2014 Kia Sorento Enhanced - With All The Right Stuff

Kia thought the Sorento, just a few years into its third-gen life cycle, needed some updates. The resulting mid-cycle refresh is anything but minor: More than 80 percent of the crossover is all-new or redesigned. Key to the update is a new chassis that emphasizes improved passenger comfort and straight-line stability. Chassis reinforcements and a stiffer H-shaped sub frame cradle help boost torsional rigidity by 18 percent, while bigger bushings and a revised multilink rear suspension soften the ride. An efficient electrically driven steering system replaces the hydraulic arrangement.

2014 Kia Sorento Enhanced

There are two new direct-injected powertrains: a 191-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 290-hp, 3.3-liter V-6. Each is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The entry LX and EX models get the smaller engine, while the LX V-6, EX V-6, SX, and the new SX Limited employ the six-cylinder. Magna's all-wheel drive with Torque Vectoring Cornering Control can be optioned on all trims. Top SX and SX Limited models arrive with FlexSteel, Kia's three-mode variable-assist programming.

Key to the update is a new chassis that emphasizes improved passenger comfort and straight-line stability.

A new "Tiger Nose" with LED lamps and a redone back end revamp the Sorento's style. Wheel diameter range from a smallish 17-inch to a better looking 19-inch. The cushy seats look upon a rearranged center stack. Available options include a panoramic sunroof, backseat window sunshades, a 115-volt outlet, and a first-for-Kia power lift gate. The Limited trim adds Napa leather, soft-touch headliner, and xenon headlamps.

Available options include a panoramic sunroof, backseat window sunshades, a 115-volt outlet, and a first-for-Kia power lift gate.

Technophiles should opt for the brilliantly colored 7-inch flat-screen cluster and matching 8-inch center-stack display, which controls Kids UVO infotainment and telematics gear. Also worth having: the 12-speaker Infinity 7 surround sound. Families will likely want the optional third row of seats.

During a recent 400-mile trek, the Sorento impressed us with its comfort, quietness, and low-end grunt Its days of being a rough-riding family transporter with a cheap-looking interior are no more, though the new helm's assist tuning was oddly weighted at times. Kia's engineers have proven their surgical mettle once again.

Also worth having: the 12-speaker Infinity 7 surround sound. Families will likely want the optional third row of seats.