Sales of the 2011 Kia Sorento begin in January and this week Kia launched the "build your Sorento" tool on its consumer website. A base front-wheel-drive Sorento with a 175-horsepower 2.4-liter inline-4 and six-speed manual gearbox starts at $19,995 plus a $795 destination charge. It comes with the safety basics, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, a telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and satellite radio.
Next up is the LX which moves you into an obligatory six-speed automatic transmission, but gives the choice of front-drive ($23,190) or all-wheel-drive ($24,890). There's not a lot of difference in features compared to the base model, save for an auto-up power driver window, but the Sorento LX does provide access to an optional third-row seat (taking capacity to 7) plus a convenience package with a back-up camera, rear sonar, heated seats and foglights.
Finally, there's the 2011 Kia Sorento EX. It's the only member of the Sorento family that comes with either the four-cylinder or the more satisfying, and nearly as fuel-efficient, 276-hp 3.5-liter V6. Four-cylinder EXs will cost you $25,390 with front-drive and $27,090 with AWD.
Step up to the V6 and you're looking at $27,990 for the front-drive version and $29,690 for the AWD. All Sorento EXs have 18-inch wheels, automatic climate control, keyless start and cloth/leatherette upholstery. The EX V6 also has a standard third row and a separate rear air-conditioner. Leather, a navigation system and an Infinity sound system are optional on all EX models. And EX V6 customers have their choice of a giant sunroof or a rear entertainment system.
A fully optioned 2011 Kia Sorento EX V6 AWD costs $34,920.
rsholland says:
09:02 AM, 12/18/09
This is a good looking CUV, much in the same way the Forester is. Not sure about the pricing though. It looks like an entry-level AWD (LX) starts at $24,890, which is pretty high—and a fully-boogie EX V6 AWD goes for $34,920. Yikes!
bodyblue says:
09:05 AM, 12/18/09
Kia is making some really nice looking cars these days.....I cant believe they look as nice as they do.
notabigdeal says:
02:00 PM, 12/18/09
34k puts this at the Venza range. I guess the new Tuscan will be the heavy hitter for the cheaper SUV market. I would consider it after i give it a test run myself. Good breaks + handling characteristics would make this SUV a winner for me.