2008 Kia Sorento

Review

Although it might look almost identical to the 2007 version, Kia's Sorentohas been heavily refreshed for 2008... it's just kind of difficult to tell at first glance. True, exterior revisions have come in the form of new front and rear fascias, blacked out headlights and a new three bar chrome grille, but these are minor compared to what has gone on behind the scenes. Two new engines replace last year's 192 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, with the base model receiving a 242 horsepower 3.3-liter version and the top of the line getting a 262 horsepower 3.8-liter mill. Not only are both engines more powerful, but they're more refined and much more fuel efficient that the outgoing V6. How efficient? Kia claims up to 36-percent more efficient, which is a staggering improvement, and they still are designed to run effectively on only regular fuel. Both engines are paired to a 5-speed automatic with Steptronic manual mode feature, ideal for on and off-road conditions.

And now that I'm talking about getting dirty, the Sorento is somewhat unique in this market full of monocoque crossovers in that it's fully 4x4 capable. Under its European-inspired skin is a full ladder style frame, and a low range transfer case means that few roads are too challenging. Its low range four-wheel drive system provides excellent off-roading capabilities, actually, while the heavy-duty frame and torque-rich V6 combination allows towing of up to 3,500 pounds with the 3.3-liter or 5,000 pounds with the 3.8-liter. Skid plates are standardon either model should you wish to traverse paths less traveled. In spite of these traditional SUV features, the Sorento doesn't feel like a body on frame vehicle, something I experienced while logging several hundred miles in both models on the vehicle's Canadian press launch in Calgary and the surrounding Alberta foothills. Canada? That's right. Being that there won't be a 2008 Sorento for quite some time south of the 49th, we got you the scoop from the great white north ahead of everyone else.

First off, Kia's flagship SUV is easy to get into despite appearing quite tall, and I didn't feel as if I was sitting in a high chair even though it gave a commanding view of the road. In downtown Calgary, the Sorento ducked in and out of traffic without issue and provided excellent visibility from all angles. On the highway, during the two hour drive to Lake Louise, the seats were superb and the Sorento performed flawlessly.

Not a lot is different inside, by the way, save for a new gauge cluster and some interior trim pieces. The quality of all materials was very impressive, matched by excellent fit and finish. Kia's interiors have come extremely far in just a few short years, and now rival many Japanese brands. Ergonomics

of the Sorento are very good, and if there were any flaws inside it was that the centre stack is near vertical and sometimes the displays that it houses can become washed out in bright sunlight.

Rear seat room is fantastic and, like in front, is very comfortable. Both rear windows (as well as the hatch windows) feature deep tinted privacy glass to keep things cool. If you don't have any rear seat passengers, the seats fold down to offer a huge cargo area. Still, even with the seats up the luggage compartment was more than adequate for the three bags I was carrying, and considering that what might even be more impressive is that a look under the rear floor reveals a full size spare tire. Remember those? The Sorento takes us back to a time before donut sized spares. It even comes with an alloy wheel that matches the other four.

Driving up through the mountains to Jasper, the Sorento performed admirably and the automatic's Steptronic feature was nice to have assome of the steep inclines through the Rockies necessitated gearing down. I was hard pressed to tell the two engines apart, though, as they felt very similar and fortunately, both pulled well. The steering is light, almost too light as it was easy to drift a bit off the intended path. Handling is predictable, mind you, with the only issue being that undulations in the road surface were sometimes met with secondary harmonics (that second float over a big bump) in the suspension that was a bit annoying. I never felt disconnected from the road or that the SUV was at all unstable, but a bit more dampening would be welcome. Otherwise the ride was very smooth.

Always a value leader, Kia is expected to price the well-equipped base model close to the 2007 model, which starts at just under $20K. In Canadian trim the luxury version adds the previously mentioned 262 horsepower 3.8L V6, full-time four-wheel drive, 17-inch alloy wheels,heated leather seats with power on the driver's side, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with audio controls, plus a power sunroof, auto climate control, trip computer, wood grain interior trim, chrome door handles, retractable cargo cover, body side cladding and a rear spoiler. All of these features should push the price up to about $28,000. Exact models and features for U.S.-spec Sorentos will be available later this year.

Safety is covered too, as every Sorento comes with ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes, traction control and electronic stability control to mitigate rollovers, plus front airbags, side curtain airbags and, new for 2008, a driver's side knee airbag. Kia is proud to point out that the Sorento has earned the highest possible safety rating in all NHTSA tests.

So for 2008 Kia has kept the Sorento's attractive, if understated design and focused on improving what needed it the most. Just don't expect anyone to be able to tell the difference between the outgoing model and your new 2008 edition. Of course, when an SUV looks as good as the Sorento, such subtle change is good news indeed.