The first-gen Kia Sorento->ke1321 hit the market in 2003, and the second-gen model followed for the 2010 model year. After a few years on the market, Kia->ke41 decided to update the Sorento for 2014, presenting what was believed to be – at the time – the third-generation Sorento. In all fairness, the update was pretty comprehensive, bringing an all-new chassis, a new direct-injected V-6 gasoline engine, redesigned interior and an all-new infotainment system. In addition to all of this, the Sorento also started out 2014 with a new top-of-the-line trim level called the SX Limited. The new engine delivers 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque and is backed by a “smooth shifting” six-speed automatic transmission. As part of the 2014 redesign, the car also came standard with electric power steering for the first time in its history.

Kia might have been a little confused about the difference between a facelift and a new generation. Surely, it is one of the most comprehensive refreshes we’ve seen, but Kia went on to usher in the real third-generation for the 2016 model year with even more updates. Even if Kia was a little confused about what it was doing in 2014, it still came correct with the Sorento at the time and helped to raise the bar in an otherwise bland segment.

Either way, it’s obvious that Kia went to great lengths to give the Sorento significant improvements. In the words of Michael Sprague, Executive Vice President of marketing and communications for Kia Motors America: "With more than 80 percent of the 2014 Sorento including new or significantly redesigned parts, it’s obvious that the improvements are not just skin deep; including technological enhancements such as UVO eServices, the next generation of our voice activated telematics system, and Kia’s first-ever blind spot detection system.2"

Kia might have been better offer waiting another year and bringing these changes together with the new styling of the 2016 model, but the market compact->ke140 SUV->ke145 market is extremely competitive and to keep up with the Honda CR-V->ke1595s and the Toyota Rav4->ke370s, Kia had to act quickly. Did it do enough to keep Kia customers happy until the 2016 model debuted? Read our full review below to find out for yourself.

Find out the latest digs on the new 2014 Sorento after the jump

2014 Kia Sorento

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Kia Sorento
  • Engine/Motor: GDI four-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 191
  • Torque: 180
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The first thing you'll notice about the 2014 Sorento is that it looks smaller than its predecessors. Don't get us wrong, as a crossover, we didn't expect a hulking SUV, but a case can be made that the new Sorento seems to have been designed with an eye towards giving it a sportier and more dynamic look. It certainly doesn't hurt that Kia's offering three colors for the crossover -- Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Silver -- although we certainly wouldn't mind seeing it in other shades, too.

The front and rear fascias have been redesigned to enhance the look of the car. The tiger-nose grille, in particular, was a big with its new anodized silver-metal or black-mesh appearance. Even the front LED positioning lamps have been modified, creating dynamic eyebrows. It's a setup that's both eye catching and functional, underscoring the entire purpose of the 2014 Sorento as a refreshed model.

Wheel options for the Sorento vary from redesigned 17- and 18-inch models all the way up to 19-inch wheels, making this the first Sorento ever to have 19-inchs rims. Technology was also a critical element to the overall setup of the new Sorento. No more was that evident than Kia using advanced sonar sensors, and making the 2014 Sorento the first of many Kia vehicles to begin offering a blind-spot detection system.

Finally, as the top-of-the-line model, the SX Limited comes with its own set of new features, including the addition of self-leveling Xenon HID head lights, exclusive 19-inch chrome wheels, sporty red-painted brake calipers, and exclusive SXL badges that have been plastered around the exterior to complete the look.

What Kia did with its new crossover just goes to show the lengths it’s gone to turn their entire model range around, the Sorento included.

Interior

Like the rest of the new models from Kia, the 2014 Sorento was treated to a plush interior makeover. It's a refreshing take, especially when you consider that the market it belongs to pays less attention on being pretty than anything else. To its credit, Kia wanted to give the Sorento some new shine and did so by dressing it up with unique and luxurious Nappa leather trimmed seats. A wood-trimmed, heated steering wheel is also part of the improved interior makeup of the Sorento as are the heated rear seats, both of which come as standard features to the crossover. In addition, Kia also added an exclusive soft-touch headliner and pillar accents to the Sorento SX Limited.

For all of the aesthetic improvements on the Sorento, Kia also paid careful attention to giving the crossover plenty of functionality, highlighted by a redesigned instrument panel that combines technology with proven ergonomics. On the Sorrento EX and above, the crossover's large center gauge cluster comes with a 7-inch TFT LCD screen that projects plenty of travel information for the convenience of the driver and the passengers. It displays info like trip and vehicle information, along with navigation updates with the latter coming as an added option.

The Sorento's center stack -- a part of the interior that usually gets ignored -- was modernized to provide a cleaner look to the button positions, thus creating a more user-friendly experience. This design was also done in large part to provide room for the Sorento's larger, albeit optional, touchscreen. This screen can be used to integrate a host of features on the Kia crossover, including navigation, SiriusXM Traffic with real-time road information updates, a premium Infinity audio system, SiruisXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, vehicle settings and UVO eServices, the automaker's next generation of infotainment and telematics.

Rounding out the available interior features in the 2014 Sorento include a programmable power liftgate, a redesigned panoramic sunroof with a one piece power-operated shade, integrated 2nd row sliding sunshades, dual ventilated air-cooled front seats, a 115-volt power inverter, and illuminated door handle pockets.

Performance and Handling

One of the highlights of the new 2014 Kia Sorento is its engine. While the 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 181 lb/ft of torque at 4,250 rpm returns to the fold as a standard for both the LX and the EX, the higher trim models will now feature a 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine that packs 290 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and a stout 250 lb/ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. Among the models that will carry this as standard equipment include the LX V6, EX V6, SX and SX Limited whereas the LX and EX can also have this powertrain as an added option.

Power is then routed to either the front wheels or, as an option, to all four using an enhanced Torque On Demand all-wheel drive system that seamlessly directs power to the tire with the most traction. New to this model is the Torque Vectoring Cornering Control (TVCC) that not only aids stability under certain driving conditions, but also improves overall drivability.

One of the highlights of the new 2014 Kia Sorento is its engine. The 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm returns to the fold as a standard for both the LX and the EX. The higher trim models will now feature a 3.3-liter GDI V-6 engine that packs 290 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and a stout 250 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. Among the models that will carry this as standard equipment include the LX V6, EX V6, SX and SX Limited whereas the LX and EX can also have this powertrain as an added option.

Power is then routed to either the front wheels or, as an option, to all four wheels, using an enhanced Torque On Demand all-wheel drive system that seamlessly directs power to the tire with the most traction. New to this model is the Torque Vectoring Cornering Control (TVCC) that not only aids stability under certain driving conditions, but also improves overall drivability.

Pricing

No word yet on how much the 2014 Sorento is going to cost. Stick with us because as soon as info becomes available, we'll be sure to bring it to you.

Competition

The Kia Sorento LX and EX belong in a market that, to say the least, is extremely competitive. You can expect it to go head to head with a number of notable models, including the Honda CR-V, and the Toyota Rav4.

The latter of the two competitors also made its debut at the LA Auto Show, packing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 176 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers are in the wheelhouse of the Honda CR-V, which carries a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 180 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. In terms of performance, the 2014 Sorento has a leg up, thanks to its aforementioned 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder engine that hits 191 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque.