The 2020 Kia Sorento is expected to continue where the 2018 and 2019 models left off: an affordable option that fits any lifestyle. The Sorento is designed with versatility in mind. Whether you are looking for a car to take you on a dirt road to your favorite camping destination, or a comfortable car to haul your kids around town, this is the multi-purpose vehicle built with the modern consumer in mind. While it may lack a signature trait, it’s incredibly well-rounded and versatile. It’s the sum of all parts that really sets this car apart from others in its class.
If you are looking for a vehicle to take on the Rubicon Trail, this might not be the SUV for you. You might already own a vehicle built for such a trail, but you know then that carpooling might be a little difficult in your favorite off-roader. And, of course, vice-versa. Trading in your sensible minivan or sedan or family-minded, gas-guzzling SUV for a ride that makes sense for the modern family—that’s where the Kia Sorento comes in. This is the kind of compromise you can feel good about because it has one of the lowest MSRPs in its class, even with many standard features. The Sorento is truly a double threat at the right price, starting at only $26,690.
It’s nice when technology brings us something truly useful—specifically, a car that we can all agree on. The days of trying to feign excitement when looking for a family-friendly car are over. Here is an affordable, true crossover that has something for everyone in the family to get excited about. Who wouldn’t be excited about a car that can handle the rigors of suburban life while also offering the peace of mind to explore the great outdoors?
Standard in Excellence
What you can expect from the 2020 Kia Sorento is a multitude of standard features you will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in the class. While the Sorento might not be top in its class for off-roading, it does come with the option to lock down the AWD system with a 50/50 front-rear torque split to get you through snow or washed out roads. Not bad for a crossover that can also accommodate seven passengers. It also offers a creative 40/20/40 split-folding second-row, as well as 50/50 split-folding third-row seats, to adjust to any of your passenger and cargo needs.
LX models come standard with blind-spot and rear cross-traffic detection. For EX models, there’s a forward-collision warning, adaptive radar cruise control, lane-departure warning with automatic steering correction, autonomous emergency braking, and drowsy-driver alert. Priced competitively in a crowded crossover market, the Sorento has always been known as one of the most value-packed SUVs out there, and this is not expected to change with the 2020 model.
Kia engineering has greatly improved with the third-generation Sorento, which debuted with the 2015 model, especially concerning suspension tuning. No longer can you expect poor rebounding over bumps. Handling is also solid for a three-row crossover. The L and LX come standard with a 2.4L I4 engine, which produces 185 hp, and 6-speed automatic transmission. The S, EX, and SX trims will handle winding roads with ease with a 3.3L V6, 290 hp engine, and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 2020 L model will also come standard with CarPlay and Android Auto on a 7-inch infotainment display, keyless entry, and a rearview camera, with the LX model including extra USB power points. The S trim offers heated front seats, a Smart Key with push-button start, blind-spot collision warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, emergency braking, and a parking distance warning for reverse. In addition to a sunroof and powered liftgate, the EX model features many driver assists like front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Due to these many safety features, the 2019 Sorento found itself on many top safety lists, earning a U.S. News Safety Score of 9.9 out of 10.
The SX model will include 19-inch wheels, a power panoramic sunroof, imbedded GPS navigation with an 8-inch display screen, upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, surround view monitor, front-obstacle detection, wireless smartphone charger, 14-way power driver’s seat with memory positioning, and 10-way power front-passenger seat.
Interior Adaptability
Another exciting feature of the 2020 Sorento is how easily the interior adapts to your needs. The interior boasts 73 cubic feet of cargo space, and while you might find more cargo space elsewhere, what sets the Sorento apart from its competitors is the unique design that allows you to tailor the space for any adventure. With the 3-row, 7-person seating, you have plenty of room to take your kids and their friends to practice, or all of your gear on your camping trip.
Say you want to hit the road for a weekend adventure or day trip with the family. Normally, you might worry about packing and how everything could possibly fit. Imagine the gear piling up around the car as your kids empty the garage. No worries, you’ll think. I got this. With the Sorento, you have many options for any kind of trip. Simply fold down the seats you don’t need, and voila – you have all the room you need for a fun day at the beach or the park; wake-boards, boogie boards, gear, skateboards, you name it. The possibilities are endless.
The endless possibilities are just another example of Kia engineering staying ahead of the competition. And with the 2020 Kia Sorento, the 3-row, 7-seat option for the 2019 Sorento will now be standard for all models. Considering the seating and cargo flexibility and many safety features coming standard, this is clearly a car built with your family in mind.
Affordability
Again, what truly separates this car from the pack is the price. The Sorento’s competition in the crowded market of three-row crossovers includes big names, such as the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Chevrolet Traverse. But no one in the class can compete with the Sorento when it comes to MSRP. Most competitors start in the low $30,000 range, while the 2020 Sorento starts just under $27,000. With a price like that, and the much-improved functionality and adaptability, expect the Sorento to remain competitive in the market for some time.
The value that sets the Sorento apart extends from the bottom trim to the top trim. The 2020 Sorento will undercut most competitors while also including a standard third row. Combine that with a powertrain warranty of 10 years/100,000 miles, and you have a vehicle with tremendous value. The Sorento’s many strengths place it in a unique position in its class: it’s the rough-and-tumble family vehicle that’s easy to like.
