Kia Sorento First Review 2016

When Kia chose Lake Tahoe as the site to introduce the new 2016 Kia Sorento, it had everything to do with the picturesque location and status-climbing intent of this midsize crossover SUV. However, the mountains unleashed a winter storm that gave us a hint of how the nearby Donner Pass gained its infamy, and we wound up driving the new Sorento in snow and rain blown sideways by winds literally strong enough to kick up surfable waves on Lake Tahoe. In other words, it was perfect for testing an all-wheel drive family hauler with virtually every modern safety technology you could imagine. Thanks to the tech -- not to mention seat and steering wheel heaters -- new Kia Sorento never missed a beat

Introduced in 2002 as a traditional body-on-frame, off-road ready SUV, the Sorento has evolved and matured into a very modern and classy looking car-based crossover SUV. It has also morphed into a tentpole for the brand, becoming the first Kia to sell more than 100,000 units in a single year, and consistently remains one of the strongest sellers for the company. It's so important to the U.S. market that it's the vehicle Kia chose to spearhead its U.S. manufacturing venture in Georgia

Segment straddler

Now, with Kia celebrating its 20th anniversary of U.S. sales, Kia faced a dilemma when designing the 2016 Kia Sorento midsize SUV. On one hand, the market was demanding a bigger vehicle, one with the size and technology to match the newest Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee. On the other, the Sorento's smaller size was one of its selling points, offering an in-between option for those who wanted a 7-passenger family hauler, but maybe didn't need something quite so bulky

The resulting vehicle straddles that line surprisingly well. It grows in size, but only a little, just enough to offer second-row and third-row passengers a bit more legroom. The new interior and exterior styling look great, and the selection of materials inside, judicious use of chrome outside, and emphasis on quiet on the road give the impression that this mid-priced Kia is punching above its class and price. This is, of course, what Kia hopes you'll think

Three powertrain choices

Under the hood are two familiar engines, plus one new one for the Sorento. The 185-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is still the base engine, and the 290-horsepwoer 3.3-liter V6 also returns for duty. New is a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, an in-between option for those who want a little added power, but don't want to take the fuel economy hit of the V6. The 2016 Kia Sorento gets an updated all-wheel drive system called Dynamax that uses a torque-vectoring control system to help maintain secure cornering. It also includes a "lock" mode, which distributes the power 50/50 to the front and rear for really slippery situations

The new Kia Sorento also gets a serious electronics upgrade. Active cruise control, lane keeping monitor, blind spot monitor, and a plethora of other active and passive safety systems are all available this year. The audio system also has a new feature known as Clari-Fi that SUPPLIER Infinity says helps restore lost fidelity to the highly compressed audio files most people listen to these days. It worked on the static demo Kia had set up for us, and the audio system definitely sounded good, but we'd have to independently test it to see if it meets the manufacturer's claims

The Drive Home

The words "Donner Pass" and "snowstorm" are not to be taken lightly, even in this day of Interstates and snowplows.  Yet even though my drive home along Interstate 80 would take me across the Pass through some fairly nasty weather -- well, nasty for an Angeleno raised under perpetually sunny skies -- I knew that the new Sorento was easily up to the threatening skies and gently falling flakes

The all-wheel drive of the 2016 Kia Sorento SX-L meant I could ignore the chains requirement over the Donner Pass, and at a steady 30 mph, the vehicle's all-wheel drive system made short work of the slick roads. I didn't need to engage the all-wheel drive lock mode, and even had time to take in the stunning scenery. Later, when the roads cleared and I was back to highway speeds, the V6 engine provided plenty of power when it came time to pass semis, or when accelerating back onto the highway after fuel stops. The V6 delivers its power smoothly compared to the new turbocharged engine, but part of the lag in its delivery was likely because of the altitude. Fuel economy averaged about 25 mpg or so during the drive, right on the EPA target. The suspension and steering were both good, with the former offering good control and comfort without too much body lean in corners, and the latter a huge leap forward compared to the old Sorento

