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2017 Kia Sorento Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Not a sports car, but solid. by the4clarksbills

A member in Florida, United States

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Introduction

Got a family? Need space, with options for an extra kid or two? This car is a good all around family vehicle.

Reviewed: 2017 Kia Sorento

4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.3L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Why the 2017 Kia Sorento?

Past personal experience

We purchased this vehicle in June 2016. I test drove lots of cars in this class before deciding. Love most things about it, from the technology to the comfort options. If you want a zippy, sporty handling vehicle, this isn't it. It is a great family suv, though. My former car, a 07 Murano drove like a truck. This definitely drives more like a car/suv. Things I don't like: Even the V6 version doesn't have a lot of heft when first accelerating. I drove 4 cylinders that had more zip while we were test driving (Mazda CX-5, Toyota Rav-4, Subaru Forester). It drives a lot like the Hyundai Santa Fe. When accelerating heavily, it is slow to respond at first and then revs up too much and the engine becomes loud. The acceleration needs to be more even, with more on the frontside of the acceleration. The shifiting seems slightly off sometimes. Apple Car Play has some issues that need to be worked out. I use Waze for navigation and when I try to, the car's systems and my phone fight for control and eventually they both stop responding. Some features are not accessible on the car's systems, such as the keypad on the phone for entering exentions and so on. This is an issue. Things I like: This is a good solid vehicle and is well designed. I love the heated and ventilated seats as well as the tech options. One of my favorite things is the AutoHold. I love the auto tailgate, especially when my hands are full. I walk up to the car and wait for it to lift. I like the ability to adjust various systems, from the variable cruise to the configuration of the speedometer. Thought was given to power options in the back and rear folding seats. My Murano didn't have power connections in the back seat. There are lot of safety features built in and these will go a long way to autonomous vehicles. There is more cargo space than my 2007 Murano with the rear seats down. Overall, this car is a pleasure to drive around town and is comfortable on trips. The safety and comfort features are worth the money.

Why Not the 2017 Kia Sorento?

Powertrain performance

This vehicle is slow to accelerate at first, seems to hesitate between shifts in the lower gears, then over accelerates and the engine becomes loud.

Handling

This is not a sporty, zippy vehicle. It is solid, though.

Controls and instruments

Apple Car Play has some issues that need to be worked out. When I use Waze to navigate, the car and the phone fight and eventually they both end up unresponsive. There are some features on the phone relating to phone calls that are unavailable on the car system, such as keypad. This is an issue.

Other Features of the 2017 Kia Sorento

Conclusion

A good purchase for the money as long as you understand that this is not sporty and can't get you from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds. It's comfortable and seems to be well thought out for the average person.

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Response from NormT

8:35 am August 26, 2017

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