact SUV, but given its long list of available features and room for seven passengers, it might easily be mistaken for a premium luxury vehicle. This family-friendly crossover offers three engine options as well as all-wheel drive and an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Over last few years, Kia’s materials quality has gone from also-ran status to almost class-leading, and the Sorento’s slick cabin technology features mark a similar leap forward. The 2017 Sorento is still a good value, but that’s not the headline news anymore; what’s remarkable about this Kia is that it’s now one of the best vehicles in its class.
What’s New for 2017?
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now available, as is an expanded driver-assist portfolio that includes forward-collision warning, autonomous braking and radar adaptive cruise control. The SX Limited features a full suite of standard driver-assist technologies and gains Dynamic Bending Headlights. Two new packages are added: the Advanced Technology package and Advanced Touring package.
What We Like
Upscale interior; refined driving dynamics; top-notch technology features; available turbocharged engine; reassuring warranty
What We Don’t
Upper-level models are a bit pricier than you might expect; can’t combine turbo engine and 3-row seating
How Much?
$26,295-$47,000
Fuel Economy
The 2017 Kia Sorento L and LX models come with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are 21 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 21 mpg city/25 mpg hwy with all-wheel drive (AWD).
The EX models feature a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder good for 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy checks in at 20 mpg city/27 mpg hwy with FWD and 19 mpg city/25 mpg hwy with AWD.
Standard on the Sorento SX and optional on the LX and EX is a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 290 hp and 252 lb-ft. The V6’s fuel economy predictably brings up the rear at 18 mpg city/25 mpg hwy (FWD) and 17 mpg city/23 mpg hwy (AWD).
A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all Sorento models.
Standard Features & Options
The 2017 Sorento is offered in L, LX, EX, SX and Limited trim levels. The L comes only with two seating rows, but a third-row seat is optional on the LX and standard on the LX V6, EX V6 and SX.
The Sorento L ($26,295) includes a decent roster of standard items, notably 17-inch aluminum wheels, air conditioning, power accessories and a 6-speaker audio system with a USB port and full Bluetooth connectivity.
The LX ($27,595) adds such luxuries as additional sound-deadening measures, roof rails, a 4.3-in touchscreen and a rearview camera.
The EX ($32,395) throws in 18-in wheels, rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a power driver’s seat, a UVO 3.0 telematics head unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The SX ($39,495) upgrades to 19-in wheels, a power tailgate with a foot sensor, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry/start, rear cross-traffic alert, a blind spot monitoring system, additional power adjustments for the driver’s seat, driver memory functions, a high-resolution 8-in navigation touchscreen with voice controls and a 10-speaker Infinity audio system with a subwoofer and HD Radio.
The Limited ($44,795) tacks on Nappa leather upholstery, cooled front seats and heated second-row seats, Dynamic Bending Headlights, an Around View monitor, a leather and wood heated steering wheel, and all the driver-assist features and equipment in the two optional Advanced packages.
The LX Convenience package adds dual-zone automatic climate control, rear park assist, a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and heated front seats, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone interfaces.
The EX Premium Package adds a 110-volt outlet, a power liftgate, LED interior lighting, power folding mirrors, chrome roof rails and auto up/down power windows.
The Advanced Technology package adds autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and an electronic parking brake.
The Advanced Touring package adds the contents of the Advanced Technology package, plus a panoramic sunroof and LED interior lighting.
The Sorento offers solid passenger space in its sliding-and-reclining second-row seats, with plenty of room for 6-footers despite slightly lower seat bottoms than expected in a midsize crossover. The third row is designed for kids; you need to be pretty limber to climb back there, and legroom is limited once you’re situated. Still, it’s a handy feature, and adults can squeeze back there for short trips if necessary.
Cargo space is 11 cu ft. behind the third row (if specified), which is enough room for groceries, while a maximum of 74 cu ft. is available with the rear rows collapsed. Conveniently, the second-row seats can be folded via auxiliary levers mounted in the cargo bay.
Safety
The 2017 Sorento comes with standard stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and 6 airbags (front, front-side and full-length side-curtain). Available safety technologies include a blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning.
In crash tests conducted by the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Sorento received a top score of Good in every category, a Superior rating for crash avoidance and mitigation, and was awarded a 2016 Top Safety Pick+ award.
Behind the Wheel
In our interior evaluation, we were struck by the Sorento’s premium character. The materials are almost uniformly nice, with ample soft-touch surfaces, and there’s a vibe of cohesiveness and refinement that was absent in earlier models. The gauges are crisp and clear, while the optional 8-in touchscreen features great graphics and intuitive operation. Throw in the Limited model’s Nappa leather upholstery, and you’ll get a legitimate alternative to some luxury crossovers we could name. This Kia is that good.
On the road, the Sorento’s accurate steering system (with three levels of adjustable effort) inspires confidence, and ambient noise levels are generally quite low. The ride is smooth and supple on most surfaces. Under the hood, the turbocharged 4-cylinder is our favorite for its generous low-end torque and solid fuel economy, but you can’t get it with the third-row seat, which limits its appeal. The V6 certainly has plenty of power, but its fuel economy suffers significantly.
Other Cars to Consider
2017 Dodge Durango — The 3-row Durango is larger, but it feels sporty and capable from behind the wheel and offers a V8 and better towing ability.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe — The 3-row Santa Fe is a more spacious option from Kia’s corporate cousin and comes with a standard V6 engine.
2017 Toyota Highlander — The Highlander may seem like it’s a class up from the Sorento, but Kia’s latest efforts have closed the gap.
Used BMW X5 — Looking for more luxury and power? A certified pre-owned 2012-2015 BMW X5 might hit the spot. There’s even a diesel engine option.
Autotrader’s Advice
The 2017 Sorento EX offers great value, providing extensive standard features without breaking the bank. We’d go with the V6 over the 2.0-liter turbo, as the latter isn’t all that fuel efficient for a 4-cylinder, and the V6 with AWD can tow up to 5,000 pounds versus the turbo’s 3,500-lb rating.