On the more mind-numbing stretches of Interstate 5 I simply set the adaptive cruise control at a flow-of-traffic speed and rarely had to actually touch the brake pedal during the long stretches. However, while the Sorento had no problem slowing for traffic, it occasionally required a tap of the "resume" button to get back up to speed. It wasn't the only glitch; the UVO navigation system -- along with audio functions -- ceased to work a couple of times, and during the heavy weather the previous day many drivers reported that their blind spot detection stopped working altogether. Kia was quick to point out that these were pre-production models, and some last-minute bug-squashing may have been going on

Competitive with Toyota Highlander

By the time I got home to Los Angeles the 2016 Kia Sorento had made a good impression. Loading up the kids showed it's a good family hauler, with a decently sized second row, and a larger -- but not class-leading -- third row that's easier to access. The new Toyota Highlander offers a roomier interior, most notably in the third row, but Kia definitely closed the gap while retaining a smaller overall package. With prices starting at about $26,000 and extending all the way up to around $46,000 for an all-wheel drive SX-L, it undercuts the Highlander at the low end, but catches up on the higher end

With a compelling array of features, style, and creature comforts, it's a safe bet the new Sorento's status as a Kia tentpole remains secure

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Kia Optima Matures Without a Hint of Gray 2016

The Kia Optima has long been one of the Korean carmaker's unqualified successes. Combining strong value with strong styling and a variety of drivetrains, the Optima midsize sedan and the funky-but-lovable Soul have been providing the one-two punch for Kia's sales growth in the U.S. Now it's time for an all-new Optima and the 2016 Kia Optima carries the weight of anticipation placed on its swept-back shoulders with great skill

Style and Substance

A little bit wider and a little bit longer than the current Optima, the 2016 model's interior opens up a bit and the exterior swoops more than ever to give the car the 4-door-coupe sense of presence that dominates the landscape these days. At the front end, Kia has reinforced the Optima's grrr-factor with an aggressive face that you'd not want to meet in a dark alley. The overall effect is a midsize sedan that is maturing, but still has plenty of bite left. Such a strong emphasis on design is expected when your company's president, German-born Peter Schreyer, is also the company's chief design officer. But style alone does not an appealing car make -- sure doesn't hurt, though -- and the 2016 Kia Optima offers three 4-cylinder engines -- two turbocharged, one naturally aspirated. The two carryover engines -- a base 2.4-liter and a rather spirited 2.0-liter turbo (both mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission) - are tuned down a bit to produce less power but better fuel economy. The new sexy on the Optima block is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. In addition to laying down some impressive mpg figures, the 1.6 is also expected to put out 195 lb-ft of peak torque (good for acceleration) at just 1,500 rpm.The 1.6-liter setup will be available at the Optima's base (LX) level, which should point to a fairly low price point in what looks to be a very appealing ride. In its militant enthusiast defense, the top-tier 2.0-liter turbo (247 horsepower/260 lb-ft of torque) will now produce that intimidating peak torque just a hair off idle: at 1,350 rpm. The Optima hybrid is RIP (dead) for now

Still a Value Player

In line with the outgoing Optima, the all-new 2016 model specializes in handsomely equipping its base versions. Standard fare on all 2016 Kia Optimas includes the UVO connectivity, now with a quartet of babysitting features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert, and Driving Score (a monthly report spills the beans on how far, how much and how fast you drive). The new Optima will also be Kia's first-time inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing deeper integration of your smartphone's features -- like music, messaging and navigation -- into the car. Naturally, higher levels of pleasure will be available for a price, including a 14-speaker Infinity sound system and Nappa leather
Built at Kia's production facility in West Point, Georgia, the 2016 Kia Optima will appear in showrooms during the 4th quarter of 2015. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch

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Jaguar XF: Exercise in elegant efficiency 2016

As promised, the all-new 2016 Jaguar XF sedan made its first appearance as part of a dramatic over-water high-wire crossing that took place in London's Canary Wharf district prior to its debut in New York. But that high-profile entrance aside, the second generation of Jag's popular midsize 4-door has an impressive story to tell in its own right. A comprehensive remake endows the 2016 XF with a more refined design coupled with upgraded dynamics, enhanced creature comforts and improved fuel economy in virtually all models

