2016 Kia Sorento

2016 Kia Sorento

Episode 3432
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

The 1st generation Kia Sorento was a true, body-on-frame sport utility vehicle. And while it was a little rough around the edges, it quickly garnered a big following. 2nd generation saw Sorento follow the crossover crowd, losing the frame but gaining more features. Now, Sorento’s gen 3 redesign expands on that in both size and premium content. So let’s see if Sorento is making the right moves.

The all-new 2016 Kia Sorento is clearly not a major departure from its previous generation. Still, the redesign’s improvements all appear aimed at making Kia’s 3-row crossover a more family friendly and capable adventure vehicle. A familiar exterior design still manages to convey “larger Sorento”. And with that, it promises more interior room. Kia has also thrown the word “bolder” into the mix, and we agree it has more presence going down the road.

With that, a bigger grille dons the frontend; part of Kia’s new face that is taller, flatter, and much less pointy. Body side sculpting is smoothed out, the belt line moves higher, fitting a Sorento that is now 3-inches longer in both wheelbase and overall length. 

Heading aft, there are more angles and more aggression. Taillights are larger, the bumper reflectors are now horizontal, and of course there’s a spoiler up top. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard; upper trim levels are equipped with 18s and beefy 19s.

All-in-all it’s an appealing design; smooth and classy. Still, it’s hard to miss the resemblance to Kia’s Sedona minivan. 

The last gen’s interior was a big step up, but this gen is an even bigger leap forward; with a smoother dash design, a much more premium feel, intuitive touchscreen interface, and some of the best steering wheel controls out there. Premium safety systems have also trickled down from the flagship K900. 

Uvo continues to add features and is available on LX models and above, a backup camera is standard on all but base L trim, and 8-inch touchscreen navigation is available on EX models and up. An optional 630-watt, 12-speaker Infinity sound system features a new Clari-Fi feature that squeezes a little more fidelity out of compressed audio files.

All gauges happily remain analog. On upper trims a 7-inch LCD info screen sits in the middle of the central speedometer. Front seats are Euro-firm and very comfortable; and yes, thanks to the added wheelbase and length, all seating positions gain room, with improved access to the 3rd row.

The cargo bay grows too. There’s now 11.0 cubic-ft. behind the optional 3rd row, 39.0 behind the 2nd row, and 74.0 total with all seats folded. That’s a gain of 1½ cubic-ft.  Seats fold easily and there are very few gaps for stuff to get lost in.  

Even more notable is the fit and finish of the cargo area. Partially-carpeted side panels should help keep things from getting all scratched up. An available smart power lift gate allows gives hands and foot free opening. 

But, the upgrade that we like most, is the new Sorento’s greatly improved ride quality. Now bordering on excellent, it feels incredibly well-built and is very quiet. 

In addition to that longer wheelbase, the front suspension has a new H-shaped sub-frame design and Hydraulic Rebound Stopper shock absorbers. In back, a lengthened rear cross-member, with longer control arms, allows for more wheel travel.

Standard Drive Mode Select, with settings for Normal, Eco, and Sport; adjusts steering feel and transmission shift points.  

There’s a trio of available engines. Base engine is a slightly improved version of last year’s, 2.4-liter I4, now with 185-horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque. Also carryover is the 3.3-liter V6 with 290-horsepower and 252 lb-ft. of torque that now tows 5,000-pounds. 

Slotting in between, is a new option; the Optima’s 2.0-liter I4 turbo, here with 240-horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. We estimate a 0 to 60 of 7.0 seconds. All Sorentos are equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions. 

All-wheel-drive is available with any engine. It’s the same basic automatic system, with logic that tries to predict wheel slip rather than just react to it. A lock mode splits torque front to rear 50/50 for speeds up to 20 miles-per-hour, and Torque Vectoring Curve Control aids handling even on dry pavement.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the new 2.0-liter all-wheel-drive are 19-City, 25-Highway, and 22-Combined. We averaged a good 22.4 miles-per-gallon of Regular. Resulting in a fair to middling Energy Impact Score of 15.0-barrels of oil annually and CO2 emissions of 6.9–tons.

