Coming from a '12 SX, in my opinion, I think it only has the first one you mentioned. The moment I test drove the '15 SX I immediately noticed the stronger brakes on them. The better throttle response, I'd say if you keep the Eco mode on, you'd be getting less on the '15. But I keep them off all the time and it revs higher in the rpm range before it upshifts compared to the '12 MY.
I don't know, but, I can break all tires free on a bit of gravel they spread on my community roads between storms up here, usually it's even by accident, when I take off. With The low, low, 1st & 2nd gears, mine takes off like it's shot out of a cannon! I've surprised a lot of vehicles between traffic lights, sometimes even smaller "fart cars"! Maybe you need a new "Wicks" air filter? And, or, "To do the pipe thru the resonator trick" My Sori still seems louder & faster since I did both! Even though I took the pipe back out after a coupla days, months ago. Remember I did each one, at separate times, with the engine warmed up, and right onto the Freeway, to go though the gears and reset the O2 sensors, & ECM I definitely lost a few mpg's. But, I also use "Sport" mode most of the time, until I need to save gas, then into ECO mode.Brakes on my 2015 are slightly better than my 2011, agreed. Could be so much better, though.
By "pick up" I mean getting the car moving from a standstill or accelerating suddenly when needed. My daughter's (v6) challenger seems to get going so effortlessly (very similar power/torque numbers and weight) - and the 2016 Sorento felt very similar. Given the fact that it's a mid-size SUV and not a "sports car:, it's not surprising that the Sorento doesn't lurch off the line or pull hard the instant you give it more throttle. They have, however, improved this significantly in the 2016 model.
Use ECO to switch from "normal" to sport. Better yet, tie throttle response to the steering modes (comfort, normal or sport).
Going back to suspension, I loved how the 2011 drove. The 2015 is fantastic in comparison, but the 2016 is better yet.
I know this is all a pipe dream. I think I should buy a Jeep SRT8 and leave the Sorento unmolested..
Ok, I'll give you that, when riding along over the many hills, & curves up here, on occasion I've noticed a slight lag in the throttle, (like a dead spot?) on acceleration. It's annoying to have to push down the pedal more then you should! Because the next thing you know, it's downshifting, and you're going faster then intended!
I wish that somebody would understand this issue, and fix it My EX has 235/60/18" but I'm on the lookout for a good 55 series, I'll check them out, thanks!
Electronic throttle are just that: they are programmed..to the idea of the programmer. It then would need a change in the program. I do not know of a utility that could open the code...and let anyone change it.
When I brought it to the dealer for regular service, & an oil change, and mentioned this issue, they blew it off, saying they couldn't find anything Wrong?
But, something like a Flowmaster 40, or Flow Delta 40 series, the Delta has less drone. These items will boost your performance. I used to jet out my carbs, and add stainless core suppression plug wires, a performance coil, & distributor cap, then set up the timing a bit advanced, & run high test gas. I also discovered IMO, over the yrs, with synthetic oil there's less friction, more power, it runs cooler, and your engine runs smoother. Also, I found there's a bit more protection in an engine mishap, like overheating, or whatever? Good Luck!
Whats the resonator pipe bypass trick? Would this be the same for the 17 3.3?When my Sorento was new, and for the 1st few thousand miles, I had to be very careful stepping on the gas pedal, it responded immediately! I usually let my girlfriend drive, because she didn't push it hard, like I would. I needed to get used to the vehicle. Then, over time till the present, it started with that "Flat spot" on acceleration, sometimes not responding till I am 1/2 way down on the pedal! Then suddenly automatically dropping into "passing gear!" At the Wrong time! on a hill, or in a curve! Instead of just responding to minor throttle variations!
I've tweaked the engine for more power with the new (seems less restrictive) Wicks air filter, and "Resonator pipe bypass trick" to actually get it to deliver more sound, & power, at the expense of gas mileage, but the "Flat spot" is still there!
This really bugs me, because I don't live on flat Long Island any more!
In fact, I used to have someone hold the throttle full open inside while off, & check the under hood Accelerator linkage on all my cars, to make sure it was fully Open!
Now, I can't even do that! Damn computers!
Vadim · updated 
Terry Meahl · updated 