More attractive by design 

Based on the same aluminum-intensive platform that underpins the recently introduced Jaguar XE, the new XF is over 400 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, but has 28 percent greater torsional rigidity. That stiffer foundation complements a new double-wishbone front/Integral Link rear suspension - in both standard advanced-passive-damper form and the optional Adaptive Dynamics setup. The new XF also benefits from electric power-assist steering. Like the F-Type, XF buyers will be able to opt for Jaguar Configurable Dynamics that features driver-selectable settings for the shocks, steering and shift mapping of the car's 8-speed automatic transmission

Visually this new Jaguar reflects a focused evolution of the model it replaces, bolstering the current coupe-like character with shorter overhangs and bolder fascia treatments that give the XF greater presence. "In creating the all-new XF, as a design team we have been driven by discipline, the discipline of simplicity," noted Ian Callum, Jaguar's Director of Design. "Every exterior line on the XF has a clear purpose - nothing is superfluous." In addition to bolstering its curb appeal, the XF's redrawn bodywork contributes to an even lower 0.26 drag coefficient.  And while its overall scale is virtually unchanged, the remake also nets nearly two more inches of wheelbase - now 102.7-inches -- a dimensional stretch Jag claims endows the car with class-leading rear seat space that includes greater amounts of head/leg/knee room

Inside, the new Jaguar XF benefits from a similar purpose-driven evolution that complements traditional luxury touches with state-of-the-art technology. Highlighting that list is a reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster first seen in the XJ sedan as well as the new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system. The most advanced package of its kind ever offered by Jaguar, it features a 10.2-inch Dual View touchscreen, solid-state hard drive and operates on "ultra-fast Ethernet for exceptional data transfer rates." Audiophiles will be able to listen to their favorite program material on a 17-speaker/825-watt Meridian digital sound system

Supercharged V6 power underhood  

Final drivetrain information is pending, but the 2016 Jaguar XF is expected to launch here with the same 340-horsepower and 380-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engines found in the F-Type when it goes on sale late this year. Both engines will be backed by the aforementioned 8-speed automatic transmission whether they're sending motive force to the rear or to all four wheels. Although the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel options remain Euro-only choices for now, there is a possibility we could see the 2.0-liter in showrooms here at some point

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Hyundai Tucson First Drive: A wallflower blooms 2016

It's a familiar scenario in family dynamics: The youngest is stuck with the hand-me-downs while the older kids get the latest stuff. The thinking goes that the smallest of the pack will eventually grow into the "new" things. Call it familial trickle-down economics
We see parallels in the automotive industry, where pricier flagship models are christened with the latest technology and amenities. Yet eventually, those hot new features become available even on the brand's entry-level cars, and though they may seem familiar within the automaker's lineup they'll still be relevant to buyers who have gone years between buying a car

A seat at the table

For the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, its day in the sun has arrived. The newly matured SUV is set to go on sale this month with a price that spans from $23,595 for a base model to nearly $35,000 for a loaded Limited Ultimate. For 2016, Hyundai's smallest and least-expensive crossover SUV has been given a full revamp. From its striking "Fluidic Sculpture 2.0" design to higher-strength steel, advanced safety features and a more efficient engine, the Tucson enters its third generation with so much appeal that it might just cause envy among its older siblings, the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport SUVs. It certainly aims to do that among its raft of small SUV competitors, which include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5
Like those other compact crossover SUVs, the 2016 Tucson remains a 2-row, 5-passenger hauler aimed at singles, young couples, empty-nesters and buyers in general who desire room for their active and busy lifestyles, but seek the maneuverability and good fuel economy of a smaller vehicle. And in a year in which Hyundai's crossover SUV sales are down 14.5 percent while the rest of the segment booms, the all-new Tucson couldn't come soon enough. While most of its rivals have been reborn or significantly refreshed in the past few years, the Tucson has gone six years between generations
That time frame has seen advanced powertrains, gee-whiz amenities like motion-activated power liftgates and driver-assist systems such as lane-departure warning, automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring trickle down from premium models to those who just graduated from eating at the kids table. The latest Tucson arrives available with all such features and more

