2018 Kia Sorento: A Quick Overview
2018 Kia Sorento: A Quick Overview
Posted on October 4, 2017
The 2018 Kia Sorento has to be one of my favourite crossovers. More affordable than a Range Rover and better looking than a Subaru. Available as a two or three row vehicle with several trim options and three engines, choice, along with space and comfort is something you are never short of with this Kia.
The design remains largely unchanged for this model year as most of the changes have happened inside. A new Cool & Connected packaged is being introduced which adds climate control and a 7-inch touchscreen to the LX model as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AWD is also an option on the LX.
The 2018 Kia Sorento EX gets a power liftgate, power-folding side mirrors and a 7-inch digital screen in the gauge cluster. SX and SX Limited get auto wipers as standard. All Sorento models get the improved headlights and more comfortable seating.
Engine options
The three engines on offer include a 2.4-litre four cylinder that generates 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, a turbocharged 2.0-litre four that produces 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and a 3.3-litre V6 engine that delivers 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. All use a six speed automatic transmission to send power to the front or all wheels.
All of these engines are strong enough to cope with daily life and the transmission is always on time. Front wheel drive is ideal for crossovers and for city roads and wet conditions as the majority of the vehicle weight is over the steered wheels. The Sorento feels good around town and on the highway with acceptable road noise in the cabin and good visibility all round.
If you elect for the three row model, that rear row really is for children. While an adult could fit in, they would not be comfortable for long. The second row is more conventionally scaled and adults can sit there comfortably for hours. The third row folds down for extra cargo space when not in use. The second row also folds down by using the remote handle by the rear door.
All trims are well specified and compete well with other brands. Kia has always been known for offering a lot of value for money and it’s no exception here. Even the L has alloy wheels, reversing camera, drive modes, Bluetooth and six speaker audio. Other trims add parking sensors, heated seats, climate control Kia UVO infotainment and a whole lot more.
The Sorento can also be specified with lots of safety tech too. You can add forward collision warning system, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and an electronic parking brake to LX trim and upwards which increases the safety of this crossover by a significant margin.
The 2018 Kia Sorento is a competitive crossover in a crowded market. It holds its own well and is a very viable option for any family who needs the space.
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