Kia calls its makeover of the 2014 model year Sorento a “refresh”, however, apparently it’s an
80 per cent “refresh.” Under hood, a new smaller displacement V6 engine is more powerful than
its predecessor and there’s a host of other, not so obvious, changes. Those changes were enough
for Sorento to claim the Canadian AJAC award for Best New 2014 SUV-CUV in the $35,000 to
$60,000 price range. Significantly, in doing so, the Sorento out-scored the 2014 Hyundai Santa
Fe XL, a sister-company vehicle that shares the same basic components.
The following extract is taken from an Autos.ca road test review (by Tom Sedens) of a 2014 Kia Sorento SX:
“One of my biggest gripes on the 2013 model was the ride. Kia has done a great job tuning the
suspension. Yes, it’s soft and rides very nicely, but it’s not so softly sprung that you’d need
Gravol in the twisties. The electric steering offers three Flex Steer settings which change the
steering effort required (Comfort, Normal and Sport) – I just left it in Sport. Even there, it’s a
bit numb on centre. Handling is fine and remains competent in any normal driving situation –
there’s body roll of course, but the Sorento doesn’t seem to mind being thrown into curves.”
The 2014 Sorento is available with a choice of two engines: a 2.4-litre four-cylinder or 3.3-litre
V6. Both use a six-speed automatic transmission. The LX Premium is the only 4-cylinder with
all-wheel-drive and the LX V6 is the only 6-cylinder with front-drive.
Most Sorento trim levels offer five-passenger seating and two rows of seats. An extra third row
of seats and seven-passenger seating is available in both LX and top-line SX trim levels.
Features on the LX include 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, fog lights, heated mirrors with
integrated turn signals, privacy glass, front and rear mud guards, roof rails, variable intermittent
wipers, rear wiper, front wiper de-icer, heated cloth seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seat with
fold-down armrest, black woodgrain interior accents, keyless entry, Eco minder, auto up/down
driver’s window, CD/MP3 stereo, Sirius satellite radio, USB and auxiliary input, iPod cable,
Bluetooth connectivity, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, trip computer,
illuminated vanity mirrors, locking glovebox, rear cargo under-floor storage compartment,
automatic headlamps, hill assist control, rear parking sensors and active front head restraints.
The LX-V6 adds pre-wiring towing package, smart key with pushbutton start, leather-wrapped
steering wheel and shift lever, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass.
The EX trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather
seats, eight-way power driver’s seat, deluxe door scuff, smart key with pushbutton start, UVO
infotainment system, rear-view camera, a cargo net and cargo cover.
The SX adds a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, HID headlights, LED daytime running lights,
LED taillights, body-colour bumpers and mouldings, chrome trim, ventilated front seats, interior
mood lighting, 10-speaker audio system, navigation system, a flex steer system and a blind-spot
detection system.
