Kia Sorento: Best SUV Under $25,000 {Great Family Vehicle}
A brand spanking new 2014 Kia Sorento SX (3.3L GDI V6 AWD) finally arrived, and talk about total lux. Now, this time it is up and close and personal because I currently own a 2011 Kia Sorento. Seeing the ’14 model made me instantly so jelly. The funny thing is both of the Sorentos currently in my driveway are white, they’re almost identical except the newer 2014 model was born and bred to steal my heart away, and I may not give it up so easily.
The vehicle arrived shortly after this mom of three dropped off the boys for school. So, my first day with my new Sorento was spent running errands here and there and making a quick run down to Jackson, Michigan and back. After driving this baby on the highway, I must say it handled above and beyond my expectations; it was smooth sailing all the way. Normally, I am overly cautious driving on snow covered roads. But even with the recent snow fall I experienced while driving, my fears were instantly allayed. Because unlike my current Kia Sorento the 2014 came with a powerful V6 and AWD. Needless to say I plowed right through the fluffy white stuff without worries, something I wouldn’t dare do with my 2011 Kia model (somehow I made the wrong choice and got a 2-Wheel vs AWD– what was I thinking?!!)
{can’t go anywhere without my sun glasses}
The next day was spent running more errands in and around Lansing and while driving locally there were so many small nice details I noticed about the new 2014 Kia (mine for the week at least). I really liked the safety features; the first one I noticed was the rearview camera. Put the transmission into reverse and the Rear-Camera Display will show a live image of what’s behind your vehicle. For added convenience, a vehicle footprint that shows bumper width is superimposed on the display. This feature comes on all of the Kia vehicles, as shown in my review of the 2014 Kia Forte.
Another really cool feature I really loved was the Blind Spot Detection System, which is a radar-based system that gives a warning indicator in the side mirrors and an audible alert when a vehicle is in the driver’s blind spot. What will the folks at Kia think of next?
Besides the rear view camera, this has got to be my FAVORITE safety features.
For instance, how many times do you go to pull over and forget to look? I know we don’t want to admit it, but I have done this a few times. Then I hear a blaring horn from the vehicle next to me and I get back in my lane. As a Mom it can be easy for me to get distracted when kids are waging World war III in the back seat…. yeah. Enough on that.
Recently We got hit with (another) Winter Storm. By the way, I am so seriously sick and tired of being sick and tired of winter!
The only GOOD thing about THIS Winter Storm, is being able to plow right through a few feet of snow with my new (borrowed) Kia Sorento 2014!
Look at all of that snow! If you live in Michigan rest assured you’re gonna get snow aplenty, and if you’re wondering if this 2014 Kia Sorento SX (3.3L GDI V6 AWD ) can get through a ton of snow, then think no more. Let me be the first to tell you.. YES, YES, and YES! This baby handled like a champ. Usually I have to wait until the snow removal srvice comes and digs me out or if I am feeling spunkyI dig myself out with my small shovel. Don’t get me wrong, I love my SUV but I just hate I didn’t get the AWD instead of the 2WD.
With this being a 7-passenger SUV, it doesn’t leave a lot of room for storage (probably the only thing I would make an improvement on). However, a luggage rack on topgives you additional storage. With our SUV, when we head on road trips we have found ways to get creative with storage. As far as the daily storage items, like shopping bags, groceries, coupon binders, sports equipment, etc… it will handle all of it just fine!
Another one of my FAVORITE features about this lovely and luxury SUV, is the Heated Steering Wheel. This, along with the heated seats are just a god-send! With Michigan experiencing the polar vortex the last few months, I loved having heated seats and a heated steering wheel for a week.
Think about this- You’re outside in negative degree weather. You just shoveled yourself out of 3-4 feet of snow. Your hands are freezing. You jump in your car. It’s warm since it’s been running for 45 minutes while you shoveled out your entire driveway. And the warm steering wheel and heated seats bath your embattled body in total warmth. Now, THAT’s something worth buying a Kia Sorento for!
Our youngest, Zayd’n had his own favorite item in regards to the 2014 Sorento! Take a look:
And did you know that the 2014 Kia Sorento is considered one of the TOP 10 SUV’s under $25,000? That makes it a great family car that is still affordable! Plus, you’re getting a lot of luxurious perks for that pricepoint too. (according to the Kelly Blue Book)
Some of the other great perks that I like:
- Gas Mileage (always something I check for when I’m searching for a new vehicle) 20-26 MPG ( I have the 2011 Sorento and I get 24 MPG in the city and 28-30 MPG on the Highway).
- Kelly Blue Book gives it a 8.1 out of 10 Consumer Rating
- Hands free: I was able to manager my music, directions, phone contacts just talking to the car
- Additional Airbags (front and side)
- 24 hours service provided with your Kia
As far as affordability, the Kia Sorento goes along with the same features and prices as the Kia Forte:
- Kia’s 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty. Again, as I have mentioned before, this is a HUGE perk. I’ve had plenty experiences of transmission blowouts, stranded on the side of the road, and constantly pumping money into a dying vehicle.
- When I purchased my 2011 Kia Sorento (brand new at the time), I paid around $21,000 for my SUV. According to Kia’s website and price details, new Kia Sorento SUV’s start out at $24,100.
You know I’m not one to bore you with a lot of specs, but if you would like more details on the beautiful 2014 Kia Sorento, then be sure to head over to Kia’s website to check them out!
A cool factoid to consider when weighing your new car options, Kia won the Best Value Image Award from Kelly Blue Book for 2014. You can read more about their award:
here.
