I've never had such a hard time parting ways with a review as I did with the 2012 Kia Sorento EX. From the moment I sat behind the wheel, the Sorento just felt right. This may be partly due to the fact that our current vehicle is about the same size and shape as the 2012 Kia Sorento. Driving felt completely natural from the moment I started the engine, and it didn't take me much time to adjust to my new ride ... for the week, at least 🙂
There were a few noticeable differences between my old car and the Sorento. These upgrades, or convenience features, come -- mostly standard -- on the 2012 Kia Sorento EX.
Here are five things I love about the 2012 Kia Sorento EX:
1. Remote Keyless Entry
I admit, this is the one feature that stopped me in my tracks a few times before getting the hang of. My husband and I are so programmed to put the key into the ignition that it felt weird to only push a button to start and stop the vehicle. Within two days, though, the act was second nature and it was nice to not have to dig out my keys from the bottom of my purse to open the door or to start the car. Just having the key fob in my purse or pocket was enough for the Sorento to recognize the driver.
2. In-Dash Navigation System
I'm probably a minority here -- or at least it feels like it -- but, we don't own any kind of GPS system. With that being said, the in-dash navigation system in the Kia Sorento EX was a GODSEND ... I'm already having withdrawals, and it amazes me that I ever find my way anywhere now.
The navigation was extremely easy to use, even for a novice like myself. Again, this may be old news, but the turn-by-turn directions were on point every time. I loved having the map with the amount of time and miles to my destination. This is one feature I will not go without when we purchase our next vehicle.
In addition to the navigation system, the Kia Sorento has SiriusXM Satellite Radio installed with over 130 different channels! I didn't mess around with his feature too much, but it was good to know I had access to stations other than what is available on AM/FM radio -- if your stations are like mine, they play the same songs over and over again and especially with kids, this could become very useful on long car rides.
Finally, another feature I never knew I needed was the Rear Camera Display. While in reverse, the vehicle automatically displays the view behind on the navigational screen. If an object -- or worse, a person -- was behind the vehicle within a certain distance the car beeps to let you know. The image on the screen is also very clear -- so really, there's no excuse to ever back into trash cans or mailboxes 😉
3. Super Roomy Trunk
My family has a lot of "stuff". From toting groceries, to loading the trunk for weekend getaways -- we're always in need of more space, even for a family of three. The back of the Kia Sorento EX is super roomy with even more options to organize when a cargo net is added. I went away for the weekend and my luggage dwarfed the space available. I have no doubt that Sorento would be able to hold all our luggage for a road trip or vacation. If you make frequent trips to IKEA, you'll be happy to know that the back seats also fold down to a 60/40 split -- that means there's flat space available from behind the front seats to the back of the vehicle!
4. Third Row Split-Folding Seats (!!!)
One of the most surprising features of the Kia Sorento EX was the optional third row, which pops up adding an additional two seats for a total seat count of SEVEN! This extra seating is not something we would use on a daily basis, but I definitely know it would come in handy when family gets together, or if my daughter has friends over and they want me to take them out for pizza or ice cream. Even better, if you only need one extra seat, the seats fold up and down individually to maximize comfort and space.
5. It's just so ... Drivable!
The Kia Sorento EX was an extremely easy and comfortable car to drive. The comfort didn't end with the driver. Both of the front seats are heated (with 3 settings!) and the middle seats had a great console with storage and beverage holders, which my daughter found very useful. The Sorento is so silent that I had to question a few times if the engine was even on, and on the interstate, I seriously had to watch my speed because it ran so smooth. It seemed like every feature was carefully thought out to make the driving experience truly enjoyable.
BONUS!
6. Safety First
I would be remiss if I didn't mention all of the standard safety features of the Kia Sorento EX ... because really, all the bells and whistles mean nothing if it's not safe for my family! From what I counted, the Sorento COMES STANDARD with six air bags. This includes two in the front with two small extra seat mounted airbags on the driver and passenger sides, and two side curtain airbags, which cover the first two rows. Here's a great visual. Front & rear 3-Point seat belts keep everyone secure and there are anchor and tethers for children with LATCH safety seats. The rest of the features are a bit over my head, but here's a partial list:
Traction Control
Electronic Stability Control
Hill assist control
Downhill brake control
Side impact door beams
Front/rear crumple zones
3-point seat belts in all positions w/front pretensioners
Height-adjustable front seatbelts
Front active headrests
Energy-absorbing steering column
Before testing out the Kia Sorento, I had never driven a Kia. The brand thoroughly met my exceptions and even surpassed them. Our SUV is now over 80,000 miles and I think my husband and I would both consider the Sorento for a future vehicle.
Special thanks to Kia for letting me test drive a 2012 Kia Sorento EX FWD for a week. All opinions are my own.
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV
I love all the added safety features!! Looks like a great family car!! Plus the push button start is just cool!
Ellen Christian
Love the look of it! Very stylish!
Alison
Looks like a very cozy and awesome vehicle!
Stefani
Looks perfect for me and the kids to take our trips in!
Carrie with Children
Wow! I can see why you had a hard time saying goodbye to this car - it looks awesome! I'm really starting to think I need a car with an optional third seat - they come in handy!
amber
ohhh I would love to have in the dash navigation.
Melissa
Awesome!! The keyless part would totally get me though!
Cindy Orley
Wow, great post! Love the photos. Makes me want my own Kia Sorento. I really like the 3rd row split folding seat, that would be so useful!
Andrea
The Sorento looks and sounds amazing. My husband had a Kia rental car last week and he enjoyed driving it. Our next car might just be a Kia!
Jennifer H
It's a beauty!! Love the cupholders in the back and a nice big trunk!
RJ
Wow, this car looks so stylish and beautiful! I have been hearing so many things about Kia, I may have to consider them when I buy my car.
Courtney
I'm definitely interested in leasing Kia next.