Photo Gallery:
2011 Kia Sorento
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So, last week I was driving a vehicle available in just two trims: the 2010 Acura RDX, with or without Technology Package. This week I move from the perhaps overly-simplified in terms of option choices to the perhaps overly complex — the 2011 Kia Sorento.
The Sorento is available in 15 different trim levels, according to Kia’s ordering guide. That breaks down to five four-cylinder models and ten six-cylinder models to choose from. It’s something more and more manufacturers are doing now –offering the four-cylinder engine in one of the higher trim levels — which is great, as it means you no longer have to get the six-cylinder if all you wanted was that sunroof or leather seats.
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Keeping with the tradition of fully-loaded, this week’s tester is an EX-V6 Luxury model with all-wheel drive, seven seats and a six-speed steptronic transmission. From perusing around the car, it looks like the only thing that is really missing is a power rear lift-gate, since luxuries such as navigation, heated seats, dual-zone climate control and more are present.
For those purists that insist that there must be a manual transmission, Kia even offers you that in the most basic, front-wheel drive, four-cylinder model — just like the old days! Ironically, the manual transmission is rated for poorer fuel economy than the automatic, and I suspect finding one in stock at a dealership may be a challenge.
That base model starts at $23,995 and includes some interesting amenities and features such as: Electronic Stability Control, Hill Ascent Control, six airbags, 17-inch wheels, air-conditioning, heated front seats, voice activated Bluetooth and steering wheel mounted audio controls.
Option out the Sorento and you arrive at my tester’s $39,195, which adds quite a few extras including: a third row for seven passenger seating, leather, navigation, a 3.5-litre V6 engine, smart key push button start and entry, and a panoramic sunroof that spans nearly the full roof of the vehicle.
2011 Kia Sorento EX-V6 Luxury
MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $39,195
For more information on Kia and the Sorento visit Kia Canada
