The Kia Sorento compact crossover enters its second model year with an impressive resume of awards, including being recognized as a 2011 "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The 2012 Sorento offers additional cutting-edge technologies such as Kia's new UVO powered by Microsoft voice-activated infotainment system based on the Windows Embedded Automotive platform. Also new for 2012 -- and standard on all Sorento trims with cloth seating -- is YES-Essentials seat fabric that provides anti-bacterial, anti-soil and anti-static properties for added longevity and livability.

The 2012 Sorento introduces new convenience features, including: power-folding side mirrors, a heated wood trim steering wheel, memory driver seat and side mirror position, a power passenger seat and a cool ventilated driver's seat.

The Sorento offers standard 17-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signal indicators. The Sorento provides a feeling of spaciousness with both five- and seven-passenger seating configurations (third row optional), making the Sorento more versatile than most of its compact CUV competitors.

The 2012 Sorento offers three engines: an advanced 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder engine providing class-leading 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque and a class-leading fuel efficiency rating of 32 mpg/highway; a 3.5-liter V6 providing class-leading 276 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque; and the affordable 2.4-liter Multi-Port Injected (MPI) four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 169 lb.-ft. of torque. All engines are coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic shifting control.