Automotive Trends

      In the automotive schoolyard, Kia is the kid who has the lowliest reputation, the one who is the butt of jokes, isn’t too popular, wears worn-out clothes, and occasionally gets roughed up by bullies simply because it hasn’t been aggressive enough to scare the competition.
     Finally, this Korean kid is fighting back.
     Kia’s one-two punch comes in the form of a midsize SUV that’s trying desperately to improve the company’s reputation for making cheap cars, not necessarily good ones. The pretty Sorento, still attractively priced at under $20,000, aims to dispel the belief that Kia’s lineup is filled with cheap interiors, puny engines, and drab styling.
     While it’s still not on par with the quality of its Japanese rivals, the Sorento takes a big step forward with improved interior materials, upscale styling, hearty power, and a shocking list of standard features. Coupled with that beautiful base price, Kia appears ready for a vicious battle to fill America’s seemingly insatiable appetite for SUVs.
     So where does this scrappy Kia beat expectations? Let’s start with its size, which is nearly big enough to match midsize SUV stalwarts like the Ford Explorer and Chevy Trailblazer. Yet, its low price and nimble handling most closely match those on mini-SUVs like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. Any way you look at it, this Kia doesn’t disappoint with interior volume per dollar.
     Then there’s the styling. It just doesn’t look like a bargain SUV, not with its Lexus-like rear end and carefully sculpted front fenders that have a high-end appearance. It’s easy to do a doubletake when one sees the humble Kia badge near such handsome sheetmetal.

     Slide behind the wheel and you’ll see something completely unexpected in a Kia–a generally high quality interior. Tight-fitting panels with soft, subtly textured materials have a charming two-tone style, and most controls have a precise, almost German feel. The only area that is glaringly cheap is the Sorento’s air conditioning/heating controls, which feel flimsy and loose in comparison with other switches on the dash. But hey, Kia had to cut costs somewhere.
     Other cost cutting is evident in refinement of the Sorento’s powertrain, which offers plenty of pep but isn’t as smooth and quiet as some of its competitors during acceleration. It is, however, capable of towing 3,500 pounds with its healthy V6 engine that makes 192 horsepower. Brakes are more than impressive with discs at all four wheels and a firm, grippy feel.
     Another pleasant surprise is the list of standard features on the Sorento. Its base model comes with a fold-flat rear seat, cruise control, side curtain air bags, a nice eight-speaker CD stereo, and organizers spattered throughout the cabin. Fancier models, which top out in the $25,000 range, offer a trip computer, upscale wheels, a sunroof, and leather seats.
     How does Kia keep the price so low? Perhaps it’s overly skeptical to think so, but long-term quality may be sacrificed in favor of lower prices at the dealership. In addition to the flimsy air conditioning controls and coarse powertrain, a rear door let out a loud, rubbery shriek each time it was opened during our week-long test drive. It could be a sign of worse things to come.
     Overall, though, it’s hard to argue with the Sorento’s surprising size and upscale look and feel, especially at a sub-$20,000 price. If Kia keeps it up, it could start winning more of those schoolyard brawls.