The 2018 Kia Sorento, built at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, enters its third model year as a carry-over.

Kia's popular SUV offers refined utility and advanced technology, as well as a new convenience package for greater flexibility – the LX Cool & Connected Package. In addition, a third-row seat is now standard on all 2.4L AWD and 2.4L LX AWD models.

Lineup

The third-generation Sorento is available in five trim levels. The handsomely equipped LX, EX, SX, and SXL models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque, or a 3.3-liter V-6 that makes 290 horsepower and 252 lb.-ft. of torque, while the EX trim is also available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.

Sorento continues to offer an advanced AWD system that automatically routes power to the wheel with the most traction, while inside, the Sorento delivers class-up premium materials, offering the perfect combination of refinement and capability.

Safety

The Sorento has also earned top honors—Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+)—from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with optional front-crash prevention. With the Sorento earning "good" crashworthiness ratings and a superior rating for the optional front-crash prevention system, Kia continues to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to safety.

"These results are a clear indication that Kia places a high priority on safety by offering advanced crash avoidance technologies and enhancing vehicle structure through the use of advanced high-strength steel," said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA.  "We are proud that the Sorento received strong ratings across the board, and having earned the prestigious TSP+ award bolsters our strong safety record and the integrity of our products."

To qualify for a Top Safety Pick Plus rating, each vehicle must earn "good" ratings in each of the five crashworthiness tests—small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints—as well as an "advanced" or "superior" rating for front crash prevention.

The 2017 Sorento is available with many driver-assistance systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) technology, high-beam assist (HBA), and rear parking assist.