2016 Kia Sorento: Now With Turbo Power [Video Review]

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2016 Kia Sorento

The 2016 Kia Sorento leapfrogs many competitors with significant updates for 2016. There is an all new, direct-injected, 240 horsepower, four-cylinder engine that makes an impressive 260 lbs-feet of torque. Power is directed to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) is available. A naturally aspirated, 185 hp four-cylinder and a 290 hp V6 are available, but the turbo is the real story.

Maximum towing is now 5,000 lbs (with the V6).

2016, kia, sorento, interior

The interior is the other half of the story. With an increase in rigidity (up 14%) and cabin size, occupants now have a quieter space with greater cargo capacity. The 2016 Kia Sorento can hold up to 74 cubic-feet of cargo (all rows folded). All of the interior components have improved and are on par with some premium crossovers. Notable updates include an available eight-inch infotainment screen, an all-around/bird’s-eye view (cribbed from Nissan) UVO and an available heated steering wheel are welcome additions.

Three rows of seats are available making the 2016 Kia Sorento a competitor for crossovers like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe – among others.

Rather than reinventing the exterior, Kia updated the exterior of the 2016 Kia Sorento tastefully with interesting lower LED lights, crisp lines and a longer body. The headlights look slightly more aggressive. There is some restraint in this design, which is a good thing. It still looks like a Kia Sorento – but it’s pretty easy to see the updates as well.

2016_kia_sorento_turbo_engine

Other notable tidbits: the 2016 KIA Sorento is three-inches longer, has optional 19-inch wheels, an available panoramic sunroof, is jam-packed with a ton of tech and just about every interior component feels premium. Once again: in some ways it is on par with premium crossovers.

Prices have yet to be released.

In this video, TFL boss-man Roman Mica takes a first drive near Lake Tahoe/Sierra Nevada with a surface elevation of 6,225 feet. Like our home base’s elevation, high-altitude with thin air is where having a turbocharged engine is huge benefit. Check out our first drive video!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.