New engine, new transmission

One of the biggest changes for this new Tucson is under the hood. While the base version uses a mostly carryover 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the three other trims -- Eco, Sport and Limited -- come with a 1.6-liter turbocharged and direct-injected 4-cylinder mated to a 7-speed twin-clutch automatic. This drivetrain replaces the previous 2.4-liter/6-speed automatic. The setup is already being used in the Hyundai Sonata Eco sedan, but it's a first in the small SUV segment. Hyundai says the benefit of a twin-clutch is a better blend of performance and fuel economy
Both powertrains come standard in front-wheel drive (FWD), and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. Worth noting is that Hyundai has kept the "lock" feature on AWD models. When engaged it splits torque 50/50 between the front and rear wheels. You're unlikely to conquer the Rubicon in one of these, but the feature could just get you out of a sticky or slippery situation amid mud or snow
One of the first things you notice in the new Tucson is actually a lack of something: noise. Like every other car maker, Hyundai is going to great lengths to make its vehicles quieter in the quest to minimize the dreaded NVH: noise, vibration and harshness. Great strides have been made with this latest Tucson

Steering to a better place

Here's another area where Hyundai has needed help -- more so than others: steering feel. A lack of it can result in what automotive critics deride as "numbness." Yet another fault can appear when modern-day power-steering systems aim to artificially stiffen or relax effort. The result can feel, well, artificial
Thankfully the Tucson's steering is improved over past models. It still doesn't feel as connected to the road as the athlete in this segment -- the Mazda CX-5 -- but for most drivers it will be more than fine. For those who do want to firm things up, the 2016 Tucson features the new Drive Mode Select, which enables you to toggle between Eco, Normal and Sport. In addition to adjusting power delivery and shift mapping, the system provides more resistance to steering, which makes for a more sporting experience when roads twist and turn

The department of power

In terms of power, the new Tucson's optional engine is adequate and feels about average in this class. It just does more with less thanks to turbocharging. At 175 horsepower, this 1.6-liter 4-cylinder has 7 fewer ponies than the larger, outgoing 2.4-liter 4-cylinder used in higher-trim Tucsons. But the gain comes in fuel economy, and it's impressive. Where the former model with that engine topped out at 28 mpg on the highway, the new one earns up to 33 mpg in Eco trim. It isn't quite class-leading -- the CR-V is rated up to 34 mpg with an automatic transmission, while manual shifters are blessed with a 35 mpg gold star in the Mazda CX-5-but it's impressive nonetheless
Power delivery itself is good, and the new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission felt smooth enough to pass for a traditional automatic. When we needed to pass slower vehicles on a 2-lane road, the Tucson was eager to kick down a gear or two -- especially in Sport mode -- but we would not turn down a few more horsepower to inspire more confidence in such situations

New, improved, and a true contender

Suspension work is another area in which the new Tucson is improved. While both front and rear setups are 20 percent stiffer than the outgoing model, this new SUV's ride was compliant on a variety of roads, including miles of gravel. We never felt punished in it
In fact, we quite relished our overall first blush in the new Tucson. And that goes for the front passenger seat as well, which now offers power adjustability. Beyond just powertrain improvements, the new Tucson showcased its new maturity in every other aspect, ranging from enhanced cargo space to its evolved infotainment system. (We'll touch on all those aspects in our forthcoming full review
Over a couple hundred miles and a few hours of driving, the new Tucson acquitted itself as a highly adept, highly advanced crossover SUV that will more than hold its own against entrenched rivals. It may remain the smallest sibling in Hyundai's SUV lineup, but it now brings maturity, head-turning design and leading-edge technology to the table

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2016 Honda Pilot First Review

The third-generation 2016 Honda Pilot embraces the mainstream family hauler nature the crossover market has evolved into from its original SUV roots. With tons of new features, it's conservative yet stylish with a heavy dose of refinement.  After a day-long stint behind the wheel, it's clear that the Pilot debuts near the top of a very competitive class

Resized = Right Sized

From the ground to the roof rails, the 2016 Honda Pilot is all-new. Where last year's Pilot was boxy, this new one is sleek and modern, looking a lot like a larger Honda CR-V...or a Nissan Pathfinder. Yet as stark as the contrast is outside, it's the interior that truly surprises. Gone is the hard plastic on every surface, replaced with high-end materials, soft-touch surfaces, and satin finishes. It really does look and feel great, to the point that we wonder if it could steal sales from Honda's upscale Acura MDX

