Kia Sorento Style

The ugly duckling turns into a swan, the librarian whips off her glasses and she's Kate Beckinsdale, and a forgettable truckish SUV becomes the 2011 Kia Sorento compact crossover with all the right core technology. Bluetooth, an iPod adapter, and satellite radio come standard. The Sorento belongs on the short list of affordable CUVs you should consider for safety and value as well, even if UVO, Kia's Ford Sync competitor, remains delayed on the Sorento. 
Kia Sorento


Kia Sorento


Kia Sorento


Kia Sorento


Kia Sorento


Kia Sorento


Kia Sorento


Kia Sorento


Kia Sorento


Kia Sorento


Kia Sorento




The 2011 Kia Sorento crossover utility vehicle (CUIV) arrived mid-2010 as a complete do-ever, including a switch from a heavier truck design, meaning a separate frame and body, to a car-like unibody. The 2011 Kia Sorento is the better-looking, sportier cousin to the Hyundai Santa Fe. That's sportier as in "even more fun to drive ... until you hit a pothole." The suspension on my test car seemed stiffly sprung. It's a compact, almost-midsize crossover utility vehicle (CUV) of 184 inches with the ability to carry five plus two urchins in the optional ($700) third row.

• Car Review: Affordable Kia Sorento Has All the Right Tech Stuff ...