7 Reasons to Love the Kia Sorento with 3rd Row Seating – A Complete Guide for Families

When it comes to midsize SUVs that offer versatility and value the Kia Sorento with 3rd row seating stands out as an excellent choice for families. With its spacious interior advanced features and robust performance the Sorento has something for everyone in the family. Whether you're hauling kids to school or embarking on a weekend adventure this SUV is designed to meet your needs. But let's be real even a fantastic vehicle like the Sorento has a few quirks that we can't help but chuckle at. So buckle up as we dive into the Kia Sorento and discover why it's become a go-to vehicle for families.

Introduction to the Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento has been a popular choice in the midsize SUV segment for years offering a mix of practicality style and affordability. What sets the Sorento apart from its competitors is its available third row seating which can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. This makes the Sorento an attractive option for larger families or those who simply need the extra space.

The new Sorento comes with a range of trim levels each offering its unique blend of features and options. From the LX to the SX Prestige AWD there's a Sorento for every taste and budget. But before you get too excited let's explore what makes this SUV tick starting with its spacious interior.

Interior Space and Comfort

When you're driving around with a full house of passengers space is key and the Kia Sorento delivers in spades. The third row in the Sorento might not offer limousine-like legroom (we're talking 29.6 inches here) but it's perfect for kids and smaller adults. And hey if you're over six feet tall you might want to flip a coin with your friends to avoid that third-row seat. But seriously the second row is where the magic happens offering 41.7 inches of legroom that even the tallest passengers can appreciate.

Alex Collantes the owner of Avenue Motors says "The interior space of the Sorento is what families need – it’s roomy enough for everyone but not so big that you feel like you’re driving a bus."

Key Interior Features:

• Panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light

• Genuine leather seat trim for that touch of luxury

• Heated steering wheel to keep your hands warm on those chilly mornings

• Power-adjustable driver's seat for finding that perfect driving position

• Ventilated front seats to keep you cool in summer

• Wireless phone charging because we all forget to plug in sometimes

But it's not just about the bells and whistles – the Sorento's cargo space is equally impressive. With the third row folded down you get up to 75.5 cubic feet of space. That's more than enough room to pack in all the essentials for your next family road trip or that impulse IKEA trip. And let's not forget the second-row captain's chairs which make accessing the third row a breeze.

Performance and Capability

The Kia Sorento isn’t just a pretty face it’s got the performance to match. The Sorento offers two engine options – a 191-horsepower base engine and a 281-horsepower turbocharged engine for those who need a little more oomph. Both engines provide ample power for everyday driving but if you're planning on towing that boat to the lake you'll want to opt for the turbocharged engine.

The SX Prestige AWD trim takes performance up a notch with its all-wheel drive system which offers enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions. Whether you're navigating snowy roads or taking on muddy trails the Sorento's AWD system has got you covered.

Towing capacity is another area where the Sorento shines offering up to 5000 pounds when properly equipped. That's more than enough to haul a small trailer or a couple of jet skis for a weekend getaway.

Key Performance Features:

• Maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds

• Turbocharged engine for added power

• All-wheel drive for enhanced traction

• Remote start to warm up or cool down the car before you even step outside

• Drive modes to tailor the vehicle's performance to your needs

And if you're the kind of driver who likes to feel in control the Sorento's steering wheel offers responsive handling that's both confident and precise. Sure it might not have the sports car feel but it's got enough pep to keep your daily commute from being a snooze fest.

Safety and Reliability

When it comes to safety the Kia Sorento doesn’t cut corners. The Sorento has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which is no small feat. The SUV comes loaded with a suite of advanced safety features designed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Notable Safety Features:

• Forward collision avoidance to prevent accidents before they happen

• Lane departure warning to keep you on the straight and narrow

• Blind-spot monitoring to keep an eye on those hard-to-see areas

• Rear cross-traffic alert to help you back out of parking spaces safely

• Roof rails for added versatility in transporting cargo

The Kia Sorento also comes with an industry-leading 10-year/100000-mile limited warranty providing peace of mind for the long haul. It's one of the best warranties in the business and it's part of what makes the Sorento such a smart choice for families.

Trim Levels and Options

One of the things that makes the Kia Sorento so appealing is the variety of trim levels available. With eight trims to choose from you can find the right Sorento that fits both your needs and your budget.

