The dashboard layout is sensible and ergonomically sound with all controls in easy reach of the driver. I’m a fan of the Kia 7.0-inch Supervision instrument cluster with its large digital speedo and information display nestled between analogue fuel and temperature gauges on the right and a tacho on the left.

The tuning and volume knobs are at the bottom of the screen making them easy to get to and there is enough distance between everything to make it easy to adjust on the fly. The layout is simple but effective. The steering wheel controls change between presets – not individual stations – which is a personal bugbear of mine that I’m told nobody else is concerned about.


What does matter is that the system sounds good, and I’m not saying I shared the genius of Sir Mix-A-Lot with the entire village of Mont Tremblant, but the entire ski hill does now know what I like, and what I cannot lie about.

The base trim Kia Sorento LX 2.4L FWD is $27,495 in five-passenger form. Add $2,000 for AWD. To get the turbo you need to upgrade to LX+. That is $30,695 in FWD form and adds a back-up camera, 4.2-inch UVO infotainment screen, leather controls, power driver’s seat and smart key. Once again add $2,000 for AWD and a further $1,200 to upgrade to the V6 engine and seven-seat configuration.

EX is the second-tier trim and starts at $35,595. It comes with the 2.0L turbo and AWD standard as well as: heated steering wheel, leather seats with driver memory, Supervision 7.0-inch LCD instrument cluster and blind-spot detection. EX+ V6 seven-passenger is $36,695, add a sunroof and you’re looking at $37,895.

SX is the third and final trim bracket. It too is standard with the 2.0L turbo and five seats for $42,095 equipped with 19-inch wheels, LED fog lights and Xenon HID headlights, eight-inch infotainment, smart power tailgate, premium leather interior and a panoramic sunroof. $43,195 gets you seven seats and the V6 engine.

SX+ is the fully loaded trim at $46,695 and adds 360-degree camera, Nappa leather seats, smart cruise control, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning and an electronic parking brake.

Between these trims Kia has the lowest entry point at $27,465, though in fairness nobody is buying that one. For my money, the value point is the EX+ V6 with sunroof, a heated steering wheel and a 110V power outlet at $37,895.

The SX does take a significant step forward in terms of premium experience when you factor in the additional glass shielding to the side windows – something those with sensitive ears should consider.

There are few seven-seat propositions with this level of feature content and road comfort for this money. This is one of Kia’s most important nameplates, and the effort shows.

Connect with Autos.ca