This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy here.

7/26/2012

My Kia Sorento Summer Road Trip [Giveaway]


I pride myself on making summer fun for my kids, but the combination of moving and being in my third trimester has made this summer a little B-O-R-I-N-G! It was definitely time to do something fun, so when I got the chance to test-drive the Kia Sorento for a week I knew a road trip was necessary.


We headed down to San Antonio to stay in one of our favorite hotels, take advantage of some of the theme parks, and enjoy a ride in the Kia Sorento. One of the features I loved most were the folding seats. They allow you to come up with all sorts of seating and storage arrangements, great for everyday errands and road trips. The second row of seating has a 60/40-split folding design and the optional third row has a 50/50-split. My three kids sat comfortably in the middle row, which allowed for a lot of storage room in the back.


But when they wanted a little extra space (also known as when mom needed them to sit apart) that was an easy option as well.


And you don't have to worry about anyone back there getting too hot because of the dual A/C. I love that you can control the temperature in the front and back separately. I didn't have to listen to my youngest tell me she was cold for the entire drive.


We had some crazy fluctuating weather on this trip. The car handled well both on the hot pavement and in the pouring rain -- and I do mean POURING! The kids enjoyed observing the weather through the panoramic sunroof. And the gas mileage was great! We got from North Austin to South San Antonio on less than a quarter of a tank of gas!


As far as I'm concerned, when you're in the car for a long stretch of time it's the technology that makes all the difference. The Kia Sorento is loaded with some great technology. The audio system controls your GPS, radio, Sirius satellite radio, back-up camera and Bluetooth connection for hands-free cell-phone use and your iPod all on one screen. And the best part is that it can all be controlled by voice command!



The GPS helped get us there, especially when the weather got crazy, and the fun stations on the satellite radio got us all the way to San Antonio without a single complaint about the music. The back-up camera came in handy in all of the parking garages and crazy theme-park parking lots. The power-folding side-mirrors are another cool feature -- they give you a little more wiggle-room when parking in tricky places. The list of features we enjoyed on this road trip could go on and on. I think the only complaint about the trip was that it ended too soon.


BlogHer is giving away another fun piece of technology that is handy for keeping your little ones entertained during a road trip. Leave a comment letting me know which of the Kia Sorento features was most unexpected to you and you will be entered to win an Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime Android Tablet.

Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion (include #KiaSweepstakesEntry in your tweet) and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion on your own blog and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
Entries from all participating blogs will be pooled for winner selection; only two entries per household. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 7/26/12-8/5/12.

Be sure to visit the Kia Sorento page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!


I received compensation from Kia Motors America, Inc., but the opinions and statements are my own.




100 comments:

Lisa said...

I don't have kids yet, but my friends with toddlers love their portable dvd players and LeapFrog to keep their kids entertained!

DailyDoseofAlli said...

I love push button starts with the smart keys. I've never had one (or even used one) but I think it would be so cool!

-Allison

Kim said...

I like how the middle and back row are very flexible in the seat combinations! Allows for passengers in the back row to sit comfortably and have easy in/out access! I love that SUVs are starting to be more family friendly without having to own a van!

Heather Nash said...

There are two things that really impressed me, one was how far you were able to get on so little gas and the other is the variety of options with the audio system. We will be trading in our van in less than a year and I definitely want to test drive the Sorento now.

Judy said...

love the control center....everything in one is great! And it has a push button start!!! oh my little guy would love that!

Stephanie said...

Love the panoramic sunroof, and so would my kids.

Taufers at yahoo dot com

Ash said...

Super surprised about the second row and flexible seat combinations.

Christina said...

oh this is GREAT! I would looove to have GPS in my car...I have an old device and it's totally on it's last legs!! :(

Christina said...

tweeted about it!! https://twitter.com/christinasadven/status/228553318383902720

L Schelvan said...

I've fallen in love with push button start/Smart Keys, so I'd have to say that feature is most surprising to see here (I thought it was unique to our hybrid car) and most essential!

susanigan's said...

The backup camera would be great, but I do love how the seats split so that each child could have their own row.

Mrs. Schmid said...

I think the power-folding side-mirrors would come in handy... I know they would benefit me greatly since I've knocked off a few side mirrors in my time!

Alicia said...

i love the different combinations of seating available. great for storage or kids!

Unknown said...

I love the push to start button! I know it's really a simple thing but I would love to have a push to start option on my car to eliminate the hassle with my keys!

Danielle said...

The sorrento sounds awesome! I love the push start, dual A/C (so many SUV-types don't have this), and the gas mileage sounds awesome!!!

LF said...

