I was very surprised to see this many features offered as their standard package, and is a great value for your money…

In the 2014 Kia Sorento LX, there is more to see than you would expect.

Have you ever seen an ad featuring something you really want, only to find out when you get there the price doesn’t include this and that and you leave feeling deflated?

Well, if it’s a Sorento you’re going to see, then all the bells and whistles come standard.

Looks

A very stylish design – Kia’s new “design language” – blending emotion and sophistication, is the thought behind this design. Swept back headlights with a molded front bumper. Projector style headlights and integrated turn signal lights on the side mirrors make this cross-over SUV stand out

Interior

The driver’s seat is an 8-way power adjustable with lumbar support and offers heating, and the rear seats are a 60/40 split folding. There is also an option to add a third row which would be a 50/50 split. There is a AM/FM/CD/MPS voice activated 6 speaker stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio

Also with Bluetooth hands-free capabilities and Aux, USB input ports.

Safety

The safety features on this vehicle are vast, and here are some of the highlights:

Dual advanced front airbags, dual front seat mounted side airbags, dual side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, traction control system, hill assist, anti-whiplash front headrests, anti-lock braking system, automatic headlights, impact sensing auto door unlock, and back-up warning system all standard equipment.

Engine

There are two gasoline direct injection engines available.

The first is a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder engine rated at 191 horsepower and the second is a 3.3-litre, gasoline direct injection V6 cylinder engine with a whopping 290 horsepower found in the LX-V6 model. Both engines are mated to a 6 speed sportmatic automatic transmission.

Move the shifter to the left and you can access the upshift and down shift of the manual mode.

Fuel economy:

FWD 2.4L: 10.4/7.1 L/100 km (city/highway)

FWD 3.3L: 11.4/8.0 L/100 km (city/highway)

AWD 2.4L: 10.9/7.8 L/100 km (city/highway)

AWD 3.3L: 11.9/8.4 L/100 km (city/highway)

Warranty support:

5 year/100,000 km worry-free comprehensive warranty

5 year/100,000 km powertrain

5 year/100,000 km roadside assistance

Roadworthy:

My tester was the Sorento LX. I found the vehicle to handle very nicely around town. The multi-link rear suspension kept the vehicle from rolling side to side in higher speed cornering and gave the overall ride a comfortable feeling. The electric power steering really helped in tight maneuvering.

Power was impressive and for a smaller lighter vehicle, the motor was well matched. Fuel economy numbers were good and, if driven sensibly, I am sure you could stretch these numbers to be even better. I was very surprised to see this many features offered as their standard package, great value for your money.

Sticker price:

LX  AWD $28,695

LX  V6 $29,495

EX V6  $35,395

SX $40,595

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca