The 2016 Kia Sorento grows a little bit larger, and grows up a lot.Though the Kia Sorento has been completely redesigned and re-engineered for 2016, it looks like the exterior only modestly evolved. The 2016 model is both significantly roomier and more refined in nearly every way. There’s some meaningful change all around the 2016 Kia Sorento actually, with every bit of sheet metal and every piece of trim changed. A new body structure, an available turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and redesigned seating—plus some new active-safety features—add up to tremendously meaningful change once you take it all in.
Pros Composed, quiet ride Responsive, economical new 2.0T Impressive interior trims Tight, "vault-like" feel
Cons Short, bench-like second-row seats Third row not available with turbo four Limited availability of active safety features
The Kia Sorento is fully redesigned for 2016 and ranks in the middle among midsize SUVs based on the professional reviews and data that drive our rankings. Professional automotive critics generally agree that the Sorento has an appealing mix of interior comfort and technology, but its base engine is underpowered. It also gets excellent safety ratings within its class.
Pros Accurate steering and composed handling Premium cabin materials Zippy engine options Lots of available safety features
Cons Weak base engine Price can climb quickly
The Kia Sorento is bigger, more sophisticated and better to drive for 2016, making it an appealing alternative to five- and seven-passenger SUVs that were previously a class above it. Kia's midsize crossover is definitely worth a long look.
pros User-friendly controls Well-made and attractive cabin Versatile second-row seat Ample features for the money Long warranty Excellent crash test scores.
cons Turbo engine isn't as punchy and efficient as expected Less spacious than most seven-passenger competitors.
The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport adds two new dimensions to its performance profile: a turbodiesel V-6 and a supercharged HST edition. For the 2016 model year, it adds two new sources of power—one more frugal, one not so much.The current Range Rover Sport is much lighter and more nimble than the first-generation model. It took unsexy materials science to make the Sport more slinky. Like the Range Rover, the Sport's body is now made from glued-and-riveted aluminum, a switch from steel that's said to be 800 pounds lighter.
Pros Crisp styling blends Range Rover, Evoque Rorty supercharged V-6, thundering supercharged V-8 Serene, stately cabin "5+2" seating offers expanded utility Masters both kinds of driving—on and off-road
Cons Big jump from base to Autobiography "+2" seating is only for kids, only for very short trips Still expensive
From its iconic square-edge styling to its impressive off-road credentials, Land Rover’s 2016 Range Rover Sport luxury SUV is in a league of its own. The Brit’s ability to marry wood, leather and plastic produces an interior second to none, which may help justify the Range Rover Sport’s lofty price over a similarly equipped Audi Q7 or BMW X5. Land Rover knows exclusivity has its price, and those with adequate means don’t usually quibble over window stickers. While we know the vast majority of 2016 Range Rover Sports will never see anything but paved roads, it’s nice to know that this luxury SUV is an incredibly competent off-road vehicle, one of the best in the world, in fact.
Pros If exclusivity and capability are the hallmarks of what you want in your next luxury SUV, the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport won’t disappoint. When equipped with the supercharged V8, the Sport can give even the Porsche Cayenne a run for its money.
Cons If you seek luxury, capability and status in an SUV with a lower price tag and a better service history than the Range Rover Sport, an Acura MDX, Audi Q7 or Mercedes-Benz GL is a better choice. Even the smaller Land Rover Discovery Sport is a more palatable option.
Stylish, athletic and luxurious, with an optional third-row seat and diesel powertrain to boot, the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a well-rounded premium SUV. Every vehicle is a compromise, and yet the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport tries to do it all — and we'll be darned if it doesn't come close. Here's a vehicle that can go from a muddy, rutted trail directly to a racetrack (a transition we've actually experienced in the 550-horsepower SVR model) and feel confident in both locales. Naturally, luxury is also a big part of the equation, as the Range Rover Sport coddles its occupants with comfortable seats and high-end materials throughout the cabin.
Pros Composed handling Powerful supercharged V8 Fuel-efficient diesel option Available seven-passenger seating True off-road capability.
Cons Third-row seat just for kids Unimpressive fuel economy with gasoline engines Modest cargo capacity.