Trims at a Glance:

1. LX – The base trim that offers great value with essential features.

2. S – Adds a bit more flair with additional tech and convenience features.

3. EX – The sweet spot for many with a good mix of performance and luxury.

4. SX – For those who want a sportier look and feel.

5. SX Prestige AWD – The top-of-the-line trim with all the bells and whistles.

6. X-Line S – A more rugged variant with off-road capabilities.

7. X-Line EX – Takes the X-Line's ruggedness and adds more luxury features.

8. X-Line SX Prestige AWD – The ultimate in luxury and off-road performance.

Each trim level offers its unique set of features and upgrades from remote start to heated front seats ensuring that there’s a Sorento for everyone.

Alex Collantes adds "With the eight trims available it's like you're building your dream SUV – from basic to boujee there's a Sorento for everyone."

If you’re all about luxury the SX Prestige AWD trim is where it's at with its ventilated front seats genuine leather seat trim and panoramic sunroof that adds a touch of class to every drive.

Family-Friendly Features

The Kia Sorento is designed with families in mind offering a range of family-friendly features that make life easier on the road. The third row seating is an obvious highlight providing space for the whole family without feeling cramped.

Key Family Features:

• 3rd row seating for up to seven passengers

• Second-row captain's chairs for easy access to the third row

• Panoramic sunroof for a brighter more open cabin

• Heated steering wheel and heated front seats for comfort in all seasons

• Wireless phone charging to keep everyone’s devices powered up

One of the best things about the Sorento is how it balances interior space with cargo space. Even with all seats in use there's still room for groceries sports gear or whatever else your busy life throws at you. And when you need more space the third row folds down flat opening up a generous cargo area.

The Quirks and Quibbles

No car is perfect and the Kia Sorento is no exception. But instead of grumbling about its quirks let’s have a little fun with them.

1. The 3rd Row Shuffle: Let’s be honest – getting into the third row can sometimes feel like a game of Twister. But once you're in it’s cozy – just maybe not for your 6’4” cousin Bob.

2. Turbo Lag: That 281-horsepower turbo engine is a blast but there’s a slight delay when you put the pedal to the metal. Think of it as the Sorento saying "Hold my drink let me show you something."

3. All Those Trims: With eight trims choosing the right one can feel like a task but look at it this way – it's like picking your favorite ice cream flavor. They’re all good it just depends on what you’re in the mood for.

Test Drive and Purchase

Ready to take the plunge? The best way to know if the Kia Sorento is right for you is to take one for a spin. Head down to your local Kia dealership and test drive the Sorento to experience its features and capabilities firsthand. Trust us once you've felt those ventilated front seats on a hot day or seen how much cargo space you can get you'll be hooked.

And when it comes to buying or leasing the Sorento has a range of financing options that can fit your budget. Keep an eye out for promotions and incentives that can make your Sorento even more affordable. After all who doesn't love a good deal?

Comparing to Other Kia SUVs

If you're still on the fence about the Sorento it's worth comparing it to other Kia SUVs. The Sorento slots between the smaller Kia Sportage and the larger Kia Telluride offering a great balance of size and functionality.

Quick Comparison:

• Kia Sportage: Smaller more compact easier to park but no third row and less cargo space.

• Kia Telluride: Bigger more luxurious with even more interior space and advanced safety features but also more expensive.

In the end the Sorento offers the best of both worlds. It’s spacious enough for family road trips yet compact enough to navigate city streets without breaking a sweat.

Conclusion

The Kia Sorento with 3rd row seating is a solid choice for families looking for a practical versatile SUV. It offers a range of features and trims to suit different needs from the budget-conscious LX to the fully-loaded SX Prestige AWD. With its roomy interior advanced safety features and impressive towing capacity the Sorento is ready for whatever life throws your way.

Sure it has its quirks but that’s part of its charm. So whether you're shuttling the kids to soccer practice or embarking on a cross-country adventure the Kia Sorento has got you covered.

As Alex Collantes puts it "The Sorento is like that trusty friend who’s always there when you need them – reliable versatile and ready for a good time."

So what are you waiting for? Give the Kia Sorento a test drive and see why it’s one of the best SUVs on the market today. You might just find it’s the perfect fit for your family. When it comes to comfort and technology in the Kia Sorento, rear passengers aren't left out of the experience. With the integrated Android Auto system, passengers can easily control entertainment options and access their favorite apps seamlessly. This ensures that everyone, including rear passengers, can enjoy their journey to the fullest without any hassle.

References:

1. Kia Official Website - Specifications and features of the Kia Sorento models.

2. NHTSA - Safety ratings and information for the Kia Sorento.

3. Avenue Motors - Expert opinion from Alex Collantes on the Kia Sorento.