2017 Kia Sorento: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2017 Kia Sorento offers a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and available luxury, positioning itself as a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment. Known for its versatile seating arrangements, robust feature set, and confident driving dynamics, the Sorento appeals to families and individuals seeking a well-rounded and capable vehicle.
Highlights
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Engine Options: The 2017 Sorento provides a choice between two capable powertrains.
- 2.4L Inline-4: This standard engine delivers adequate power for daily commuting and general driving, prioritizing fuel efficiency. It's a good option for buyers who don't frequently tow or carry heavy loads.
- 3.3L V6: For those seeking more performance and towing capability, the optional V6 engine offers significantly stronger acceleration and grunt. This is the preferred choice for families regularly venturing on road trips or needing to haul larger items. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission.
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Advanced Safety Features: Kia equipped the 2017 Sorento with a suite of available and standard safety technologies designed to protect occupants and assist drivers.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions, allowing for timely intervention.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid a frontal collision if the driver doesn't respond to FCW warnings.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Provides an audible or visual alert if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal activated.
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD): Monitors the blind spots on either side of the vehicle, warning the driver of approaching vehicles.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Detects vehicles approaching from the sides when backing out of a parking space or driveway.
- Surround View Monitor: Offers a bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings, aiding in parking and low-speed maneuvering.
- High-Strength Steel: The Sorento's body structure incorporates a significant amount of high-strength steel, enhancing structural rigidity and occupant protection in the event of a collision.
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Trim Level Summary: The 2017 Sorento was offered in several distinct trim levels, each building upon the previous one with increasing levels of comfort, technology, and stylistic enhancements.
- L (Base): The entry-level trim provides essential features for a comfortable and functional experience.
- LX: Adds more convenience features and often includes enhanced exterior styling elements.
- EX: Introduces more advanced technology and comfort amenities, often including upgraded upholstery and infotainment options.
- SX: Steps up the luxury and sportiness with premium features and a more refined interior and exterior design.
- SXL (Limited): The top-tier trim, offering the most comprehensive list of premium features, advanced technologies, and luxurious appointments, essentially providing a near-luxury experience.
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Notable Aspects:
- Available Third-Row Seating: The Sorento offers an optional third row of seating, providing seating for up to seven passengers. This makes it a versatile choice for larger families or those who occasionally need extra seating capacity.
- User-Friendly Infotainment System: Kia's UVO infotainment system is generally praised for its intuitive interface, responsive touch screen, and integration with smartphone mirroring technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (on select trims/packages).
- Comfortable Ride: The Sorento generally delivers a comfortable and composed ride, absorbing road imperfections well, making it a pleasant vehicle for long journeys.
- Strong Warranty: Kia's industry-leading warranty, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, offers significant peace of mind for owners.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Kia Sorento typically translates to a reliable and satisfying ownership experience. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements, will be standard. Given Kia's reputation for dependability, major unexpected repairs are generally not a common concern, especially with regular adherence to the recommended maintenance schedule. Insurance costs will vary based on individual factors like driving record, location, and coverage levels, but generally, SUVs in this class are moderately priced to insure. The Sorento's user-friendly cabin and available advanced driver aids contribute to a stress-free driving environment.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Kia Sorento is a well-rounded vehicle, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects. The third-row seating, while present, is best suited for children or occasional adult use due to its limited legroom and ingress/egress. Cargo space is also somewhat compromised when the third row is in use. Some drivers may find the standard 2.4L four-cylinder engine to be a bit underpowered for heavy hauling or spirited acceleration, making the V6 a more desirable option for those seeking greater performance. While the ride is generally comfortable, some competitors might offer a slightly more refined or sophisticated feel over rough pavement.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Kia Sorento stands out as a versatile, feature-rich, and practical midsize SUV. With its choice of efficient or powerful engines, a strong emphasis on safety technologies, and a comfortable, well-appointed interior, it caters to a wide range of needs. The availability of seven-passenger seating and a user-friendly infotainment system further solidify its appeal. Despite the limitations of its third row and the modest performance of the base engine, the 2017 Sorento remains a compelling option for families and individuals seeking a capable and dependable SUV with a strong value proposition.