When the South Korean automaker produced its first mid-size crossover SUV in 2002, we doubt even they knew just how popular the Sorento would become. Kia first introduced the Sorento as a 2003 model, and it was an SUV that came in two trim levels: LX and EX. The Sorento was a modest SUV in the beginning, and has since become an award-winning favorite among families in the United States.
After various revisions and face lifts throughout the years, the newest rendition of the Kia Sorento is a home run. Completely redesigned for its latest model year, the 2016 Kia Sorento is more equipped, and more impressive than ever before.
Bigger Always Means Better
Everything about the completely redesigned Kia Sorento is better than the outgoing model. Whether that means an increase in cabin space, engine output, or trim level offerings – the newest Sorento has it.
Larger Cabin for Increased Cargo Capacity
The 2016 Kia Sorento is bigger, and better than any previous models. While still classified as a compact crossover, the Sorento boasts a seven-passenger seating capacity, and enough cargo space to store everything you could ever need. Thanks to the upgraded interior space, and a sliding second row, the 2016 Sorento can manage up to 74 cubic feet of cargo, with ease. No other compact crossover can boast the same amount of interior cargo space, and no other crossover does it better than the Sorento.
More Powerful Engine Offerings
Speaking of bigger, the new engine lineup for the 2016 Sorento is more powerful than the outgoing model year. The most basic, standard engine is a very capable 2.4-liter four-cylinder block that produces an impressive 185 horsepower. A completely new offering for this year, is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, that accomplishes 240 horsepower. Sorento drivers who really need their crossover to perform can opt for the top of the line, 3.3-liter V6 that achieves a whopping 290 horsepower.
All engine offerings come standard with a six speed automatic transmission. An all-wheel drive option is also available, which comes with a Selectable Driving Mode system, allowing the driver to tweak steering effort and transmission performance.
Best in Class Towing
The 2016 Kia Sorento is a very capable crossover. Some may overlook it because of its ‘compact crossover’ classification, but the Sorento is the most capable in its class. The 2016 Kia Sorento that is equipped with the 3.3-liter V6 engine and all-wheel drive, is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. No other compact crossover comes close to that high of a towing capability, making the 2016 Kia Sorento a top contender.
Five Models to Choose From
The 2016 Kia Sorento is available to drivers in a variety of trim levels, with varying price points. All-wheel drive mode is available on all Sorento models, which means that each trim level determines the engine block and seating configuration. The only Sorento models to come with the third row of seating, are also equipped with the V6 engine. Check out each one of the five trim levels below, and what they offer as standard fare.
2016 Sorento L
With a starting MSRP of just $24,900, this is the most affordable option of the new Sorento. The Sorento L has a five-passenger seating capacity, with no option to add a third row. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine comes standard, along with plenty of features and amenities. Some of those amenity highlights include:
- Cloth Seats with premium fabric treatment
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED running lights
- Heated outside mirrors
- LED turn signal indicators in outside mirrors
- Bluetooth Wireless technology
- Steering-wheel mounted controls
2016 Sorento LX
Starting at $26,200, this next level up includes everything the base model does, as well as some extras. The LX has seating for five passengers, but a third row of seating can be added for an additional cost. Featuring the same engine block as the L, which achieves an EPA-estimated 29 miles per gallon highway, the Sorento LX is a step above. This model is the first in the Sorento trim level hierarchy to offer the option of the 3.3-liter V6 engine. Other standard features include:
- Rear-Camera backup display
- UVO eServices Infotainment System
- Low profile, silver roof rails
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power driver seat
2016 Sorento EX
While this model is the third level up, it offers a substantial increase in standard features. Starting at $31,100, the EX gains the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which gets 240 horsepower. The EX is also available with the V6 engine, which also includes the third row of seating. The standard Sorento EX comes with everything the L and LX include, as well as the following:
- Leather seating
- 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat
- Dual-zone automatic climate control system
- Acoustic front and side glass windows
- 18-inch wheels
2016 Sorento SX V6
The first model in the redesigned Sorento’s lineup to come standard with the 3.3-liter V6 engine is the SX V6. Starting at $38,100, the SX V6 is loaded with powerful features and amenities. Seating for seven passengers is standard, which includes the third row of seating. Other standard amenities include:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Smart hands-free power lift gate
- Power folding mirrors
- Keyless ignition
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade
- 10 speaker Infinity sound system
- Power driver memory seat
- LED tail lamps
- Additional exterior trim
2016 Sorento Limited
Starting at $39,900, the Sorento Limited is the top of the line in luxury and power. Drivers will enjoy all of the amenities on the previous models, as well as exclusive extras. The Limited is also available with the V6 engine, which comes with the third row of seating. Check out the list of other included amenities on the Sorento Limited, below:
- Chrome wheels
- Premium Nappa Leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Surround-view parking camera
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision alert
- Xenon headlamps
- Electronic parking brake
When Safety is a Priority
The 2016 Kia Sorento is one of the safest vehicles in its class. With an excellent list of standard safety features, and advanced safety technologies, Kia has made safety a priority in the 2016 Sorento. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2016 Sorento its highest crash test rating of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the new Sorento a Top Safety Pick, also giving it top safety scores in all crash tests. Overall, the 2016 Sorento is a safe bet regardless of the trim level chosen.
If safety is a priority when you shop for a vehicle, consider the 2016 Kia Sorento.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Kia Sorento is one of the hottest compact crossovers on the market today. Thanks to its complete redesign, the already-popular crossover is gaining even more attention from car buyers around the globe. With five trim levels to choose from, added interior space, and new engine offerings – the 2016 Sorento is as refreshed as new cars come.
Regardless of your budget, the Sorento offers a great range of price points for all buyers. Whether you are comfortable spending in the lower twenties, want something fully equipped in the high thirties – or fall somewhere in the middle, the 2016 Sorento has something for everyone.
The 2016 Kia Sorento is available in dealerships across the nation, and ready for you to test drive today. Don’t settle for a crossover you aren’t happy with, and don’t think you need a bulky, expensive SUV to accommodate your family. The Sorento is a comfortable, affordable, and exciting option for drivers and their families.