Power is nice, but interiors sell cars, and boy – Kia sure knows it. Judging from the new 2006.5 Kia Optima, in fact, they’ve made significant gains in the quality of their interior materials and cabin design. The Sorento is likely to offer more of the same, with upgrades such as a new gauge cluster and floor console in your choice of new wood and metal trim materials. Leather is available in the Sport and Luxury Packages, and additional interior upgrades include a standard front passenger side central door lock, and revised steering wheel mounted cruise control and steering wheel mounted audio controls. Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning (dual-zone auto on EX Luxury Package), power windows/door locks/heated mirrors, cruise control, 10-speaker CD player and mp3 audio system, full overhead console, four 12-volt power outlets, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seats, rear privacy glass, cargo cover, roof rails and keyless entry with alarm.

LX Sport Package models add black interior cloth or leather, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, side step bars, spoiler and the new 17-inch wheels and tires. The EX trim line features a power sunroof, heated power mirrors, fog lights, deluxe door scuff plates, eight-way power driver’s seat, outside temperature gauge, compass, average speed and travel time to the overhead console and new 16-inch alloy wheels. The EX Luxury Package adds leather seating and interior trim, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, auto headlamps, chrome door handles, Torque-on-Demand (TOD) full-time four-wheel drive and 16-inch machined alloy wheels.