Pricing starts at $25,795 for a base L model. And with more options than ever the spread grows, with the top tier SX-L beginning at $40,795. Tack on $1,800 more for all-wheel-drive. 

So, yes, Kia has done a fine job of growing the 2016 Sorento into a more capable and family-oriented crossover, successfully tending to the things that needed improving along the way. The last generation Sorento was a key vehicle for Kia, proving that they were fully capable of competing with the best in the segment. This one just might take them to the top.

Specifications

  • Engine: 2.4 liter / 3.3 liter V6 / 2.0 liter
  • Horsepower: 185 / 290 / 240
  • Torque: 178 lb-ft. / 252 lb-ft. / 260 lb-ft.
  • 0-60 mph: 7.0 seconds
  • EPA: 19 mpg city/ 25 mpg highway (for 2.0 liter)
  • Energy Impact: 15.0-barrels of oil/yr
  • CO2 Emissions: 6.9 tons

Long Term Updates

Mileage: 2,900

We’re just getting to know this 2016 Kia Sorento mid-size crossover, and much like the Nissan Murano also on our long-term lot, it seems to be the perfect size for a 5-passenger family hauler. 

It also has an exterior design that’s more classy than family. 

We chose the new 2.0-liter turbo-4 for our extended test, and with 240-horsepower, it has plenty of pep for passing. But you do have to keep your foot on it to stay up with Interstate speed limits. We’re averaging an OK 23.4 miles-per-gallon. But, seeing near 30 during highway cruise.

In our full road test we noted the Sorento’s improved ride was its best characteristic; and 2,900-miles of smooth commuting hasn’t changed our minds. 

A word to the wise. Like many premium look crossovers, the Sorento’s exhaust pipe runs through the rear facia and is close to level with the trailer hitch.  If you use a bike carrier or hitch basket you might find your cargo cooked or melted like we did. A riser/extender solved the problem for us.

Mileage: 6,600

3-months in, and we’re trucking right along in our 2016 Kia Sorento, having so far driven 6,600-miles.

And while this mid-size Sorento has lots of fans around the office, its very tight turning radius has us maneuvering with ease; we do have some complaints. 

All love the layout of the interior, but the thin leather seat fabric is wearing already. 

The Sorento is a great long distance crossover delivering a smooth, compliant ride quality. Only a bit of wallow in corners detracts from that.

Two nitpicks are a console 4X4 lock button that’s easy to accidently engage, and an oversensitive outside switch for the power lift gate. 

The powertrain itself, however; gets all praise. The 2.0-liter turbo and 6-speed automatic combo is treating us right with a responsive throttle and a fine 23.1 miles-per-gallon average.

So on balance, we love the Kia Sorento. Fix a few things and it just might be the perfect family CUV.

Mileage: 10,000

We’re 5-months and a quick 10,000-miles into our yearlong look at Kia’s Sorento family crossover. And like families themselves, you have to take the good along with the bad. 

The good: well everyone loves the multiple cameras stationed around the vehicle, and we’ve used them for everything from the typical parking situations to getting a peak at the trail ahead when doing some light off roading. 

There’s also plenty of power from the turbo-4 and the sunroof lets a lot of the outside in, when you want it. 

Now as for the bad: most have found the seats not up to the long haul task, and there are plenty of folks that still find paying well over $40,000 for a Kia a stretch no matter how nice it is. 

Fuel economy is trending up, with our average now at 23.6 miles-per-gallon of Regular. 

Mileage: 21,094

Though after six months, and an odo at 21,094 miles, some of the Kia’s shine is wearing off. We not thrilled with the radar cruise control’s on/off abruptness; and when fully loaded with gear, the 2.0-liter turbo felt a little underpowered; which seemed to also upset the transmission.    

The front seat passenger also has less than ideal knee/leg room. 

On the plus side, we continue to find the steering wheel controls and UVO infotainment among the best in the business. Kia material quality continues to make big improvements too, and the load floor is spacious and continuous. Also, it’s has a great, mostly quiet highway ride.

And of course, the 23.1 miles-per-Regular-gallon we’re averaging is hard to beat in a larger family hauler. 

