Kia’s best selling crossover the “Sorento” has earned top safety honors from the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety. Although mostly “a carryover" for 2017, KIa adds a bit of value to this exceptional CUV with a modest price increase.
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Last September I spent a week in the seat of 2016 Kia Sorento and was more than just a bit blown away by how refined and fun to drive this affordable crossover is. KIa continues its exponential market growth in North America, thanks to a measurable uptick in initial quality, standard option packaging and cutting edge good looks. Catch my Kia Sorento drive review here.
KIa expands active safety suite to mid-trim Sorento option packaging
Following the auto industry-wide trend first initiated by Honda Motor Company and others, buyers will now have an extensive active safety option in lower priced trim variants of 2017 Kia Sorento. When we look to Kia’s news release of July 18: Sorento earns the IIHS Top Safety Plus rating when equipped with the “optional” front crash prevention system.
In the words of Kia’s Orth Hedrick
*“These results are a clear indication that Kia places a high priority on safety by offering advanced crash avoidance technologies and enhancing vehicle structure through the use of advanced high-strength steel,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “We are proud that the Sorento received strong ratings across the board, and having earned the prestigious TSP+ award bolsters our strong safety record and the integrity of our products.”
To qualify for a Top Safety Pick Plus rating, each vehicle must earn “good” ratings in each of the five crashworthiness tests – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints – as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention.
The 2017 Sorento is available with many driver-assistance systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)1, Advanced Smart Cruise Control1, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)1, Blind Spot Detection (BSD)1, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)1, and HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL)1 technology, high-beam assist (HBA)1, and rear parking assist1.
About Sorento
The 2017 Sorento carries over into its second model year with new technology such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay® (late availability) in addition to two new packages that add greater flexibility – the Advanced Touring Package and the Advanced Technology Package.
The third-generation Sorento is available in five trim levels. The handsomely equipped LX, EX, SX, and SXL models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque, or a 3.3-liter V-6 that makes 290 horsepower and 252 lb.-ft. of torque, while the EX trim is also available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
Sorento continues to offer an advanced AWD system that automatically routes power to the wheel with the most traction, while inside, the Sorento delivers class-up premium materials, offering the perfect combination of refinement and capability.
In closing: I find Kia Sorento to be a great purchase value in a very competitive segment. It’s a fun , very capable on and off road driver that turns heads at every stop light. For me, the stellar safety rating is simply the icing on the cake that is 2017 Kia Sorento.
*Kia Motors America.
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