Kia Sorento: Jalopnik's Buyers Guide

The Kia Sorento, like much of the modern Hyundai-Kia stable, is a lot of car for not a lot of coin. What do you need to know before you buy a Sorento? Don't worry, we'll tell you everything right here in our Buyer's Guide.

We've already told you: Hyundai and Kia don't suck anymore. They're formidable competition for even the most established Japanese marques, and the new Kia Sorento is shaping up to continue the trend.

Our Tom McParland thinks the new Sorento is the three-row crossover for everyone. He describes the Sorento as a great value proposition, and gives some insight into who typically buys cars like the Sorento:

Here is how it usually goes down. A customer comes to me and wants a Highlander or a Pilot with everything. Then they see the price and realize they have to make some sacrifices. They end up saying something like, "Well I guess I don't really need navigation."...To [these people] I say "Have you considered the Kia Sorento? You can get a lot of equipment for your money and that long warranty is nice for peace of mind." To which they respond, "The Kia what?"

And that's the story of many new Kias: they're underdogs making surprising triumphs over well-established stalwarts.

The 2016 Kia Sorento is all new. That means it gets significantly revised exterior styling over the last generation, the interior gets a big update, and a new 2.0-liter turbo I4 makes its debut. There's also new tech in the Sorento like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning.

The Sorento comes in eight trims for 2016: L, LX, LX V6, EX, EX V6, SX V6, Limited, and Limited V6.

If it were us, we'd put our money on the EX V6, as it offers a good helping of standard features at a more than reasonable price point. It comes standard with a 290 horsepower 3.3-liter V6, rear camera display, power leather seats, heated front seats, third row seating, a backup warning system, Bluetooth, dual zone automatic climate control, projector beam headlights, fog lights, 18" alloy wheels, front and side airbags, and a bunch more.

We'd tack on all-wheel drive for another $1,800 and call it a day at $34,890 all in with destination. Yes, a 3-row leather-equipped V6 mid-size SUV for less than $35,000. Not bad. [Build Your Own]

MSRP: $24,900-$41,300 Max Advertised Towing Capability: 5,000 [AWD V6]

MPG: 21 city/ 29 hwy / 24 combined [2wd 2.4L] Engines: 2.0L turbo I4, 2.4L I4, 3.3L V6

Curb Weight: ~3,700-4,340 pounds IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick

Transmissions: 6-speed automatic

Drivetrain Layout: Front engine, FWD/AWD

Photo credit: Kia