Well, this has been a FUN week chauferring the family around luxury. Each year Kia brings more fun, luxury as well as practical new technology to their award winning vehicle line. I’m looking forward to see what they come up with next! Be sure to check out my review on the Kia Forte as well!
*****Be sure to let me know what you think about this 2014 Kia Sorento in the comments below! ******
I hear such good things about Kia’s. I am not in the market for a new car right now, but I would LOVE to test drive one when I am 🙂
Sounds like a good vehicle to have had this winter!
I also reviewed this car, and LOVED it.
I’ve always like the Kia SOrento! I needed a bigger vehicle though. Fabulous review!
This looks like an amazing vehicle. My hubby was actually looking into one for himself. Thanks for the awesome details and images. Stellar review!
I’m totally biased! Our Jeep Patriot was under 25K, and I LOVE it. Fair trunk space, and room for 5, even with two carseats.
What a good price! This is a vehicle that looks like it has room and is priced right! Definitely one for me to look into!
Kia has come a long way! I love how their new SUV’s look and drive. I had a chance to rent one last year and it drives like a dream. It puts my Toyota SUV to shame!
Yes they have definitely come a long way! I totally love my kia sorento!
I reviewed the Sorento as well, it’s my favorite Kia by far.
Most definitely Heather!
What a great ride! I drive a minivan but we are considering going to an suv instead.
This looks super awesome. We just leased a Kia Soul and love the Kia experience. The price for the Sorento isn’t bad.
Kia has really stepped up their game. My husband and I have driven several Kia vehicles and we were pretty impressed.
Stacie, I definitely agree that the Kia Vehicles have come up!!
I am in the market for a car for my daughter and I am on a tight budget. I will look into this
This looks like such a great vehicle. I know we’re going to want to upgrade from our cars one day in the near future, but I don’t want a minivan. This looks like a great family car option!
Yes Jamie- I am not a huge fan of minivans! LOL
Such a great price and so many great features! We have a Sedona but I’d love to make the switch to a Sorento.
Thanks Melissa- I hear the Sedonas are nice too! I love my Sorento!
i’ve got an older minivan. its awesome, but today i got a van for a blog program and omg
the safety features. i see the sorento has them too. back up camera, blind spot mirror.
it’s amazing. the sorento has a great price point too!
Thanks Brett- how did you like the Mini Van? I totally love all of the awesome safety features that Kia offers.
We loved test driving our Kia Sorento, I’m glad you did as well!
Yes– I totally want to upgrade my Sorento!
Kia’s have sure come a long way. This one looks fabulous inside and out. A heated steering wheel is a great feature! I live in Michigan too, and can you believe we woke up to snow today after all that fabulous Spring weather???
Rosey- I can’t wait for summer, forget Spring. You know how that it in Michigan! lol
Wow…that hands free feature sounds awesome!!! I like a lot of the vehicles made by Kia.
Yes all the hands free features makes it great to stay focused on the road– and keep safe!
WOW, heating steering wheel? I would use that everyday!
I know, right?!!! I loved the heating steering wheel!
Such a cute car. We’ve been talking about downsizing to a car. I’m going to pin this for later.
thanks Dina- we love our Sorento and it’s easy on the gas too!
I have heard really good things about KIA in the last year. Looks like they stepped up their game – Tracey @ Just a Trace
This is my number one choice for our next family video. It’s the total package.
It’s hard to get any car under $25 nowadays. That looks like a cute car, too.
I’ve driven the Sorrento and loved it. I would get that in place of my minivan in a second
Yes definitely Melinda! Trade the minivan! lol
Wow! That’s a really great deal for a car like this. It’s about time we move into an SUV.
This looks like a really nice SUV, especially for the price! I’ve never driven a Kia before but I’ll have to check them out when I’m ready for a new car.
I can remember when Kia was just known for being affordable. Now they’re really upping their game with the features and durability. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Sorento especially.
Definitely Kenda- and all of the safety features and their 100,000 mile or 10 year warranty is awesome! That’s just about as long as I will probably keep a car so that works for me~!
I really like this. I have a 7 passenger Durango and it’s hard on gas (the wallet!). Might be time to look at a trade in!
Oh I can imagine Erica! Those are huge gas hogs– this Sorento does well on gas!
We’re looking for a new car now! I’ll have to take a closer look at these!
Yes Angie definitely check out the Sorento. It’s a great family car.
This really is a great family value. I love all of the room.
Yes it is a great family car Felicia! And I have boys with long legs and they fit perfectly.
I drove a Sorento when I was in Orlando. It was amazing, I really would like to get one one day.
Toni- awesome! It definitely is a pretty smooth car to drive!
Wow! It does look like Kia has stepped up their game. I recently wrote a post about what vehicles to consider if you hate minivans. I listed this in my blog but I wasn’t really considering it a big contender in my mind. I’m going to add it to my list of favorites now. Thanks for your detailed post and with pictures even!
http://kate-land.com/11-vehicles-for-moms-who-hate-minivans//
You’re welcome Katelyn. Yes I am not a huge fan of minivans anymore– and love driving an SUV! and definitely the sorento is a big contender!
I am looking at getting a bigger car so this is great. I like how reasonable it is as well.
We got to test drive a Sorento last fall and we LOVED it! Such a sporty sleek car with so many awesome features with the upgrades.
I love the blind spot feature. If people pay attention that will save a lot of wrecks! Just for luxury I love the heated steering wheel lol.
I love Kia! They drive so smoothly and look fantastic. Not to mention how much storage space they have!
I want one I really DO!