Mileage: 24,000

Our midsize 2016 Kia Sorento crossover emerged from our mid-Atlantic winter just fine. 

In 8-months’ time our odo is approaching 24,000-miles, with fuel economy up slightly from our last report to 23.3 miles-per-gallon. Quiet, smooth, and comfortable sums up all that time. 

And we’re feeling contented with our choice of opting for the 240-horsepower turbo-I4, as it offers more than adequate power for daily family use. So, no need to go for the 290–horsepower V6 unless you load up a lot or need the full 5K of towing capacity. 

No problems to report this go around as the interior is holding up pretty well, with flexibility that’s about as close to a minivan as you can get without actually being one. 

Mileage: 26,000

We’ve just hit 26,000-miles in our long-term Kia Sorento midsize crossover, as spring is slowly turning to summer.

Which means that the climate control is doing a lot more cooling than heating these days. And some noise coming from our Sorento’s A/C system necessitated a trip to the dealer, where a replacement high pressure hose took care of the problem.

While we were there, it turns out there were some recalls and service bulletins pending, which required an additional night’s stay waiting for a seatbelt part to arrive. 

But now that we’re back on the road and safely buckled in, there are a few more road trips ahead before we finish out our “year of Sorento”. 

Lately though, it has been seeing more commuting and airport shuttle duties than long distance journeys; which explains our slight dip in fuel economy from last report, to a still good 23.2 miles-per-gallon from the 2.0-liter turbo-4.

Mileage: 30,000

Time is quickly winding down with our 2016 Kia Sorento, though we do have a few more weeks left to enjoy Kia’s biggest crossover. 

We’re quickly approaching 30,000-miles, and this family truckster just keeps trucking on. 

Fuel economy from the 240-horsepower 2.0-liter I4 turbo with 6-speed automatic transmission is on a slight upswing to 23.3 miles-per-gallon, and things have been problem free since our last report.  Seat comfort continues to be a debate, as the latest road trip report praised the Sorento’s great seats that other staffers on previous trips have dished.

Other comments took note of an increasing amount of roll in corners; and one driver noticed a few “catches” in the steering wheel on slight turns at slow speeds. 

We think the cornering attitude just indicates things are now well broken in; and the steering wheel issue went away before we had time to figure out where it came from. 

Mileage: 33,250

Just back from one final road trip, everything we’ve said about it over the last year has been confirmed. It’s one fantastic long distance cruiser.

The 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo I4 is more than adequate for commuting, but can get overwhelmed when fully loaded. 

And, you certainly can load a lot of stuff in here, with 38.8 cubic-ft. of cargo space before you fold seats. 

We have experienced a few awkward clunks from the 6–speed automatic transmission lately, but it has delivered decent fuel economy; averaging 22.7 miles-per-gallon after 33,250 very varied miles.

We will certainly miss what is easily one of Kia’s best efforts yet. 

 

But the Sorento’s departure frees up a parking spot for another Kia, a 2016 Optima sedan.  And another new ride has also arrived, this 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune. Let’s see what kind of fun we can kick up in this time machine.

Honda Prologue Reinvigorates Brand’s Electric Efforts

2024 Honda Prologue

Honda Shows Up Late To EV Party, Brings Best Appetizer

Episode 4329
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Except for some very limited run vehicles over the years, Honda has largely been sitting out the EV revolution. But that all changes now their first high volume effort, the Prologue. So, let’s find out if it is indeed the start of a great run for Honda.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is not only the brand’s first serious battery electric effort, but it’s also a substantial midsize five-passenger SUV, coming in about 3-inches longer than the internal combustion Passport. Though it’s worth noting, they got here with the help of General Motors and their Ultium EV platform.

So, Honda came to play, both with ultra-competitive pricing and segment leading 296 miles of range. That’s with the standard single-motor front-wheel drive EX rated for 212 horsepower, but top Elite doesn’t sacrifice all that much, coming in at 273 miles. The additional rear motor raises total output to 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft torque.

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Relatively low output numbers in the EV game, but the Elite’s all-wheel drive setup delivered plenty enough acceleration to get our blood pumping during some early and very wet drive time through the recent historic downpours in Northern California.

