The 2016 Kia Sorento marks a significant leap forward for the popular CUV, offering a blend of premium features, enhanced space, and robust performance. This beautifully redesigned vehicle is engineered to elevate your driving experience, whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring off-the-beaten paths. With premium materials, increased headroom and legroom across all three rows, and the capability to handle any adventure, the 2016 Kia Sorento is set to redefine expectations in its class.
Kia has packed the 2016 Sorento with premium amenities and cutting-edge technology, ensuring both driver and passengers travel in comfort and style. The introduction of a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine option, coupled with a stronger body structure and a longer wheelbase, solidifies the Sorento’s position as a top contender in the utility vehicle market. Furthermore, the 2016 Kia Sorento distinguishes itself as the first CUV to feature Clari-Fi™ digital music reconstruction technology by Harman, bringing audiophile-quality sound to your on-road journeys.
First Impressions: Lake Tahoe Unveils the 2016 Kia Sorento
Lake Tahoe, California, with its breathtaking mountain vistas and winding roads, provided the perfect backdrop for the debut of the all-new 2016 Kia Sorento. This location, known for adventure and scenic beauty, mirrors the spirit of the Sorento itself. More capable than ever, the 2016 Kia Sorento boasts increased towing capacity and expanded space for both passengers and cargo, catering to the demands of an active lifestyle. The design language is heavily influenced by the acclaimed Cross GT concept from 2013, signaling a commitment to sophisticated aesthetics and robust functionality.
Kia’s engineering and design teams prioritized creating a vehicle with a stronger core, focusing on superior Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) reduction and instilling driving confidence. The 2016 Kia Sorento offers a diverse powertrain lineup, featuring a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the refined 3.3-liter V6, and an enhanced 2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline-4. Across five trim levels – L, LX, EX, SX, and SXL – buyers will find a wealth of standard premium features and luxurious amenities when the 2016 Kia Sorento hit U.S. dealerships starting in January 2015.
Orth Hedrick, Vice President of Product Planning at KMA, emphasized the meticulous design and craftsmanship of the 2016 Sorento: “The all-new Sorento has been passionately designed and obsessively crafted, delivering class-up premium materials and features in a more capable package. Increased use of advanced high-strength steel and additional structural reinforcement have resulted in improved torsional rigidity, which pays dividends behind the wheel in the form of better ride comfort and driving dynamics. Couple that with significant reductions in NVH and it’s clear that the 2016 Sorento sets Kia’s new standard for the blending of refinement and capability.”
Exterior Design: A Bold and Refined Stance
Redesigning the Sorento was a challenge given the previous generation’s design accolades. Drawing inspiration from the Cross GT concept unveiled at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, the 2016 Kia Sorento embraces nature-inspired elements, resulting in an exterior that is both commanding and elegant. The new model is larger in almost every dimension, projecting a more substantial presence on the road.
The 2016 Sorento adopts a more muscular and grounded stance, conveying a sense of ruggedness and sophistication. Its profile remains distinctly Sorento, now enhanced with stronger lines and a longer hood for a sleeker, more aerodynamic silhouette. A significantly extended wheelbase of 109.4 inches (increased by 3.1 inches) and a widened body of 74.4 inches (increased by 0.2 inches) contribute to a more spacious and efficient interior packaging. The aggressively designed front fascia, featuring slimmer headlights, evolves the upper design seen on the Cross GT concept, establishing a strong family resemblance to the praised Sedona minivan. Unique LED positioning lights further distinguish the 2016 Kia Sorento in the competitive midsize CUV segment.
The lower intake and fog lamp housings, positioned below the headlights, are more pronounced, adding a sporty edge that complements the overall design proportions. Premium enhancements, such as available LED rear dimensional tail lamps and LED fog lamps, elevate the 2016 Sorento’s visual appeal. The robust body rides on new alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 19 inches, varying by trim level.
Interior Excellence: Premium Comfort and Space
The interior of the 2016 Kia Sorento centers around a horizontal design theme, fostering a sense of stability and spaciousness. This design philosophy provides an ideal canvas for the premium textures and high-quality materials used throughout the cabin. Soft-touch materials are generously applied across the instrument panel, center console, and door panels, enhancing the tactile experience.
