The 2011 Kia Sorento has been completely model

The 2011 Kia Sorento has been completely redesigned for the model year with a more rigid yet compliant carlike uni-body construction that makes this compact SUV handle more like a car and adds to the roominess of the interior.

There are three trim options available for the Kia Sorento, that being the base, LX and EX. Standard features on the base Kia Sorento include full power accessories, air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, connectivity for Bluetooth, a trip computer, a stereo system with a CD and MP3 player, satellite radio and a six-speed manual transmission. The LX version has a six-speed automatic transmission instead, LED turn signals, heated outside mirrors in the same color as the body of the vehicle, a second-row armrest, and an additional optional package that includes heated front seat, a rearview mirror with back-up camera, rear parking sensors, fog lamps and roof rails. The EX version of the Kia Sorento includes all of the equipment of the previous version with the addition of 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control that is dual-zoned, keyless entry and ignition, leather seats, navigation with traffic updates in real-time, an audio system with ten speakers and a sunroof .

Specs:

The primary engine for the Kia Sorento is a 16-valve dual overhead cam 2.4 liter engine with four cylinders and port fuel injection and aluminum block and heads that produces 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. The base model has a six-speed manual transmission while all other models include a six-speed automatic transmission.

The high-end version of the Kia Sorento offers an optional 24-valve dual overhead cam 3.5 liter V6 with port fuel injection and aluminum block and heads that produces 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.

The base drivetrain is front-wheel drive with an option to upgrade to four-wheel drive. Fuel economy for the vehicle is dependent on the engine with the four-cylinder vehicle with front-wheel drive estimated at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel drive Kia Sorento with the V6 engine is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

The interior of the Kia Sorento is attractive, well-made and user friendly, constructed of high grade materials. The front seats are not only comfortable but supportive and the second row can accommodate three adults. A third row of seats is optional on all models except the EX with the V6 engine, on which it comes as standard. The third row has folding seatbacks and is equally comfortable for adults as for children. Cargo space behind the third seat is somewhat limited when it is in upright position, able to handle only nine cubic feet. However, models without the third seat that can accommodate five people have 37 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 73 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded down.

The 2011 Kia Sorento is an SUV that is well put together offering a combination of comfort and handling with a smooth and quiet ride.