2011 Kia Sorento SX AWD

2011 Kia Sorento SX AWD 2011 Kia Sorento SX AWD
Short Take Road Test

What Is It?

It’s Kia’s largest crossover with the optional 276-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. For 2011, Kia replaced the body-on-frame Sorento with this new unibody machine. The SX model, following Kia convention, is the sportiest Sorento in the land—and the most expensive. This all-wheel-drive example is as loaded as a Sorento gets from the factory, and that’s reflected in its 4126-pound curb weight. Two rows of seating are standard, with a third row optional.

How Does It Drive?

Like the last 2011 Sorento we tested—a front-wheel-drive four-cylinder EX model—this one impresses with its dynamic behavior. The steering has heft and feel, the brake pedal is firm, and there’s limited body roll for a ute of this size. The SX sits 0.4 inch lower and on stiffer springs than the rest of the Sorento lineup. It uses dual-flow dampers to remove some of the harshness from the stiff springs, a welcome change that almost makes the SX’s stiffness acceptable, but we contend that the base setup is plenty tied down. (Since we first tested a 2011 model, Kia has begun fitting the dual-flow dampers to all Sorentos as a result of customer and media feedback about the clunky ride.)

The performance-oriented SX comes exclusively with the V-6; a base Sorento gets a 175-hp four-cylinder; and LX and EX trims are available with either engine. With the 101-hp advantage and all-wheel drive helping lay down the V-6’s 248 lb-ft of torque, this SX reached the 60-mph mark in 6.9 seconds, 2.1 seconds more swiftly than the front-drive four-cylinder we tested. The quarter-mile time of 15.3 seconds beats it by 1.6, reaching 92 mph at that point versus 82.

How Does It Stack Up?

The Sorento is almost nine inches longer than its sibling, the Sportage crossover. Its extra length allows for the third row, putting it on par with the passenger-hauling capability of bigger cute utes like the Toyota RAV4, in addition to vehicles like the new Ford Explorer. The Sorento is more enjoyable to drive than either. Customers looking for a sporty three-row sport-ute could look to the larger Mazda CX-9 or Dodge Durango (the latter offers a V-8 option). Sorentos of all kinds, especially the fully loaded SX, include competitive levels of equipment.

What’s the Cost?

This brings us to the bottom line. A V-6 Sorento LX can be had for as little as $26,190; all-wheel drive costs $1700 on that model. The SX includes almost everything the factory offers—features such as navigation, dual-zone auto climate control, keyless start, leather seats (heated up front), and a third row—except for a $1200 panoramic sunroof, with which this example was equipped, and a rear-seat entertainment package, which is only available on the EX. The extra $4800 required to move up from the EX to the SX is accounted for by the unique suspension and a pile of standard features that are otherwise optional on the EX. Basically, you have to really want the stiff suspension to choose the SX, so we say skip it and keep the kids entertained instead.