Depending on the trim, the adventure-ready 2016 Sorento offers versatile seating configurations. Five-passenger models (4-cylinder) come standard with 40/20/40 split-folding second-row seats, while seven-passenger models (V6) feature 50/50 folding third-row seats. The seating system is designed for optimal comfort and support for all occupants. For added luxury, available features include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 14-way power driver and 8-way power passenger seats, a driver’s seat thigh extension, a 4-way adjustable headrest, dual-zone HVAC, and Kia’s second-generation panoramic sunroof. Premium Nappa leather trim seating surfaces, similar to those found in Kia’s flagship K900 sedan, are also available.
Passengers in the second and third rows benefit from increased comfort, with a 0.5-inch increase in rear passenger space for both rows and a flatter second-row center floor. Access to the third row is improved with an additional 1.5 inches of boarding space, and headroom is enhanced throughout the cabin.
Cargo capacity in the 2016 Sorento sees an increase, expanding from 72.5 cu.-ft. to 74 cu.-ft. overall, with the space behind the 3rd row growing from 9.1 cu.-ft. to 11 cu.-ft. This provides more room for luggage and active lifestyle gear without compromising passenger space. An easy-folding lever adds further versatility, allowing for quick adjustments to seating arrangements and cargo space. The second-row seatbacks can be folded without opening the rear door, using a lever conveniently located in the luggage area, facilitating easy loading of larger items.
The available premium sound system complements the 2016 Sorento’s upscale interior. The 630-watt, 12-speaker Infinity® stereo system, complete with an 11-channel amplifier, delivers immersive audio. The integration of Clari-Fi technology marks a significant advancement in mobile audio. Clari-Fi works in real-time to restore audio details lost in digitally compressed music, using an intelligent algorithm to reconstruct the sound and enhance the listening experience, regardless of the audio source. With Clari-Fi, music in the 2016 Kia Sorento sounds cleaner, clearer, and more dynamic.
Progressive Technology: UVO eServices and Connectivity
The 2016 Kia Sorento introduces enhanced connectivity and convenience with the latest UVO system. Four new UVO eServices are now available: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert, and Driving Score. The Kia App store further expands functionality, allowing users to download select apps from iTunes® or Google PlaySM. The Kia app connector now supports partnerships with content providers, enabling the download of apps like Yelp®. Preloaded apps include Soundhound, Pandora®, and iHeart® Radio (availability may vary). The UVO system also incorporates Siri® “Eyes Free” and Local Search powered by Google® for easy access to locations and points of interest. Sirius XM Travel Link10 provides real-time information on traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores, stock information, and movie times, keeping you connected on every journey in your 2016 Kia Sorento.
Navigation is accessed through a high-resolution 8-inch capacitive touchscreen color display. The system features SD card storage for map data and USB 2.0 support for fast updates, along with an integrated rear backup camera12, Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity, and UVO voice recognition. A 4.3-inch TFT color touchscreen, standard on lower trims, also includes Bluetooth and UVO voice recognition.
Driving Dynamics: A Refined and Confident Ride
The foundation of the 2016 Kia Sorento is its significantly upgraded platform. The enhanced structure achieves a 14 percent increase in torsional rigidity compared to the previous generation. Advanced high-strength steel comprises 53 percent of the unit-body, a 115 percent increase over the outgoing model. Extensive use of industrial-strength adhesives, dual-seal lip joints, and advanced welding techniques contribute to making the 2016 Sorento the most structurally sound Sorento to date.
Safety is paramount in the 2016 Kia Sorento, which includes seatbelt pretensioners and six airbags as standard. All models are equipped with active safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC)14, Traction Control System (TCS)14, Brake Assist System (BAS)14, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)14, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)14, and Antilock Braking System (ABS)14. Additional standard technologies on AWD models include Roll Over Mitigation (ROM)14 and Cornering Brake Control (CBC)14, enhancing dynamic control and safety.
New available driver-assistance technologies further enhance the driving experience, including Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)15, Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS)15, Smart Cruise Control (SCC)15, Blind Spot Detection (BSD)15, Rear Cross Traffic Alert15, and Surround View Monitor (SVM)15. These systems provide added convenience and safety for 2016 Kia Sorento owners in daily driving situations.