Speaking of the interior, there's a little less of it than last year's model. Second row passengers will find a little less head and legroom, while the three third-row passengers will find themselves a little closer together as well. Cargo space also takes a hit, losing about three cubic feet. Mitigating that somewhat is a new under-floor compartment with a lid that stows inside, effectively adding a few cubic feet. Long-object haulers take note: the Pilot's independently opening rear window glass is gone. Additionally, the new Elite model is the only trim with 7-passenger seating; we hope Honda expands that to 8-passengers soon along with the rest of the lineup. Despite the decrease in size, the Pilot is still one of the roomier SUVs in its class, offering more cargo space behind the third row than the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Pathfinder (although the Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer both offer more). Passenger room is a wash, with nobody really offering a clear-cut overall advantage

Engine and Transmissions

The 2016 Honda Pilot offers a 3.5-liter V6 putting out 280-horsepower to either the front or all four wheels. It boasts advanced fuel injection, auto start-stop, and other tricks to improve fuel economy while also adding 30 horsepower over last year's model. On LX, EX, and EX-L models, the engine's power and torque runs through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Touring and Elite models get a new-to-Honda 9-speed automatic.  For the most part shifts are notably smooth on the ZF gearbox, however, downshifts take a bit longer than we'd like, and the first-to-second upshift from is still too noticeable

The all-wheel drive system also receives upgrades. Now known as i-VTM4, the system uses a torque-vectoring rear differential to help improve traction in corners, and in low-traction situations like rain and snow. Additionally, all Pilot models except LX now come with an Intelligent Traction Management that lets the driver select normal, snow, mud and sand modes

High Tech

The 2016 Honda Pilot brims with new options from nose to tail, with the exception of the price-leader LX model. For example, all new Pilots except the LX come with at least three USB ports, and Touring and Elite models get five, four of which are the higher-voltage type that can recharge an iPad (LX gets one USB port). Honda's Lane Watch side-view camera is standard on EX, EX-L and Touring models. All Pilots get a multi-view backup camera, but the LX lacks the dynamic guidelines. However, we're most impressed by Honda's decision to make its Honda Sensing safety suite available on all models, except (again) the LX. Honda Sensing adds road-departure mitigation and lane departure warning, forward collision warning and braking, and adaptive cruise control for an extra $1,300. The suite is standard on Touring and Elite models, the latter adding blind spot and rear cross-path detection as well

The other big news is that Honda has, at long last, thrown in the towel on its much maligned in-house navigation system in favor of one designed and supplied by Garmin. Fully integrated into the Honda system, it's a huge improvement. Rear seat entertainment remains a factory option that includes a high-definition 9-inch display that stores in the ceiling, HDMI and RCA inputs, and a 115-v plug for your Xbox

The Drive

Even with 280 horsepower and a 9-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot is not the most powerful or the fastest vehicle in its class, but in real-world acceleration it gives up virtually nothing. Thanks to active noise cancellation, acoustic glass, and other sound deadening measures, it's commendably quiet at speed, significantly more so than the previous generation, and among the quietest in the midsize three-row SUV class. I was struck with how immediately familiar the new Pilot felt from behind the wheel. I'm not talking about control placement or things like that, although Honda wisely sticks to what it knows there. Instead, the brakes feel just right; I immediately knew how much steering input was required for a turn, or how much gas pedal I'd need to squirt into a hole in traffic, or how big it was. The Honda Sensing systems all worked well, with adaptive cruise extremely helpful on the highway

The 2016 Honda Pilot is classic Honda in a very important way: It impresses on all levels, managing at least a "very good" in whatever category you care to name. That fundamental goodness, the lack of any Achilles heel, and prices starting at about $33,200 for a nicely-equipped EX model (skip the LX), and the Pilot looks better and better. The real pricing surprise was on the other end though is the loaded Honda Pilot Elite starting at about $47,300. Yes, it's a bit smaller, but still very competitive in class. In fact, it's likely the 2016 Honda Pilot will continue to be one of the segment's most popular SUVs

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