2006 Kia Sorento SUV

What’s New?
The Sorento, Kia’s four-door SUV, sees one change for 2006: the standard steel wheel on LX models has been replaced with a new alloy design. Other than that, the Sorento is essentially carry-over from 2005.

Overview
Entering the marketplace in 2003, Kia’s four-door SUV is available in either base LX or up-level EX trim, with a choice of two- of four-wheel drive. All Sorentos come equipped with a 3.5L V-6 that develops 192 hp, with the LX arriving with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard. A 4-speed automatic is also available, and is standard on EX models. On the safety front, Kia provides dual front air bags, front and rear side curtain air bags, side-impact protection, and an energy-absorbing steering column. ABS-assisted brakes are available as an option.

Standard LX features include air conditioning, power windows/door locks, heated mirrors, cruise control, 8-speaker CD sound system, full overhead console with sunglass storage, map lights/garage door opener pocket, four 12-volt power outlets, 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, and 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seats. The upscale EX adds machined-finish alloy wheels, two-tone body cladding, power sunroof, fog lights, 8-way power driver’s seat, HomeLink, keyless entry, a premium AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system with 10 speakers and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and a multi-meter that includes outside temperature gauge, compass, altimeter, and barometer in the overhead console.

Options include an LX Sport Package that consists of side step bars, fog lights, alloy wheels, roof rack, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and keyless remote control. The EX Luxury Package incorporates chrome exterior trim, a 280-watt, 6-disc in-dash CD player, automatic climate control, auto headlights, leather seats, and available Torque-on-Demand system. Other stand-alone options include anti-lock brakes and a rear spoiler.

The Competition
With no less than 20 models competing in the crowded Midsize Utility segment, Kia’s Sorento plays against such contenders as the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Toyota 4Runner. Important factors with buyers in this class are four-wheel-drive capability, towing capacity, three rows of seating, and the availability of rear-seat entertainment systems.

According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM the segment is hotly contested by the sales-leading Jeep Grand Cherokee (213,584 units in 2005) and Ford Explorer (203,483), followed by the Chevrolet TrailBlazer (163,581). Kia’s Sorento found 47,610 buyers in 2005. Others in the segment include the Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT, Nissan Pathfinder, and GMC Envoy and Envoy XL.