And while Honda did get here with the help of GM and their Ultium chassis, the multi-link suspension bolted to it has been optimized by Honda for a “dynamic driving experience.” It was indeed plenty of fun to drive, nimble for its size with responsive steering, though we were also happy to find it comfortable and safe feeling in those weather conditions. It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

Comprehensive drive modes address just about every aspect of the driving experience, from power delivery to steering response and even braking power; but also changes things up inside with lighting and displays as well as active sound control.

For now, all Prologues come with an 85-kWh battery that will accept up to 150-kW fast charging for 65 miles of range for every 10 minutes on charge.

It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

As we’ve come to expect from Honda, the Prologue’s interior is minimalistic and practical, though not fully simplistic as there is plenty of tech on display, including the very high-mounted 11.3-inch touchscreen display. It has a Google-based operating system built into it like in the latest Accord Touring, and you can still use your Apple Carplay and Android Auto phones, both of which connect wirelessly.

Just below that display is some refreshingly easy to use traditional climate controls, and behind the steering wheel is a hoodless 11-inch tablet-style gauge display. Honda worked with Bose to develop an EV-specific sound system with 12 speakers. The standard EX’s system works with six speakers.

Being an EV means more space inside for both front and rear passengers than a vehicle built around a conventional drivetrain. Though with a substantial dual-level center console it doesn’t have the open floorplan of some EVs. The top layer of that console houses dedicated cell phone storage, mega-sized cupholders and Honda’s first use of a pocket-type wireless phone charger, which is standard. There’s space in back for 23.7 cubic-feet of cargo; 54.5 cubic-feet with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded; plus, more space under the cargo floor.

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And while length and ground clearance are in the ballpark with the Passport, the Prologue’s wheelbase is nearly a foot longer, and it sits much lower, with a design theme that Honda calls “neo-rugged.” Its slick shape and smooth body panels are clearly designed for enhancing aerodynamics, yet the overall design doesn’t necessarily shout it from the rooftops. Aero-optimized 19-inch wheels are standard, with Elite rolling on 21s, a first for Honda. Roof rails, panoramic roof, and power liftgate are standard on all but the base EX.
With the launch of this new generation of Honda comes new badging that looks to the past with throwback-looking Honda script now spelled out across the back. The Prologue and future Honda EVs also get a new “e” series logo.

Comprehensive Honda Sensing safety features are included on most Prologues, with just rear pedestrian alert and a Surround Vision camera system reserved for Elite.

Pricing starts, before incentives, at just $48,795 for a front-wheel-drive EX, top Elite comes with all-wheel drive and starts at $59,295.

Like most brands, Honda has big plans to deliver a full array of battery electrics in the near future, making significant investments here in the U.S. to make it happen. It may have taken a little help from General Motors to get them started, but Honda is in the EV game for real now, and it arrives at a great time when competition in the midsize SUV EV ranks is getting serious. So, the 2024 Honda Prologue does indeed look like the start of something special for Honda, and for all of us.

Specifications

As Tested

  • Motor Setup: Dual Motor
  • Horsepower: 288
  • Range: 273 miles
  • Battery Size: 85-kWh
  • Torque: 333 lb-ft
  • Peak Charging Rate: 150-kW
2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Roebling

2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Not Just a One-Trick Pony

Episode 4328
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

The Mustang name alone is about as nostalgic as it gets, but it seems like whenever Ford ups Mustang’s performance ante, they double down with throwback names like “Boss” and “Mach 1.” But now they’ve actually come up with something all-new for the seventh-gen pony car. It’s the Mustang Dark Horse… and around the race track, it’s anything but stealthy!

Recently, MotorWeek awarded the all-new, seventh generation Ford Mustang with two top honors in our Drivers’ Choice Awards: “Best Sport Coupe” and, even more impressive, our 2024 “Best of the Year.” There are lots of reasons for that ultimate decision, from the modernized take on the iconic profile, to Ford’s unwavering support of the V8 engine and manual transmission. but another reason is this, the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, the first new Mustang livery in decades.

