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2016 Kia Sorento - reviews

62K views 134 replies 29 participants last post by  CrazyBiker 
#1 ·
#2 ·
Can't say as I'm very impressed with the looks of the dash, or that color red leather seats and trim. And the 6 cyl. would still be my choice for a vehicle of this size.

I guess I'll have to wait to see what 2017 brings before I give up my 2013.
 
#3 ·
I'll just wait for AutoGuide for their own review.

Never a fan of TFL reviewing cars. And those vid footages are horrible.
Can't they hire good videographer/camera guy?

With regards to the 2016 Sorento,I really like red leather seats and they don't look too bad on this. I just have to see it for myself to really tell cause that horrible washed-out video only show so much.
 
#5 ·
I'll probably take a bath trading in my current vehicle, but I will either be buying this or the new Volvo XC90 - nothing else on the market really interests me. CarPlay is absolutely a sticking point for me though. The interface in the new 2016 Sorento is identical to new Sonata - only difference on the touch screen is in the Sonata it says "CarPlay" and in the Sorento it says "Places". I'm sure that screen can be configured, and the Sorento has access to the same App Store, so hopefully it can be installed as an app. Maybe we will get an announcement at CES in January?
 
#6 ·
The 2017 model might be a more refined than the upcoming model. But it doesn't really change a lot until 2018 hopefully. A body change every 2 years is not good IMO. I hate to hear that 2015 will become old after releasing the 2016 model by next year. I heard as early as January 2016, this new model will hit the showroom.

:(. In fairness of 2015 models, they are handsome!
 
#13 ·
Really like this guy's reviews. He leaves no questions unanswered. Funny enough, I was hoping he would have a review after watching the clown on TFL do his review and then I went to the second page and found this.

I REALLY like the red interior, like REALLY REALLY like it. However, not a fan of that dash but really glad it is now up to my personal quality standards.

Thank you for sharing!
 
#16 ·
Was not impressed with his stated fuel mileage over the eight hours he had the vehicle? He indicated he averaged 19 mpg! Is is new Sorento heavier than the current? That is brutal mpg. I realize that the vehicle is new and he was on a hilly hwy but that is certainly down from the current 2015. If the vehicle is heavier then what does that mean with the 4cyl power?
The dash is really fugley! Yikes. Also I see the return of the UVO despite the rumours they were thinking of an Apple system.
I see the infotainment system is still only available with the nav. Huge mistake. The large screen should be standard and the nav an option as per the others in this category.
Did not mention the power folding mirrors? Still there?
This vehicle is getting up there into the explorer and pathfinder range in regards to size.
Hoping they don't take this any further in that regard. Kind of like the current size.

Good review though and the guy covered everything. Still like the 2015 better for overall looks as I am not into curvy swoopy CUV's. Heading o te Detroit Auto show so I will get a first hand look at the new generation and maybe my thoughts n the matter will change.
 
#19 ·
basing mpg on one isolated test on a brand new pre-production vehicle at high elevation and many reviewers testing it, doesn't mean much at all.

Yes the power folding mirrors are option on the EX and standard on the SX and SXL.
It's 3" longer than the 2015 model and a 3" longer wheelbase. Both the Pathfinder and Explorer are 13" longer than this vehicle.

No info on how Canadian models will be packaged.
 
#27 ·
I still feel that the dash of the new Sorento is ugly and looks like a Playmobile toy with it's venting and nav screen pods placed in front of it as if they were an afterthought!
Everything else in the cabin looks like in the 2014 - 2015 model, except those few changes around the dash that look as if they are made to look different.
I will puke if I hear a tester rant and rave again about the panoramic sun roof ( that is a normal staple since a few year, not only with Kia but also with other companies), or the sun screens in the doors (my Touareg had them already in 2004, and they were also in my 2008 Passat) that also can be found in my 2014, as well as the heated and ventilated seats.

Those You Tube testers are nothing than marketing communicators for the car manufacturers. I would not be surprised if they use scripts that were prepared by Kia marketeers! (like my employer provides to the different trade magazines who convert them into subject articles!)
 
#31 ·
I like the soft surfaces they seemed to have used on the dash. I can care less for the bigger, because I never will have the need for a third row of seats. and the three more inches do nothing for me. I feel it starts to look more like a minivan now, because the relation of length to width is different now.
I have a hard time to find more refinement except the soft touch surfaces. The tail lights look less refined to me, but again, that is me.
I am pretty happy with the looks and refinement of my 2014. I prefer the looks of the dash in it. It has a much more Audi/VW look to it. The new dash makes it for sure looking to be of Asian decent (I prefer the Audi/VW look).
 
#36 ·
I have trouble getting past those Praying Mantis looking bug eyes they put on for fogs. That just about killed it for me. Also don't like the "big mouth" front end treatment.

I do like the lug nuts though! :D
 
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#37 · (Edited)


1. I am liking the option of reddish/brown interior seats. Looks very sporty.

2. Undecided about the new turbo I4 engine option. I would probably still get the V6 engine. The mileage difference between the standard I4 and the V6 was not very big difference in real world driving on the 2014/2015 models. Wondering how much savings there would be for the turbo I4 compared to the V6 in this new model.

3. There is also adjustable thigh support for the driver seat which is nice. Interesting cross-hatch pattern visible on the video.

4. Soft touch plastics. Yes very much needed. Especially the top trim on the interior door panel where your elbow rests on.



5. The 360 degree surround camera view and other camera views are nice available option (pulled from Land Rover and other luxury cars).

6. 4-way adjustable head rest (both up and down but also front and back) is nice.

7. Personally I am glad they got rid of the exterior black plastic-cladding on the lower trim models. Everything is now color/paint matched which is more upscale looking.

8. Lane departure warning system in addition to the existing blind side monitoring.

9. Auto open of the rear hatch if standing with key in pocket for more than a few seconds. Would have preferred system with foot gesture required like BMW or Ford Escape.

10. I see an "AUTO HOLD" function. Not sure what that does...suspect holds vehicle when starting off from a hill start maybe?
 
#38 ·
You can find out about the fuel consumption, etc. of the I4 turbo if you look at the 2014 Santa Fe Sport. This is the same engine. I tried it out, and decided not to touch it with a 10 foot pole. Reliability seems to be rather poor and you always have the turbo lag when getting going from a full stop. The care has to be moved by a rather small 4 cylinder until the turbo kicks in. I can live with this with my rather light weight Audi TT, but not with a heavy weight like the Sorento.
The current SX-L has 4 way adjustable heat rests. The system is different, but has the same end result. Currently part of the head rest body comes foreward, and not like in the 2026, the entire head rest. The current system must have been to expensive.

The 2014 SX-L is also equipped with Auto hold. It holds the car for a moment between release of the brake and engine propelling the vehicle.

All the cameras are gimmicks, everybody I know who has a system like this, has it turned off most of the time because it gets annoying. I have the blind side monitoring and it drives me nuts in city traffic.
 
#40 ·
All the cameras are gimmicks, everybody I know who has a system like this, has it turned off most of the time because it gets annoying. I have the blind side monitoring and it drives me nuts in city traffic.
Not really a gimmick per se, but I agree that it is too sensitive in city driving. Like for it not to beep on you when you are gonna change lanes, your car must be at least two cars-length from the cars on either of your blind spot - which is a luxury for full-packed roads in a City. :|
 
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