The 2016 Sorento effectively minimizes NVH to create a comfortable and quiet cabin. The rear suspension updates include a redesigned cross-member span, longer than the previous model, for improved wheel travel on rough roads, and revised bushings to reduce road noise. Vertically mounted rear shocks contribute to a smooth ride in all driving conditions.
The front suspension of the 2016 Sorento features revised geometry and a responsive steering system, resulting in agile handling and a nimble feel. Ride and handling are optimized with an “H” shaped subframe, four-point bushing mounts, and Hydraulic Rebound Stopper-type shock absorbers. The available Rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) directly mounts the electric motor to the steering rack, enhancing steering responsiveness and handling precision.
The Sorento continues to offer an advanced AWD system that intelligently distributes power to the wheels with the most traction. For enhanced capability in challenging conditions, the 4WD Lock Mode evenly splits engine power between the front and rear axles. The system also incorporates Torque Vector Cornering Control (TVCC), which activates when sensors detect understeer, providing added stability during cornering.
Engine Options: Power and Efficiency
The 2016 Kia Sorento offers a choice of three engines to cater to diverse driving preferences: a 2.4-liter inline-4 GDI, a 3.3-liter V6 GDI, and a new 2.0-liter inline-4 GDI turbocharged engine. The 2.4-liter engine, now with Electronic Intake Continuously Variable Valve Timing (E-CVVT), delivers a capable 185 horsepower. The robust 3.3-liter V6 produces 290 horsepower and increases the Sorento’s towing capacity to 5,000 lbs when equipped with AWD. The new 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine strikes a balance of power and efficiency, generating a strong 240 horsepower while maintaining commendable fuel economy16. All three engines are paired with an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission featuring Sportmatic® shifting.
Conclusion: The 2016 Kia Sorento – Ready for Your Life’s Adventures
The 2016 Kia Sorento is more than just a CUV; it’s a versatile and refined vehicle designed to enhance every aspect of your lifestyle. From its sophisticated exterior and premium interior to its advanced technology and confident driving dynamics, the 2016 Kia Sorento sets a new benchmark in its class. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply need a reliable and comfortable vehicle for daily life, the 2016 Kia Sorento is ready to exceed your expectations. Explore the open road and embrace every journey with the redesigned and remarkable 2016 Kia Sorento.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. KMA proudly serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and LPGA, and for the second consecutive year surpassed the 500,000 annual sales mark in 2013 following the launch of seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles. KMA offers a full range of vehicles, including the K900 rear-drive flagship sedan**, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Soul Electric Vehicle***, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte5 and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio 5-door subcompacts and Sedona minivan, through a network of more than 765 dealers across the United States. Kia’s U.S. manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, produces the Optima* and Sorento* and is responsible for creating more than 14,000 plant and supplier jobs.
For more information about KMA and its extensive vehicle lineup, please visit www.kia.com. For media resources, including press photography, please visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive timely email notifications for press releases, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
1 Clari-Fi™ is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
2 Infinity® is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
3 Driving while distracted can lead to loss of vehicle control and accidents. Avoid using devices that divert attention from safe vehicle operation.
4 UVO eServices app is free; cellular service charges may apply.
5 iTunes and Siri are trademarks of Apple, Inc.
6 Google Play is a service mark of Google, Inc.
7 Yelp and related marks are trademarks of Yelp.
8 Pandora® is a trademark of Pandora Media, Inc.
9 iHeartRadio® is a trademark of Clear Channel Broadcasting, Inc.
10 Sirius services require subscriptions after a 3-month trial. See siriusxm.com for terms. © 2041 SiriusXM Radio Inc.
11 Navigation is for informational purposes only and may not be accurate. Use safely.
12 The Back-Up Warning System is not a substitute for safe backing-up procedures. It may not detect all objects. Drive with caution.
13 Bluetooth® trademarks are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Use by Kia is under license.
14 No system can overcome driver error or all driving conditions. Drive responsibly.
15 These systems are not substitutes for safe driving, parking, and backing-up. They may not detect all objects. Drive with caution.
16 Actual mileage may vary.
** 2015 K900 V8 availability is limited.
*** 2015 Soul EV availability is limited to select markets.
Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer: Information was accurate at posting but may be superseded.
