2017 Kia Sorento Owner’s Manual

Last year’s redesign saw the Kia Sorento grow from a midsize crossover to breach the full-fledged midsize vehicle category, bolstering both its size and features to make it more competitive in that fairly upmarket segment.

With the 2017 model, Kia makes incremental updates to the Sorento’s feature list to give it more ammo to rank better in this cutthroat market segment, enhancing its status in terms of luxury, premium pricing, and performance.

Notable additions to this release include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality for all models and standard shift paddles for the EX 2.0T trim. Kia also throws in an array of add-on safety features, with all models now packing side airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for both rows, traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, and a standard rearview camera in all except the base LX trim.

Other safety features like rear parking sensors, Uvo eServices, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning remain standard on the higher trims and options on the base models.

Under the hood, there is a selection of three main engine setups designed to cater to all types of buyers.

The base unit is a value-oriented 2.4-liter four-cylinder that outputs 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. From there, things ramp up fast, with the mid-tier option being a 240-horsepower 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. At the same time, the range-topper is a peppy 3.3-liter V6 that generates 290 horses and 252 pound-feet of torque and brings additional refinement to provide a driving character that considerably dwarfs what is on offer with the lower engines.

All three engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive with an optional upgrade to all-wheel drive.