Los Angeles is a city of drivers, so I spend an extraordinary amount of time in my car. Driving around LA requires navigating city roads, sitting in freeway traffic and allowing us the space and comfort for longer road trips when we need to escape the city life.
For the past two weeks, my family test drove a white 2017 Kia Sorento. The Kia was fun, and delivered on our key criteria – reliability, comfort, space, technology, and most importantly safety.
The KIA Sorento SXL is an attractive car with a large interior. The SXL has a third-row option which is perfect for larger families, or if you travel with groups of people. My other favorite features include heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, infotainment system with Apple CarPlay (believe me I need a nice distraction during school drop offs/pickup), USB ports, Bluetooth wireless technology, rear air conditioning controls (don’t you hate it when you can’t feel the air from the front of the car?) keyless entry and easy hatchback opens. I read that you can adjust the hatch to open to your desired height but I haven’t tested this option yet.
I own a KIA so I’m familiar with it’s safety features and road handling capabilities. Kias are nimble, great on fuel efficiency and have an awesome camera systems. The Sorento SXL has a 360 degree camera. Backing up is a breeze then you have a better view, and there are choices for different views. Drivers also get a view from the sides of your car. I love this feature. I live in a busy neighborhood and really put these features to the test for parallel parking and pulling into and out of my driveway. The Sorento is a longer than my Soul and the Sportage, so the camera views are a huge help when parking. The Blind-Spot Detection alerts you when something is in your blindspot, or just getting too close to your car.
On the highway, the Sorento is powerful, sleek and quiet (I like hearing the quiet hum of the car, not clanking engines!). Noisey cars drive me crazy.
All Wheel Drive is an option which is perfect for a drive up to Big Bear. The car is smart with automatic folding mirrors and my daughter’s favorite — the panoramic sunroof. Let the sun shine in, and enjoy the views around you.
The 2017 KIA Sorento SXL has all the bells and whistles of a luxury crossover SUV. The car comes in different models to fit your budget. And for parents, you won’t have to worry about the mini-van stigma. I actually loved spending time driving it. And, I have to admit, that I drove it to Griffith Park, opened the sunroof, cranked the radio for a few minutes, and basked in the sunshine for some glorious me-time. But, when you are chauffeuring your kids around, your home-on-wheels should be fun to drive, comfy and safe. Whether I am driving to swim class, or taking that family drive to Yosemite I appreciate the safety features. Happy Driving and let me know if you have any specific questions about the Sorento. I’m here to help you out!
–We received a car rental for editorial purposes. Opinions are our own.–
