2016 Kia Sorento: It's Turbo Time

Photo: Benjamin Hunting

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.

Photo: Benjamin Hunting

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

Photo: Benjamin Hunting

Time waits for no automobile.

Photo: Benjamin Hunting

The redesigned Kia Sorento has been stretched three inches.

Photo: Benjamin Hunting

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

Photo: Benjamin Hunting

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

Photo: Benjamin Hunting

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

Photo: Benjamin Hunting

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

Photo: Sylvain Raymond

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.

Photo: Sylvain Raymond

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.

Photo: Alain Morin

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

Photo: Alain Morin

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.

Photo: Alain Morin

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

Photo: Alain Morin

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.

Photo: Kia

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

Photo: Kia

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.

Photo: Kia

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

Photo: Kia

Upscale Sorento models offer a substantial amount of tech.

Photo: Kia

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