The 2016 Kia Sorento marked a significant leap forward for the popular CUV, introducing a beautifully redesigned vehicle packed with premium materials, enhanced space, and adventure-ready capabilities. Building upon the foundations of its predecessor, the 2016 Sorento delivered a more refined and capable driving experience, making it a compelling option in the competitive midsize SUV market. This article delves into the key aspects of the 2016 Kia Sorento, exploring its design, interior features, technology, and performance enhancements that set it apart.
Striking Exterior Design Inspired by Nature and Adventure
Kia’s design team faced the challenge of reimagining the Sorento, a vehicle already recognized for its attractive styling. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed Cross GT concept of 2013, the 2016 Sorento adopted a bolder and more sophisticated exterior. The design language evoked a sense of natural landscapes and the spirit of outdoor exploration, resulting in a CUV with a commanding presence.
The 2016 Sorento grew in size compared to the previous generation, projecting a more planted and robust stance. Its profile remained distinctly Sorento, but with more pronounced shoulders and a longer hood, contributing to a sleeker, more aerodynamic silhouette. The wheelbase was extended to 109.4 inches (an increase of 3.1 inches), and the overall width broadened to 74.4 inches (up by 0.2 inches). These dimensional changes not only enhanced the vehicle’s aesthetics but also contributed to a more spacious interior.
The front fascia of the 2016 Sorento showcased a more aggressive and modern design. The headlights were narrower, echoing the Cross GT concept and establishing a strong family resemblance with the contemporary Kia Sedona. Distinctive LED positioning lights further emphasized the Sorento’s unique identity within the midsize CUV segment. The lower intake and fog lamp pockets were made more prominent, adding a sporty touch to the overall design. Premium touches included available LED rear dimensional tail lamps and LED fog lamps. The vehicle rode on newly designed alloy wheels, ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim level, completing its muscular and refined exterior.
Premium Interior and Enhanced Comfort for all Passengers
Stepping inside the 2016 Kia Sorento revealed a cabin designed with a focus on horizontal stability, creating a sense of spaciousness and premium quality. Soft-touch materials were generously applied throughout the interior, particularly on the instrument panel, center console, and door panels, elevating the overall tactile experience.
The 2016 Sorento offered versatile seating configurations to accommodate different needs. Five-passenger models (4-cylinder engines) featured standard 40/20/40 split-folding second-row seats, while seven-passenger models (V6 engines) came with 50/50 split-folding third-row seats. The seating system was engineered for optimal comfort and support for all occupants. Available luxury features included heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 14-way power driver and 8-way power passenger seats, a driver’s seat thigh extension, and 4-way adjustable headrests. Dual-zone automatic climate control and Kia’s second-generation panoramic sunroof further enhanced the premium ambiance. For the ultimate in luxury, premium Nappa leather trim seating surfaces, similar to those found in Kia’s flagship K900 sedan, were also available.
Passenger space was improved in the 2016 Sorento, with a 0.5-inch increase in rear passenger space for both the second and third rows. The second-row center floor was also flattened for enhanced comfort. Access to the third row was made easier with an additional 1.5 inches of boarding space, and headroom was increased throughout the cabin.
Cargo capacity also saw improvements. Overall cargo volume increased from 72.5 cu.-ft. to 74 cu.-ft., and cargo volume behind the third row expanded from 9.1 cu.-ft. to 11 cu.-ft., providing more room for luggage and gear without compromising passenger space. An easy-folding lever added to the versatility, allowing users to fold the second-row seatback from the luggage area for convenient loading of larger items.
Progressive Technology and Advanced Features
The 2016 Kia Sorento incorporated a range of advanced technology features, starting with the UVO3 infotainment system. This system introduced new eServices such as Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert, and Driving Score. The Kia App store was also new, enabling users to download select apps from iTunes or Google Play. The system offered preloaded apps like Yelp, Soundhound, Pandora, and iHeartRadio (availability may vary). Convenience features included Siri “Eyes Free” and Local Search powered by Google, along with Sirius XM Travel Link for real-time information on traffic, weather, fuel prices, and more.
The infotainment system was accessible through an optional 8-inch capacitive-touch color screen, featuring navigation with SD card storage for map data, USB 2.0 support, an integrated rear backup camera, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and UVO voice recognition. A standard 4.3-inch TFT color touch screen was also available, incorporating Bluetooth and UVO voice recognition.
For audiophiles, the 2016 Sorento offered an available 630-watt, 12-speaker Infinity sound system with an 11-channel amplifier. A notable addition was Clari-Fi technology by Harman, which digitally reconstructed audio details lost in compressed music files, enhancing the listening experience regardless of the audio source.
Enhanced Driving Experience and Performance
Underneath the redesigned skin, the 2016 Kia Sorento featured a significantly modified platform. The enhanced structure boasted a 14 percent increase in torsional rigidity compared to the previous generation. The use of advanced high-strength steel was dramatically increased by 115 percent, making up 53 percent of the unit-body. Industrial strength adhesives, dual-seal lip joints, and laser welding techniques further contributed to the vehicle’s robust construction, making it the most structurally sound Sorento to date.
Safety was a priority, with standard features including seatbelt pretensioners and six airbags. Active safety systems such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and Antilock Braking System (ABS) were also standard across all trims. AWD models further benefited from Roll Over Mitigation (ROM) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).
Available driver-aid technologies included Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Surround View Monitor (SVM), enhancing convenience and safety in daily driving.
The 2016 Sorento prioritized ride comfort and noise reduction. Updates to the rear suspension included a redesigned cross-member and revised bushings to improve wheel travel and reduce road noise. Vertically mounted rear shocks contributed to a comfortable ride in various driving conditions. The front suspension geometry and steering system were also revised for improved handling and responsiveness. The available Rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) further enhanced steering response and handling.
The Sorento continued to offer an advanced AWD system capable of automatically distributing power to the wheels with the most traction. A 4WD Lock Mode provided even power distribution between the front and rear axles for challenging conditions. Torque Vector Cornering Control (TVCC) added stability during cornering by mitigating understeer.
Engine choices for the 2016 Sorento included a 2.4-liter inline-4 GDI engine producing 185 horsepower, a 3.3-liter V6 GDI engine delivering 290 horsepower, and a new 2.0-liter inline-4 GDI turbocharged engine generating 240 horsepower. The V6 engine enabled a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs when equipped with AWD. All engines were paired with an electronically controlled six-speed automatic gearbox featuring Sportmatic shifting.
Conclusion: The 2016 Kia Sorento – A New Standard for Premium CUVs
The 2016 Kia Sorento represented a significant evolution of the CUV, delivering a compelling blend of sophisticated design, premium interior amenities, advanced technology, and enhanced performance. With its increased space, refined driving dynamics, and robust engine options, the 2016 Kia Sorento solidified its position as a top contender in the midsize SUV segment, appealing to families and adventure-seekers alike. Its focus on premium materials, cutting-edge technology, and a comfortable ride experience set a new standard for Kia and the CUV class as a whole.
