Car Review: 2014 Kia Sorento

Here is my review of the all-new 2014 Kia Sorento. It has been significantly redesigned with an all-new chassis, a new Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) V6 engine, a substantially redesigned interior and a next-generation infotainment system.

The engine is a 3.3-liter GDI V6 that produces 290 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 252 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm. It’s available optionally on the LX and EX, while residing as standard equipment in the LX V6, EX V6, SX and SX Limited. There is no lag when you step on the pedal. Moving through traffic on surface streets or on the freeway is smooth. I only wish that I had a longer distance to drive rather than from just Orange County to Carlsbad, a distance of about 60 miles. This was a pure joy to drive.

My absolute favorite feature is the Blind Spot Detection System. The 2014 Sorento is also the first of many Kia vehicles to begin offering this system. The system continually monitors traffic around the Sorento and if another vehicle is detected within a set distance, you will get an audio alert as well as this indicator lighting up on your side mirrors. More vehicles need to have this feature.

Taking a look into the cabin, you can see there is ample leg room.

Here are the controls for the sliding panoramic sunroof. You won't believe how far back this stretches.

I would love to be a passenger in the back while looking through the panoramic sunroof on a clear day, or at night to see the stars or on a rainy day and watch the rain hit the sunroof. Photo courtesy of Kia.

The drivers console is nicely laid out. Everything is easily within reach.

I also love that the Kia's are all becoming push to start.

The center stack has been redesigned for a more user-friendly experience. There is also a new larger screen that displays such things as navigation, SiriusXM Traffic™³ with real-time road information updates, a premium Infinity^®4 audio system, SiruisXM™ Satellite Radio⁵, Bluetooth^® hands-free connectivity⁶, vehicle settings and UVO eServices, Kia’s next generation of infotainment and telematics.

I'm a big fan of classic radio dramas.

The screen is nice and bright even in direct sunlight.

Another much appreciated change is the addition of the USB port instead of the proprietary Kia wire port to connect your smart devices.

Plenty of room for the rear passengers.

I love these integrated 2^nd row sliding sunshades that were a design borrow from parent company Hyundai.

I also love that there is a 115-volt power inverter in the back to plug in and charge smart devices like my iPad. It is great to either do work or keep the kids entertained.

The 2014 Kia Sorento also features Kia’s first-ever programmable power liftgate. Such a great convenience while carrying groceries or luggage.

There is ample room in the back for luggage for a trip.

The rear seats fold down easily if you need more storage space.

The seats do not fold down flat into the floor like on the Hyundai Santa Fe however.

As the center gauge says goodbye, it is time to say goodbye to all of you so I can get back on the road to drive this 2014 Kia Sorento around town some more!

Lots of power provided by the 3,3 liter GDI V6 engine makes driving around town and on the freeways of Southern California that much more enjoyable. The gauges and panels are smartly laid out. The TFT screen for the center gauge and the center stack are user-friendly and bright enough in direct sunlight. I love the addition of the blind spot detection system. Just a fun vehicle to drive while out by yourself or with family or friends.

*Disclaimer: Transportation, lodging and meals were provided by Kia but the opinions expressed are strictly my own.*

Photos by Brian, Jason and Kia