See the crazy lady in that picture? That’s me running after the nice delivery guy who was just doing his job and picking up the 2014 Kia Sorento he had dropped off a week earlier for me to test drive. But it felt like he was snatching away my new love, and I was determined to stop him.
I did not want to give up that Kia!
I know you think I’m being dramatic but I haven’t felt that way about a car, well, ever. My cars have always been a way to get me and my family from one place to another. Period. So, really, I was as shocked as you are by my reaction, which can be summed up like this:
The car’s good looks are obvious. It’s sporty but sophisticated, cool but practical. Personally, I wouldn’t have chosen the Remington Red – I am partial to the Titanium Silver – but it’s what’s inside that counts, and what’s standard inside the Kia Sorento SX AWD is stunning.
Oh, Kia Sorento, how do I love thee? Well, let me count the ways:
1. The blind spot detection system. This is my all-time favorite feature, and something every single car should have – especially as the baby boomers age, and our eyesight and reaction time are not quite as sharp as they used to be. When a vehicle is detected in the driver’s blind spot, the warning indicator lights up in the side mirrors and an audible alert goes off. My husband ADORED this feature.
2. The panoramic sunroof. It’s like driving in a convertible without your hair flying in your eyes. Mommy bloggers may have pictures of their cute little ones standing up to show off this feature but they can’t really demonstrate how big and wide open it really is. I have my adorable 83 year old mother, who enjoys the fresh air but felt much safer cruising down the 5 in the Sorento than she ever did in a convertible.
3. The Infinity Surround Sound Audio System with 10 speakers, external amplifier and subwoofer. The sound is so crisp and so rich, it makes me cry. Being able to listen to music like this made me eager to drive the car as often as possible – in fact, my 20-year-old daughter, my husband and I argued all week over who would get to drive (usually we argue over who has to drive). My husband was all over the fact that he could follow golf on Sirius radio, and my daughter and I played dueling iPods.
4. Power Liftgate with programmable height. You don’t have to do any heavy lifting to open or close the trunk – open it with the remote, close it with the push of a button, and program that button for your height so you don’t have to pull a muscle stretching. By the way, the trunk can easily fit golf and tennis bags for my husband and me, plus suitcases, plus whatever else – making it easy for empty nest road trips. And when our future grandkids arrive, we can add two extra seats just by pulling up the easy straps.
Okay, I could also tell you all about the Rear Camera Display, the Backup Warning System, the Navigation System and the amazing UVO e-Services Infotainment System that offers emergency, parking and trip assistance, but, honestly, you should check it out yourself. Go take the Sorento for a test drive and you will understand why I’m gushing.
Because I’m seriously ready to put my money where my mouth is, I’ve emailed my new friends at Kia to ask them what it would take for me to make that baby mine. So stay tuned, and hopefully next time you see me, I’ll be back behind the wheel instead of chasing after it.
To read about my experiences at the Kia Classic, click here.
To read my ridiculous text conversation with my husband about the tournament and the car, click here.
I used to be the editor of the weekly auto section at the daily newspaper. Never, ever have I seen a better auto review. Not so much because of the car (which does, indeed, sound like a super vehicle), but because this is the first review I’ve read that included a Queen song. You rock — in more ways than one! ♥
Everything you said about the car is true, Lois and I, too, think this is a great car. The large sunroof is perfect for a cruise on a sunny day but don’t expect this grandmother to be “going through the roof” on a regular basis. PS: I’d take the color red…..
Hi, Edith! Such a cute picture of you!!! (It’s Linda’s daughter Lori…)
I am now lusting after a Kia Sorento. Darn you, Lois! I don’t need a new car yet. I’ll just put it on my wish list.
This sounds like a car fit for my family. Your recommendations have never disappointed me – I plan to take a look at the Sorento soon. BTW: I agree with your mom, go with the red. Thanks for your great posts.
I have been reading your posts on SSS for some time, but have
never sent in a comment. You write on all kinds of subjects and they have been interesting, informative and entertaining (as well as controversial) and I have enjoyed them all. When I saw today’s topic I wondered what you could say about a car that I would enjoy reading – but you did it again. It was a well written fun read. So much so, it piqued my husband’s interest in the KIA. I just wanted to let you know. Keep writing.
OMG! We just bought a 2014 Kia Sorento SXL last week. We absolutely LOVE IT! I had a baby in February and needed to trade in my sporty Audi A4 Wagon for more sensible “mom” car that could accommodate the car seat and the rest of the baby stuff we now cart around all the time. While I was sad to see the car of my youth go, I was not at all disappointed to move into the Sorento. It is so chuck full of technology and luxury benefits that my driving experience was actually enhanced more than I could have ever thought possible. Its as if they thought of a crazy mom on the go who needed her hands free at all times when they designed this car. Every day I am pleasantly surprised by something else the car is going to do for me. My husband (who might I mention is a major “car guy”) loves this car too. We were originally looking to move into the Audi Q7 so I thought it would be hard to get him to consider a Kia. The first time he drove it and saw the price tag, he was sold and couldn’t stop talking about it. When I now brag to my friends about my Sorento, its about the value of the car. I feel it is a very smart buy. Not only do you get great safety and reliability with the Sorento, but it drives beautifully and is extremely well appointed for a price tag that won’t break the bank. PS – Ours is pearl white with black interior – very snazzy 🙂
I love those cars too. What I really want to know is how you go about getting to drive one for a week?? That is way cool. That would give you plenty of time to figure out any problems you or your family might have with it.
Excellent review!! We may be looking a new car for my husband soon and I think you just convinced me to give Kia a try!! Good work!
Well, 85% of car decisions are made by women . . . and my husband and I just happen to be in the market for a new car. I have a Subaru Forester, and my husband just might be buying a Kia thanks to you!!
Wonderful post! I wasn’t aware of this, but I’m tempted to go test drive. Thanks so much, Virginia- FirstClassWoman
I was once in love with a Durango. We had a torrid affair that went up in smoke. Literally. On the side of the freeway.
I’ve never been in love again. Maybe the Kia could turn this old woman’s heart from ice to passion once more.
Too bad I just bought a car (2008 Acura) which is a gas guzzler. Luxurious, but a gas guzzler. Hmm. Kia. Sounds delish (and better on gas) Lois. I think having your Mom pose for the pic sold the deal…
Seriously now, great review! My son will be looking for a car very soon, and I’m going to tell him about the Kia. If it’s good enough for my friend Lois, then it’s good enough for my family!
On our college hunting tour last week my daughter and I arrived at the Budget counter and were given keys to what turned out to be the same Kia model you are reviewing -minus a few bells and whistles, of course. And, it was red! REally enjoyed driving it and felt the size was perfect for all of those small, admissions offices parking lots.
Good luck on your quest and give your mom a hug – she is a trooper.
What a great article! I’m in the market for a car and this was a helpful post!
Great review – so nice to read about a car that isn’t all about car seats and LATCH . . .women without babies drive and buy cars too! =) And of course – we fall in love . . .
Hillary
What is it with us midlife women falling in love with new cars? Great review! Funny that they gave both of us red. Hmmmm, definitely is not an old lady’s color.
Just left the Auto Show in NYC. And yes the Kia was there. They were especially promoting the Wonder Woman model – wish I could show you a photo of the paint job. And yes the features and economy are great but sorry don’t we want something a bit more spiffy and uniquely styled in our midlife? I may have to do a post on this. I’ll just add for now that the Ford Mustang turns 50 this year. Cars have mid-lives too!