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"While most of the auto industry limps in and out of the economic pits, Kia has been steadily logging laps on the development track. Now boasting a spanking-new assembly plant in Georgia, Kia has equally new, first-tier vehicles to build in it, specifically its best-seller, the Sorento.   All-new for 2011 and introduced in relatively business-like LX and EX dress, Kia has loaded its newest Sorento variant full of the latest electronics, a notably upscale interior and a freshened exterior to match. Needing only a short option list\u2014twin over-sized sunroofs are the one major choice\u2014and starting at $32,195, the Sorento SX retains its good value while adding a welcome touch of class.   The Sorento&amp;#039;s long list of standard features begins with a strong 276-bhp 3.5-liter V-6. The all-aluminum 4-cam engine easily boots the Sorento ahead of traffic and helps achieve a 3500-lb. towing capacity while posting EPA ratings of 20 mpg City and 26 mpg Highway. A 6-speed automatic is the sole transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, awd is optional, and there is no low-range gearing. The awd system, however, features a locking center differential for keeping the Sorento moving in the slipperiest conditions.   All Sorento SXs employ Kia&amp;#039;s latest dual-flow shock absorbers for more sophisticated ride control of their strut front and multi-link rear suspension.   If the SX&amp;#039;s mechanical upgrades are mildly evolutionary, the styling and trim have taken a full step forward. New front and rear exterior treatments set the Sorento SX&amp;#039;s upscale tone. Large headlights, fog lamps, dual chrome tailpipes, LED tail lamps and a bright lower rear fascia panel bump up the SX&amp;#039;s presence. Also helping are chrome door handles and 18-in. bright alloy wheels.   But it&amp;#039;s inside where the Sorento SX makes its biggest appeal. Leather upholstery is standard on the firmly supportive three-row seating, augmented by heat and forced-air ventilation of the front buckets. Subtle improvements throughout\u2014stitching on the gauge cluster, indirect interior lighting, lit door sills, carbon fiber-look dash panels\u2014take the SX interior from nicely utilitarian to unexpectedly pleasing. Electronically, the SX keeps pace with the usual MP3 jacks, Bluetooth connectivity, Sirius satellite radio and standard 10-speaker Infinity sound. Navigation and a back-up camera are optional.   With its skilled exterior restyling that comes across as conservatively upscale, the Sorento SX offers a touch of luxury without pretense or the &amp;quot;look-at-me&amp;quot; styling too often employed in the crowded utility market. The same quiet confidence is found in the driver&amp;#039;s seat, where control action is perfectly mainstream, even if we&amp;#039;re not big fans of the Sorento&amp;#039;s rising-effort steering feel. A full dip into throttle erases any such niggling complaints, as does the realistic price of admission. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a16498/2011-kia-sorento-sx/>