By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Several times over the past couple of years acquaintances in the market for a mid-sized crossover vehicle have repeatedly told us that the Kia Sorento was at or near the top of their shopping list. We find this rather amazing because not that long ago Kia was anonymous, known only as the builder of cheap high-mileage vehicles, and not on anyone's shopping list let alone at the top — until now.

Remarkably Kia has transformed itself into the maker of stylish, eye-catching vehicles that are actually fun to drive with established quality and still one of the best warranties in the business.



Sales have surged in recent times and the Sorento is one of the company's best sellers with nearly 90,000 units sold in the U.S. through September. So it's no wonder that it's getting noticed and our acquaintances are smart to consider Sorento.

The Sorento was totally redesigned for the 2011 model year and received numerous upgrades for 2012 and 2013 including a new direct-injection four-cylinder engine that allows buyers to get outstanding fuel economy with enough performance for the everyday chores of family life.

Kia has infused the 2013 edition with a commendable array of standard features starting at $23,950 for the base LX trim giving the Sorento perhaps a leg up on its chief competitors including the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox.

For that outlay the customer gets 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, keyless entry, full-power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, an audio system with CD player and satellite radio, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, front active head restraints and a full complement of airbags. Move up to the mid-level EX and more standard features are added such as a third-row seat, the new direct-injection engine and leather seating surfaces.

Kia features crisp, pleasing styling that shouts SUV. The front end makes a statement with the new Kia grille design and flared back headlights that form a continuous arch. The rounded rear end with large LED taillights that extend into the lift gate and curving rear glass is well executed. And the slightly bulging wheel wells and slopping roof give the Kia an athletic profile.

Its driving demeanor is rewarding with traits of a well-planted sedan rather than a sport utility on back road twists and turns. Its suspension is tuned toward the extra firm side and the result is one of the best handling compact and comfortable crossovers on the road.

We were underwhelmed by the 4-cylinder model that continues as the base engine, a 2.4-liter making 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. We found it to be adequate if the load was light, but add passengers and cargo and performance turned to sluggish.

Kia has answered that criticism with the new direct-injection four making 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque optional on the LX trim and standard on the mid-level EX model. If you need more performance, Kia continues to provide a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. It is standard on the top trim SX. Our test vehicle was so equipped and we found the performance outstanding, even with five adults on board. It has been measured around seven seconds from 0-to-60.

Inside, the Sorento is spacious — with wide and somewhat firm but comfortable seats — for both front and second-row passengers. The third-row seat, as you might suspect, is tailored more for children than adults. And when in use it gobbles up much of the 37 cubic feet available behind the second row. With all seats folded, cargo capacity is a competitive 72.5 cubic feet — as much as a CR-V or a RAV4.

The interior is a pleasant place. The cabin is commendably quiet even at highway speeds. The faux wood trim looks pretty good all things considered. The dashboard design is first rate and controls felt smooth and upscale. The navigation with backup camera is also on a par with competitors if you elect to spend the bucks.

We became aquatinted with Kia's Uvo system for the first time and found it works very well. Based on the same technology as Ford's Sync system, it allows drivers to control various functions with voice commands, including their MP3 players and cell phones. It was standard on our SX trim test vehicle.

As mentioned, the Sorento comes well equipped for an affordable crossover price. But like most vehicles, it can be loaded up with desirable goodies. Our test car was a prime example. Even in two-wheel drive mode it came in at $35,875.

Essentials
Base price: $23,950; as driven, $35,875
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
Horsepower: 276 @ 6,300 rpm
Torque: 248 foot-pounds @ 5,000 rpm
Drive: front wheel
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Seating: 2/2/3
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Length: 183.5 inches
Curb weight: 3,781 pounds
Turning circle: 35.7 feet
Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
Luggage capacity: 9.1 cubic feet
Cargo capacity: 72.5 cubic feet
Fuel capacity: 18 gallons (regular)
EPA rating: 26 highway, 20 city
0-60: 6.9 seconds (Car and Driver)
Also consider: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox

The Good
• Excellent lineup of standard features
• Sporty handling
• Optional fuel-efficient 191 hp 4-cylinder available

The Bad
• Stiffer ride than some crossovers

The Ugly
• Base 4-cylinder too small