The first difference I noted, as already mentioned, was the clutch and gearbox. The clutch pedal travel was longer than I'm used to, the shifting a bit on the springy side, giving it the truck feeling. Next I took note of the brakes. Unlike the Sorento's competitors, the base model LX comes standard with 4-wheel discs and ABS, a hard find when looking for an entry level compact SUV because most come standard with rear drums.

The base Sorento comes standard with 4-wheel discs and ABS, a rarity in the entry level compact SUV market. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

The ride also reflected that of a true off-roading sport ute. I felt all the bumps and jumps on the road due its firm suspension. Still, handling is commendable because Kia has equipped it with a fully independent suspension featuring a double wishbone design up front and multi-link setup in the rear. It's not as precise as its car-based competitors, such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute or Toyota RAV4, but in all fairness none of these can do much more than get you home in a snow storm.

Unlike many in the entry level compact SUV market, the Sorento is ready and willing to go off-road. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

Instead I engaged the shift-on-the-fly, electronically-controlled 2-speed transfer case on of the 4-wheel drive system, and pulled into an especially bad, pot-holed gravel parking lot near my home. Sure it wasn't exactly a true off-road course, but it allowed me to test out the 4-wheel drive system with conditions that somewhat mimicked what I would have faced if I was driving along back country roads. Hey, I do what I can.

The LX comes with the standard engine found in all Sorento trims levels, a 3.5-liter, DOHC, V6 producing 192 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque. The engine supplied ample power for everyday use. It was nice to know that I had enough power to pass other vehicles while I ascended up a hill, and enough torque to make use of engine braking when descending the other side.