Vehicle Profile: The 2012 Kia Sorento

March 16, 2012 - PRLog -- The crossover perfected with up to 32 mpg.

When was the last time you saw “seating for up to seven” and “32 mpg” to describe the same vehicle? That’s exactly what the 2012 Kia Sorento crossover delivers.

Shopping for a crossover presents lots of choices, but many of those choices also present “sticker shock” prices. Leave it to Kia to bring a higher level of comfort, versatility, efficiency and safety than you ever thought possible starting at an MSRP of just $23,150. You might associate a price like that with a smaller vehicle, rather than one with seating for up to seven and 72.5 cubic feet of carrying space with rear seats folded. Those are just two compelling reasons why the U.S.-built 2012 Kia Sorento demands a closer look. There are plenty more.

An outstanding combination of price, low ownership cost, comfort, performance and utility earned the 2012 Kia Sorento a “Best Buy” designation from Consumers Digest magazine. The Sorento also earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Those two accolades start to paint a picture of what could be the perfect family vehicle.

The 2012 Kia Sorento, available in LX, EX and SX trims, makes any drive as comfortable and enjoyable as a drive in a premium sedan. For 2012, you have a choice between the standard 175-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the Sorento LX and the new 191-hp version with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). Not only is the 2.4 GDI engine more powerful, it also delivers 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway, compared to 21/29 mpg ratings for the base engine.

The 2.4 GDI engine comes standard in Sorento EX models. In the Sorento LX, it comes as part of the optional Convenience Package, which also adds a backup warning system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with rear camera display, three-setting heated front seats, roof rails and foglamps. Some competitors’ models make you choose a premium upgrade model to get such features.
For even more power, the 2012 Kia Sorento offers a 3.5-liter V6 that pumps out 276 hp and still runs on Regular grade gasoline.

Also emphasizing the value inherent in the Kia Sorento, the V6 is available in all three trim lines, not just the top SX model, in which it’s standard. The same holds true for the available all-wheel drive system.

The mechanical sophistication that makes the 2012 Kia Sorento both efficient and engaging to drive continues with the standard six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic™ shifting control. Shift manually when you need more control, such as on hills, or when you just want to enjoy sporty performance. With a four-wheel independent suspension and standard 17-inch wheels, the 2012 Sorento handles with agility that inspires driver confidence and rides quite smoothly. The EX and SX models roll on 18-inch wheels.
By now, you can probably tell that the Kia Sorento delivers value by letting you match exactly the trim line, engine and drivetrain you want, rather than make you compromise on features and performance. The attention that Kia lavishes on standard features in the LX underscores that value. The $23,150 MSRP includes such standard features as SiriusXM Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service, MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth® phone connectivity, all accessed via steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

On some competitors’ vehicles, you must step up to a high-line model to get body-colored heated exterior mirrors with LED turn signals, but these, too, come standard on the 2012 Kia Sorento LX. For comfort, the Sorento LX also comes with a standard tilt and telescopic steering column, and all models with cloth seating use YES-Essentials fabric with anti-bacterial, anti-soil and anti-static properties.

The premium features you find in high-priced luxury crossovers can be yours in a Sorento including leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, a ventilated driver’s seat, memory driver’s seat, power-folding side mirrors and even a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel. You’ll also find cutting-edge infotainment technology including the new UVO powered by Microsoft® voice-activated system in Sorento EX models and a 550-watt, 10-speaker Premium Infinity® Surround audio system in the SX (optional for EX).

Come in and see how clever design and engineering makes the 2012 Kia Sorento the one crossover that can play the role of high-value family vehicle and full-on luxury model.

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At MORITZ KIA Hurst, we work hard to get you into the vehicle you have always wanted. We work with a vast array of lending sources to make sure you will get the most complete and comprehensive package available.