The 2007 Kia Sorento midsize SUV comes in two trim levels: LX and EX. The LX comes standard with 16-inch wheels, a 10-speaker sound system, full power accessories, cloth seats and an eight-way adjustable driver seat. The EX adds steering-wheel audio controls, a power-adjustable driver seat, adjustable headrests, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and wood grain interior accents.

The LX Sport Package adds sporty touches like black leather interior, foglights and 17-inch alloy wheels. The EX Luxury Package steps it up by offering dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a sunroof and a six-disc CD changer. The current model, introduced for the 2007 model year, boasts considerably more power, a higher quality cabin and additional features. Among new midsize SUVs, it’s one of the better choices available. As a used vehicle, the first-generation model is also a smart pick. Downsides for either model are few.

Fuel economy is average at best and on-pavement handling and ride quality aren’t as good as some competitors’. But none of that does much to detract from the Sorento’s appeal. Without a doubt, Kia’s ambitious overachiever is an attractive choice in both the compact and midsize SUV categories. The new five-passenger Kia Sorento features an all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That’s a whopping 36 percent increase in power over the SUV’s previous 3.5-liter V6. There’s also a new electronically controlled five-speed transmission that allows drivers to switch between automatic and manual shifts.

The new powertrain helps the midsize SUV, which employs a rugged body-on-frame construction, to increase its towing capacity to a stout 5,000 pounds. Rear-wheel or four-wheel drive with low-range gearing is offered. Standard comfort and convenience features include air-conditioning, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, a 10-speaker CD/MP3 audio system, four 12-volt power outlets and 60/40-split flip-and-fold rear seats.

All models also have side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes and stability control. LX Sport Package models feature upgraded interior cloth or leather, special exterior trim and 17-inch wheels and tires. The EX trim line comes with a sunroof, heated power mirrors, foglights, a power driver seat, a trip computer and 16-inch alloy wheels. The top-line EX Luxury Package adds leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats.