2018 KIA Sorento LX

The Sorento is Kia's mid-size three-row SUV, the one you'd cross-shop with a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander if you need room for seven. It drives easily and feels stable on the highway, though the base engine can feel a bit short on power when you're fully loaded. The cabin is roomier than you'd expect, with comfortable seats and a nicely styled interior that doesn't feel like a budget SUV. Most trims include useful safety tech like blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control to make long drives easier. The LX is the base trim, so you get the standard features without the extras like leather or the larger infotainment screen that come on the EX and SX. This LX has the 3.3L V6 making 290 horsepower with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, which moves the Sorento with authority even when you have a full cabin. With front-wheel drive you'll see about 20 mpg combined, which is reasonable for a three-row SUV of this size.