when is the '16 sorento expected to be available?

 

I agree it's not a universal stereotype (I didn't mean for it to sound that way)....but, in general, older people prefer traditional ***** and button controls to computerized video stuff like the I-Drive and MMI. Lincoln, for example, after several new vehicles with awkward finger-slide sensors, at least partially returned to ***** in the new MKC.

 

@bitkahuna

Initial batch has already been built and shipped from Georgia. Should arrive by last week in December on the East Coast. Dealers are not allowed to begin selling until January 1st, and any rebates/programs will start on January 3rd.

I was pretty excited for this redesign initially, and was all set to move forward but now I have some reservations.

1. Kia still will not make any announcement about Android Auto or Carplay... and for a 2016 model that means waiting for atleast 18 months until the 17's are out unless they will be backwards compatible. Hyundai, which shares almost everything with Kia has gone out of their way to announce plans. In fact the 15 Sonata will be backwards compatible for a CarPlay upgrade and starting with many 16 models an even newer infotainment system called "Display Audio" will be released. It will have a 7 inch touch screen, and work with both Android Auto and Carplay. The Cd Player will be axed as well, and you can buy the Hyundai Nav as an app instead of a package upgrade.

2.Even more concerning is the price bump and lack of holding it's residual value due to the Kia brand still being a few years behind compared to how high quality the vehicles actually are. The prices have soared out of control on this release.

The price range is 24,900 to a staggering 47,100 on a fully loaded SXL - that is loaded Highlander territory and the Highlander is a much larger, more substantial, and established vehicle. Also adding $22,000 in options really effects how dramatically the SXL will tank in value. The current 2015 V6 SXL currently hits $40,000 and change fully loaded, so a 7k price bump is offputting.

We had 2 kias (mom has 2012 Optima and loves it, about to get a 15) and I put 46,000 miles on my 2014 Sorento SXL in 17 months(I also loved it) and recently got a subaru legacy. Looking to get the new Sorento but there needs to be some heavy rebates and clarity on the infotainment as my time on the road would be substantially better with apple maps and calender connections.

 

thanks weezer. yeah the loaded 16 sorento is getting up there, but it seems to be a pretty nice, albeit rather bland exterior and a bit quirky interior vehicle.

i also read that the 6 speed auto won't be around long, that kia's likely to deliver an 8 or 9 speed auto soon.

 

Hmmmm, interesting news about an 8 or 9 speed coming... I'm sure that will occur. I am happy that Kia/Hyundai is not going down the CVT road, but I do rather enjoy the one on my 15 Legacy 3.6R.

As for the exterior it is far blander then expected, I was loving where Peter S was bring brand and hope this is not a sign of the future. I know his resources have really been spent on the Hyundai side of the house for the last year or so.

My value tanked quickly on my Sorento - even though it was a phenomenal vehicle. Still a lot of rumors Hyundai will be coming out with a Genesis SUV in the near future, I really hope that is the case and it will be a 3 row.

What bugs me about Toyota, and most traditional brands that have a luxury arm is the little rules of a fully loaded vehicle still not having some basic tech to push you into Lexus for example. Take a look at the Highlander, a fully loaded one still does not have HID's or even LED tail lights. My biggest disappointment is the tech/infotainment in the Subaru(which is identical to Toyota) it is easily 5 years behind just about everyone else.

A little off track I know, but the market is getting so competitive now.