So, what’s new?
One of the most value-packed crossovers in the U.S., the 2019 Kia Sorento is updated for 2019 with new Kia features.
What’s changed? Seven-passenger seating is now standard on all Sorento models. Also standard is a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Features including lane-keeping and driver inattention monitoring are also available.
- 7-passenger seating is now standard on all Sorento models
- Standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Lane-keeping and driver inattention monitor available
7-passenger seating is now standard on all Sorento models
Need to haul the kids around? This new Kia feature helps you comfortably transport your entire family and then some!
For 2018, Kia offered two rows standard with an option to add on the additional row of seating. Plus, the third row was only available on the LX trim or with a V6 engine. On 2019 Sorentos, 7-passenger seating comes standard!
You can easily move second row seats to give passengers easy access to the third row. The seats also recline, so it keeps everyone happy on extended trips and heated seating provided additional comfort throughout the cold Michigan winter. The second row of seats can also be adjusted forward and backwards to maximize legroom.
Need to haul a lot of cargo? No problem. The second and third row seats also fold flat to allow ample room for whatever you are transporting.
The Kia Sorento is also a good value! Autotrader lists it as one of nine “Top Inexpensive Cars With Third-Row Seating.”
Standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Another new Kia feature that we’re sure you will appreciate is the 7-inch touchscreen that comes standard with every 2019 Sorento. Or you can go big and opt for an 8-inch screen that includes navigation. For the higher-end trim packages, wireless charging is also an option. Lastly, Kia makes it easy for drivers to connect mobile devices with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard on all models.
How do Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work?
Carmakers allowed third-party apps to integrate with or replace the car’s standard interface. (What can we say? We all love our phones!) The top apps are Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto.
These two apps allow a stripped-down version of your phone to run on your vehicle’s computer interface. You can easily play music, navigate, and communicate via voice command or manually.
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay replicates the iOS interface on your phone, but with less apps. Apps include: Phone, Music, Maps, Messages, Now Playing, Podcasts, and Audio. Additional apps can be added as well.
The system is mostly voice-driven courtesy of Siri! Manually controlling CarPlay is another option. CarPlay also gives you the option to easily exit to access your vehicle’s standard system whenever needed.
Access Apple’s Maps by telling Siri where you want to go or type in the address. Listen to Apple’s Music, Podcasts, and Audiobooks. Or, install select apps, such as Spotify, Stitcher, At Bat, and Slacker Radio.
Android Auto
Download the Android Auto app onto your phone, plug it into your car’s USB port, and viola, Android Auto automatically loads.
The Android Auto home screen displays virtual cards with weather and navigation information. Navigate between screens for maps, music, calls, or texts.
Drivers can hold down the microphone button on the steering wheel to use the voice system or use manual controls onscreen.
Like CarPlay, Android Auto preferences voice over manual usage. Although this can be easily overridden in both systems, it’s a great safety barrier to make it less tempting to text and drive – and possibly get into an accident due to distracted driving.
Android Auto also allows third-party apps, including Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, Audible, and more. A nice feature is that the music’s volume decreases when the navigation system gives a direction. The Android Auto navigation system utilizes Google Maps.
Lane-keeping and driver inattention monitor available
The 2019 Kia Sorento has gained new and improved safety technology.
The lane-departure warning system has been upgraded with lane-keep assist. A driver inattention and fatigue monitor has been added as well. Another great new Kia feature is the driver attention warning system that monitors your driving habits and issues visual and audible alerts if it thinks it’s time for you to take a break. It’s one smart system!
Standard equipment that was already in place for the 2018, and has transferred over to the 2019 Sorento, includes stability control, antilock brakes, a rearview camera, and six airbags. Airbags include front, front-side, and full-length side curtain.
Standard safety features include:
- Dual Front Advanced Airbags
- Dual Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
- Side Curtain Airbags
- Rollover Sensor
- 3-Point Seat Belts For All Seating Positions
- Front East-Belt Pretensioners
- Anti-Lock Braking System, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
- Vehicle Stability Management
- Electronic Stability Control
- Traction Country System
- Electronic Brake-Force Distribution
- Brake Assist System
- Hill Start Assist Control
- Tire-Pressure Monitoring System
- Side-Impact Door Beams
- Front And Rear Crumple Zones
- Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children
- Read Child-Safety Door Locks
Advanced safety technology is available for the two highest-end trims. These features include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping, and a driver inattention monitor.
Advanced safety features include:
- Forward-collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic warning
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping
- Driver inattention monitor
Award-winning safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the 2018 Kia Sorento with 5 stars for overall, frontal, and side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2018 Sorento the highest crash protection and prevention scores possible, as well as an ‘Acceptable’ headlight score. For this, the 2018 Sorento’s composite scores culminated in IIHS’s Top Safety Pick award.
The 2019 Kia Sorento is expected to get similarly high results.
Test drive yours at Thelen today
Want to check out the new Kia features on the 2019 Sorento for yourself? Stop by Thelen Kia to take one out for a spin!
Links:
https://www.autotrader.com/car-reviews/2018-vs-2019-kia-sorento-whats-difference-275766
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2019-kia-sorento-first-drive-review/
https://www.kia.com/us/en/vehicle/sorento/2019/features
https://www.kia.com/us/en/build/sorento/2019/trims
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/KIA/SORENTO/SUV/FWD
https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/top-inexpensive-cars-third-row-seating-203278
https://www.popsci.com/apple-carplay-vs-android-auto
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