2016 Kia Sorento: It's Turbo Time

The model I tested checked in around $32,000, which places it in good standing when compared against the Mazda CX-9 and the Ford Edge.

The Korean company has proven that focusing on design and features can transcend the function-over-form philosophy that predominates amongst practical vehicles.

Time waits for no automobile.

The redesigned Kia Sorento has been stretched three inches.

I was fortunate enough to snag a turbocharged edition of the Sorento for my yearly pilgrimage down I-87 to New York City.

The vehicle I drove additionally offered all-wheel drive, which I put to the test during several snowy hours of highway driving.

It's important to note that the six-cylinder is actually a little less gifted in the torque department as compared to the turbo.

The vehicle was comfortable and controlled during my entire time behind the wheel, and fuel efficiency was also good for such a large automobile.

If you feel like spending all the money, you certainly can - there's a $46,000 SX+ trim level that installs significant luxuries within the Sorento's already-comfortable confines.

Some models of the Sorento can even be had with an optional third row of seating, although the vehicle I drove was outfitted for five passengers.

The interior of my mid-tier tester straddled the line between nice and utilitarian.

I was able to haul home a six-foot tall cat tower with the second row folded forward, and also transport a full set of four race tires without even having to tip the back seat.

It's a welcome change of pace from the older SUV, and one that modernizes the vehicle's personality.

There were enough hard buttons inside the Sorento that I didn't have to take off my gloves to access features like the vehicle's heated seats.

A larger Sorento also means marginally more cargo room, with 2,095 litres available in total behind the first row.

A new drivetrain choice joins the Kia Sorento's order sheet for 2016: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Over the course of 1,600 kilometres of driving I found myself completely charmed by the 2.0-litre motor.

Upscale Sorento models offer a substantial amount of tech.

I can honestly say that I see little reason to pay more for the V6.