- Kia’s latest version of UVO telematics included in hot-selling CUV
- 3.3-liter V6 and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder GDI engines offer fun-to-drive performance and fuel efficiency
A little more than a year ago, Kia Motors America (KMA) debuted a significantly redesigned Sorento CUV at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. No mere refresh or facelift, the Sorento benefitted from an all-new chassis, a powerful new Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) V6 engine, a restyled interior, a next-generation infotainment system and Kia’s first-ever Blind Spot Detection system. Carrying over into the 2015 model year, the Sorento success story continues. The 2015 Sorento remains a formidable competitor in the CUV segment, offering equal measures of value and sophistication.
Available in four trims – LX, EX, SX and SX Limited – the 2015 Sorento is offered with an all-aluminum 3.3-liter GDI V6, which produces a smooth 290 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and a stout 252 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm, and a fuel-sipping 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder engine – enhanced for 2015 to provide greater fuel efficiency – producing 191 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 181 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 4,250 rpm.
Power is routed to either the front wheels or, optionally, to all four using an enhanced Torque On Demand all-wheel drive system that seamlessly directs power to the tire with the most traction and now includes Torque Vectoring Cornering Control (TVCC) for added stability under certain driving conditions.
Regardless of engine or driveline choice, the 2015 Sorento comes standard with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Also standard is Electric Motor Driven Power Steering for improved efficiency, and it’s quicker with 2.95 turns of the steering wheel, lock-to-lock. The steering also features an available Flex Steer™ system that offers drivers a choice of three steering modes: Comfort, Normal and Sport.
The 2015 Sorento sports dynamic and sophisticated design elements, inside and out. Aggressively styled front and rear fascias enhance the Sorento’s road presence with a lower, broader appearance up front and a visually wider stance at the rear. For 2015, the signature Kia grille is enhanced with an anodized silver metal or black mesh appearance, and the lower valance has been opened to expose an aggressive cross-hatched intake. Front LED positioning lamps create dramatic eyebrows while projector-style headlights peer from behind tapered clear lenses. Available fog lights on all trim models are upended and pushed to the far corners of the front bumper for better forward and side visibility. Horizontally positioned rear LED combination lamps embrace the turn signal and back-up lights, emitting a warm corona that makes the 2015 Sorento instantly recognizable from behind. The Sorento rides on handsomely designed 17-, 18- and available 19-inch wheels.
Inside, the instrument panel deftly combines technology with proven ergonomics. Standard on EX and available on the LX trim, the large center gauge cluster features a 7-inch TFT LCD that projects a digital speedometer flanked by easy-to-read analog instruments for the tachometer, fuel level and engine temperature. The TFT LCD readout also displays trip and vehicle information, along with navigation updates (optional). The center stack’s appearance and layout convey a modern feel, and button positions are arranged for a more user-friendly experience.
The 2015 Sorento is designed with a large, vibrant touch screen. Diagonally spanning eight inches, the optional screen integrates navigation, SiriusXM Traffic1 with real-time road information updates, a premium Infinity®2 audio system, SiruisXM Satellite Radios, Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity3, vehicle settings and UVO eServices4, Kia’s next generation of infotainment and telematics. For 2015, navigation can be uncoupled from UVO and the Infinity sound system, delivering an added option for superior voice-recognition technology and premium sound quality. Carry-over options in the 2015 Sorento include a programmable power liftgate, panoramic sunroof with a one-piece, power-operated shade, integrated 2nd row sliding sunshades, available dual ventilated air-cooled front seats, a 115-volt power inverter, and illuminated door handle pockets.
