The 2012 Kia Sorento continues to shine, offering car-like handling, capable engine options and an impressive level of standard equipment. Fresh from last year’s redesign, the 2012 Kia Sorento models gains a few more upgrades for 2012. Topping the list is a new, optional four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection for more power and better fuel economy.
Also new in the 2012 Kia Sorento accessories are a ventilated driver seat, stain-resistant seat fabric and Kia’s “Uvo” voice-activated control interface. With the 2012 Kia Sorento, Kia continues its determined effort with an impressive starting price that pits the Sorento squarely against crossover all-stars like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
The 2012 Kia Sorento is a crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: base, LX, EX and the sporty 2012 Kia Sorento SX. A third-row 50/50-split-folding seat with room for two is optional on the LX Sorrento 2012 and four-cylinder EX, and standard on the EX V6 and 2012 Kia Sorento SX.
A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 175 hp and 169 pound-feet of torque comes standard on base Sorrento 2012 and 2012 Kia Sorento LX trim levels. A direct-injected version of the same engine is rated at 191 hp and 181 lb-ft, and it’s optional on the 2012 Kia Sorento LX and standard on the EX. The Sorrento 2012 base model has a six-speed manual transmission, while all others come with a six-speed automatic.
Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, while 2012 Kia Sorento LX and EX models can be had with all-wheel drive. The AWD system also offers an available locking center differential to improve low-speed traction in icy or off-road situations while driving the 2012 Kia Sorento.
In 2012 Kia Sorento reviews testing, the base four-cylinder accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 9.9 seconds, one of the slower times in the class. EPA estimate the 2012 Kia Sorento fuel economy at 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the front-wheel-drive automatic. 2012 Kia Sorento AWD models drop fuel economy to 21/27/23.
Fuel economy for the direct-injected four-cylinder is rated at 22/32/25 with front-wheel drive, and 21/28/23 with all-wheel drive. Optional on LX and EX models and standard on the 2012 Kia Sorento SX is a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. It’s offered only with the six-speed automatic and gets the Sorento 2012 from zero to 60 mph in an impressive 7.4 seconds, one of the quicker times in the class. 2012 Kia Sorento fuel economy with front-wheel drive is 20/26/22, while all-wheel drive gets 18/24/20.
Competitors of the 2012 Kia Sorento
In 2012 Kia Sorento reviews, test drivers are impressed by how well the Sorrento 2012 drives for an SUV in its price range. Even the base engine is adequate for most drivers, but the 2012 Kia Sorento upgraded power plants earn praise for their capable performance. And even though this 2012 Kia Sorento can’t handle hardcore off-road-in, some 2012 Sorento reviews say its optional all-wheel drive is capable enough to get the kids to school in bad weather.
Overall, the 2012 Kia Sorento is an impressive effort. Thanks to its engine lineup and enhanced feature content, 2012 Kia Sorento competes with its more familiar rivals on performance, not just price. Nevertheless, we suggest shopping around, since the Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Journey and Subaru Forester are all worth a look, as are the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, which are the traditional favorites. But we recommend the 2012 Kia Sorento without hesitation; it’s a testament to how far this automaker has come in just a few years.
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