Bred as the next evolution of Mustang performance, the Dark Horse takes that pony car formula and really kicks it up a notch. It roars to life with Ford’s fourth-gen 5.0-liter, naturally-aspirated “Coyote” V8, cranked up to 500 horsepower–14 ponies more than a GT with active exhaust which is, by the way, standard here. This modern “five-oh” cranks out 418 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels through your choice of transmission: six-speed manual or, in our case, 10-speed automatic. Note that six-speed is the same Tremec used in the last Shelby GT350 and Mustang Mach 1, an upgrade from the GT’s MT-82.

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2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Hood Graphic
2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Badge
2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Splitter
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On track, our drivers certainly would have preferred the six-speed, as the 10-speed felt more reactive than proactive, with automatic downshifts rather unaggressive. Manual mode using wheel mounted paddle shifters does improve things, allowing us to find better footing through all nine corners of Roebling Road Raceway.

However, for acceleration runs, there’s no doubt about it: this 10-speed rips! After a few trips to warm up the tires, we caught grip for a 0-to-60 time of 4.3-seconds. We have no doubt sub-4.0 seconds with this 10-speed is doable in ideal conditions.

But, the 40-degree air temps didn’t slow us down too much, racing down Roebling’s front straight to hit a 12.7-second quarter-mile at 117 miles-per-hour. Talk about warming us up!

And the day’s fun didn’t stop as we wrung out this 5.0-liter V8 to its 7500 rpm redline. Like Coyotes that came before, the Dark Horse’s V8 loves to rev, and with an exhaust note like this you’ll be compelled to oblige. We managed to hit 147 miles-per-hour before pulling back the reins: six-piston front Brembos that made easy work of hard stops. Joined by four-piston calipers clamping on the rear discs, these brakes were remarkable.

We enjoyed interrogating them lap after lap, but it took a lot for the Dark Horse tires to squeal: grippy Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS rubber; 305’s in front and 315’s in back, both wrapping 19-inch wheels. Those wheels and tires are part of the available Handling pack, as are adjustable top strut mounts and revised chassis tuning. This $5,000 upgrade also adds the performance rear spoiler and Gurney flap– low enough to not limit visibility, but big enough to show you mean business.

And on the topic of appearance, the Dark Horse, despite the name, will stand out from your neighbor’s fresh-off-the-line GT. Available only as a coupe, it wears bespoke “Dark Horse” badging and graphics. The front end is almost evil with large nostrils sending air directly to the dual intakes, bookended by the seventh-gen’s tri-bar headlights. Opting for a bright color will show all these blacked-out elements even more, but we think it’s rather appropriate in this Blue Ember Metallic paint, reserved for Dark Horse Premiums.

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2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Engine
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The interior isn’t too far removed from the GT Premium. All models come with two large displays, a 12.4-inch instrument panel and a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, mounted in one continuous housing. The Deep Indigo cloth seats can be swapped for these leather-trimmed RECAROs; quite comfortable on the street and very supportive on the track.

And although that’s where this machine truly shines, the Dark Horse is perfectly capable of gallivanting you around town too, as the standard MagneRide adaptive suspension means great handling in both scenarios.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are on-par with a GT running on Regular, 14 city, 22 highway and 17 combined.

The Mustang Dark Horse pricing starts at $61,080, stepping up to $65,075 for a Dark Horse Premium. Add all the bells and whistles, and you can easily exceed $70,000.

But that still smacks us as a supercar-style bargain. So, is Dark Horse worthy of a permanent slot on Ford’s high-performance mantle? Or, does it simply live in the shadow of 60 years of Mustang greats?

Well, its name is “Dark Horse.” That’s far from “Black Sheep.” It’s loud, proud, and does everything a 5.0-liter Mustang should, and a lot more. So, our answer is undeniably… yes!

Specifications

As Tested

  • Engine: 5.0-liter NA V8
  • Horsepower: 500
  • 0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
  • EPA: 14 City | 22 Highway | 17 Combined
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Torque: 418 lb-ft.
  • 1/4 Mile: 12.7 seconds at 117 mph
  • Starting Price: $61,080