June 2, 2006
 
ON THE ROAD: Kia Puts More Muscle into SUV
 
By Richard Williamson
Scripps Howard News Service
 

While prices have not been announced for the 2007 Kia Sorento due out later this year, expect Sorento to remain the value leader in its class. (SHNS photo courtesy Kia Sorento) Click to Enlarge

Just four years after its introduction, the Kia Sorento sport utility vehicle receives a significant upgrade in the 2007 model year.
 
Most notable is the step up in V6 power, from 192 horses to 262, which puts the mid-size Sorento ahead of similarly equipped Toyota Highlanders and 4Runners and Ford Explorers. The Sorento also gets more standard safety features, towing capacity and new interior.
 
As in the current model year, Sorento will be sold in LX and EX trim lines, as well as LX Sport Package and EX Luxury Package, with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
 
Cosmetic changes include redesigned front headlamps with projection lights, a redesigned front grille insert, new front fascia and bumper, more rounded body-side cladding, redesigned tail lamps, and rear fascia with reflector inserts.
 
The LX Sport can be equipped with 17-inch wheels, an optional improvement from the standard 16-inchers.
 
While prices have not been announced for the 2007 model due out later this year, expect Sorento to remain the value leader in its class. Introduced as a 2003 model with a base price below $20,000, the handsomely styled, well-built, well equipped mid-size SUV remains surprisingly affordable.
 
A 2006 LX on the review circuit carries a base price of $23,800, rising to $25,790 with options and delivery charge. It's almost a case of reverse sticker shock when you see a figure below $30,000 on a SUV in this class.
 
Even before the arrival of the new V6, the Sorento is more than adequate performer with brisk takeoffs and plenty of passing power. Interior amenities are splendid and creature comforts abound.
 
Despite its interior refinement, the Sorento is a true off-roader with a ladder frame and traction system designed for a variety of trails. For drivers who don't expect to drive on ice or dirt, savings in monthly payments and fuel economy can be had with the rear-drive version of the vehicle.
 
The new engine in the 2007 model represents a 36-percent increase over the current engine. With torque rising to 260 foot-pounds, the engine provides a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
 
The V6 is harnessed to an electronically controlled five-speed Sportmatic transmission, allowing drivers to choose between automatic or manual shift mode.
 
Dimensions of the 2007 model are unchanged from the current year, with 106.7-inch wheelbase and 62.2-inch track providing excellent stability. Short front and rear overhangs are designed to help Sorento manage steep terrain. Because of its off-roading capability, the Sorento suspension reacts noticeably to potholes and speed bumps, but the response is not harsh.
 
The 4-wheel drive system includes a part-time or automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system, depending upon the option package. The part-time four-wheel-drive system engages with the turn of a knob for shift-on-the-fly operation and has a transfer case equipped with a low range for the most challenging off-road situations.
 
The full-time automatic four-wheel-drive system, also with a low range, is available on the EX trim level as part of the Luxury Package. The system automatically detects wheel slippage 200 times per second, seamlessly transferring power between the rear and front wheels without involving the driver. Sorento also offers an Eaton limited-slip differential that quietly transfers up to 50 percent of torque between the rear wheels as standard equipment on all four-wheel drive models.
 
With the 4-wheel-drive system, fuel economy is the weakest feature of the Sorento. Mileage averages 15 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway for an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,062.
 
The soaring price of fuel in 2005 is reflected in sales figures that abruptly headed south in the last quarter of the year. Despite the recentness of its introduction, Sorento ended the year down nearly 10 percent. Despite a down month or two, sales in 2006 are outpacing those of 2005.
 
Thus, the 2007 freshening is likely to rebuild momentum for this important vehicle.
 
Kia's future is so linked to the Sorento that the South Korean carmaker is building its first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Ga., with an investment of $1.2 billion. The Kia plant, a mere 75 miles from an Alabama assembly line for parent Hyundai, is scheduled to begin production in 2009. Georgian gratitude to Kia was amplified by the fact that Ford and General Motors are closing plants in the state.
 
WHAT'S NEW: More powerful engine, styling tweaks for 2007 model.
 
PLUSES: Price, utility, comfort, standard features, warranty.
 
MINUSES: Fuel economy.
 
BOTTOM LINE: Unbeatable value in a mid-size SUV.
 
Richard Williamson writes about automobiles for Scripps Howard News Service.