Introduction
Glance at photos of the 2014 Kia Sorento, a 7-passenger midsize crossover SUV, and it might be hard to see what's different from the 2013 model. Aside from restyled front and rear ends, and new wheel designs, it looks very similar to the
2013 model, and the difference is in the details. Under the familiar skin, 80% of the updated 2014 Sorento is, according to
Kia, either redesigned or new.
Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing and communications, Kia Motors America, said: "With more than 80 percent of the 2014 Sorento including new or significantly redesigned parts, it's obvious that the improvements are not just skin deep."
Exterior Features
The upgrades to the 2014 Sorento start with the crossover's underlying structure, which is redesigned to yield an 18% increase in torsional stiffness, according to Kia. Front and rear styling is new for 2014, and includes LED running lights and taillights. Buyers can choose from 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch aluminum wheels, depending on the trim selected.
Interior Features
Kia says the 2014 Sorento receives a redesigned instrument panel, which can accommodate the new 8-inch infotainment touch-screen display. All trim levels except the base Sorento LX are equipped with a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) center gauge display, flanked by traditional gauges.
Optional Features
The 2014 Kia Sorento is sold in LX, LX V6, EX, EX V6, SX, and SX Limited trim levels. Kia has not finalized equipment levels as this preview is written, but highlights from the available features list include fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation system, premium audio system, satellite radio, and new UVO eServices smartphone integration and telematics service. The new 2014 Sorento can also be equipped with a panoramic sunroof, programmable power liftgate, ventilated front seats, as well as second-row manual sunshades, 115-volt power inverter, and illuminated door handle pockets. Kia is also offering a new blind-spot information system for the updated 2014 Sorento.
For 2014, a new Sorento SX Limited (SXL) trim level is offered, and it includes self-leveling xenon headlights, 19-inch chrome wheels, red-painted brake calipers, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, premium headliner and roof pillar trim, and exclusive Nappa leather upholstery. The new 2014 Sorento SXL is offered only in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Silver paint colors.
Under the Hood
The 2014 Kia Sorento LX and EX are equipped with a direct-injection, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 191 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 181 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. A 6-speed automatic transmission drives the front wheels.
A new 3.3-liter V-6 engine is optional for the LX and EX, and standard for the SX and SXL trims. It generates 290 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 252 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm, is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and is offered with front- or all-wheel drive.
The V-6 engine is offered with an optional Torque On Demand all-wheel-drive system with Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology. The system drives the front wheels under normal conditions, and automatically directs power to the rear wheels for improved traction in slippery conditions or when tackling corners.
The new 2014 Sorento is also offered with Flex Steer technology. Using Flex Steer, the driver can select between Comfort, Normal and Sport tuning for the Sorento's electric steering.
Technology
Kia's new UVO eServices technology, which will debut with the 2014 Sorento's arrival, includes 911 Connect service that automatically contacts a 9-1-1 operator for help when the air bags deploy. Additionally, the system offers a smartphone application that allows the Sorento's owner to download Google Maps destinations to the navigation system, check vehicle diagnostics, and to find the SUV after it has been parked.
2013 Kia Sorento Summary, Photos & Specs2012 Kia Sorento Ratings
Kia Car & Truck Ratings
