2015 Kia Sorento V6 – Surprisingly Efficient [First Impression]

2015_kia_sorento_off-road

The 2015 Kia Sorento has a contemporary design, a powerful V6 motor, and a lot of features rolled into one package.  It works hard to satisfy all the needs, but does it succeed?

The 2015 model picks up where the 2014 facelift started and packs three rows of seats, all wheel drive, a V6, panoramic sunroof, leather interior, and much more into a midsize crossover package.  No matter how hard Kia tries to make the Sorento into a full-sizer, its dimensions do no allow for a spacious accommodation for seven.  The third row is meant more for children or small adults.

2015 kia sorento tail rear off-road trail

There is also an issue with the driver’s seat.  The bottom cushion is hard and has what feels like a metal cross-bar in the middle.  The seat feels uncomfortable at a first impression, and even after long fiddling with it – it’s still not where I like it.  I also felt like I was sitting too high (I am 6′ 2”), and I could not move the seat any lower.

2015 kia sorento mpg v6

The 3.3L V6 produces 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque.  In this case, it feeds all four wheel through a 6-speed automatic transmission.  No CVT here.  The powertrain combination is quiet and smooth.  However, the surprise is how efficient it is.  EPA rates the AWD Sorento with a V6 at 18 MPG city, 24 MPG highway, and 20 MPG combined.  This bright silver crossover wowed with an average of 25 MPG after my mixed driving loop.  Plus, I saw up to 31 MPG after about 20 miles of cruising on the interstate.  I am not sure how the Sorento did it, but this was the result.  Outstanding!

The Sorento also does relatively well off-road.  I had the chance to take it on a medium difficulty trail (part of Bounce School trail) near Allens Park, CO.  Nineteen inch wheels and street tires did not help matters, but careful navigation and Sorento’s all-wheel-drive system with a lockable differential got it through the obstacles.

Check out the 2014 Kia Sorento going off-road through mud at our old off-road trail.