I think having the GPS built in is awesome!!

n8'swife said...

The dual A/C would be awesome. We live in the desert and the back seats always get HOT!!

Andrea said...

I think the seat combination would be handy to have. Looks very practical or should I say functional for a busy family. courtanza@gmail.com

Lindsey H said...

My hubby and I test drove this and loved it!! The third seat is a great option for when you need that extra space. And the panoramic top is fabulous.

Unknown said...

A GPS would definitely come in handy. I have a habit of getting lost when I go downtown, all those one way streets confuse me!

karen608 said...

The folding side mirrors surprised me the most and I think that is a great feature. Thank you for the chance to win a lovely prize.

Lora said...

The GPS is very handy but the satellite radio is what I'm talking about.

Emelie said...

Wow! Ive always liked the look of Kia Sorrento's but never realized how functional they are! I love the idea of the flex combo seats (just wish more cars had built in booster seats like my van). I think my kids would also love that panoramic sunroof!

rickimoo said...

I love the way you control all the techy stuff all in one location. Great gas mileage too. Thats always a plus now a days.

Amy Anderson said...

Dual a/c! What a blessing for the hot kids riding in the back.

Unknown said...

The audio system for me was the most unexpected delight.

*Monica* said...

Oh my this car is AMAZING!!! What is not to like? With three kids I'd be so lucky to own something so awesome. I love the push button start, a feature that would come in handy with my busy lifestyle.

*Monica* said...

I tweeted about the contest https://twitter.com/Monnie311/status/228957198376640512

Lesli said...

That Microsoft Infrotainment feature looks pretty awesome!

alittleumbrella (at) live (dot) com

K. Messerly said...

Dual AC please!!! My poor kids are melting. What a great feature.

Frances said...

I was surprised that such an affordable car had touch start. Nice. I also like the space in the very back, my dog would fit perfectly;) Great review.

Betsy said...

Technology does make all the difference- I couldn't survive without my GPS!

Betsy said...

URL to tweet: https://twitter.com/betsy5454/status/229235542892625920

Teresa said...

I think the back up camera is cool, and wow I can hardly believe the gas mileage you got!

Anonymous said...

i like the push button start and the rear view camera!

pokergrl8 at gmail.com

Anonymous said...

https://twitter.com/aes529/status/229302885186404353

pokergrl8 at gmail.com

StephanieC said...

the back up camera! scg00387 at yahoo dot com

StephanieC said...

https://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/229311670361681920 scg00387 at yahoo dot com

ms-texas said...

i love the gps and the back up camera

debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

ms-texas said...

i tweeted here:

https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/229407231098105856

debbiebellows(at) gmail (dot) com

Tabathia B said...

the push button start and heated seats

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

tweet
https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/229433674490343424
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

JC said...

I love great gas mileage and dual A/C
tcarolinep at gmail dot com

JC said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
JC said...

https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/229817956048179200

kellyr78 said...

The power-folding side-mirrors were the most unexpected feature to me. That is a feature my current car does not have, but it is so helpful for city driving.

KellywcuATyahooDOTcom

kellyr78 said...

tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydinpa/status/229919762501730305

kellywcuATyahooDOTcom

Jordy Liz said...

Looking for a bigger vehicle - and this one looks great! Thanks for sharing.

Jordy Liz said...

I tweeted about it: https://twitter.com/jordyliz/status/229980883497676800

MCantu1019 said...

I like the back up camera. I am no good at parking.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com

julie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
julie said...

love the features and gas milage

Ashlee Marie said...

I would LOVE to have the hands free blue tooth calling, My kids go to a charter school- so no buses, I'm in the car HOURS every day taking them back and forth to school, while it's noisy while they are in the car going the opposite direction I could get SO much done if I was able to use my phone!

Tina said...

GPS
merleandtina@yahoo.com

Tina said...

https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/230455884399128576
merleandtina@yahoo.com

Amy said...

The most unexpected feature is the folding seats. I love how spacious it is at the back for storage as I always need more.

amy [at] utry [dot] it

Amy said...

tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/230569549538414592

amy [at] utry [dot] it

6502Programmer said...

bluetooth!

6502Programmer said...

twitter love: https://twitter.com/thesweepswinner/status/230699523549298689

Kyra @ RACKS and Mooby said...

The power folding mirrors surprised me most of all. Nice car!

Crystal said...

The voice command "infotainment" system!

luckynordberg said...

The flexible seat combinations are neat!

arifamily@comcast.net

Anonymous said...

I love the difference in how the seats fold!

erika said...

I love the roominess of it! We have the tiniest car. With one daughter here already and hoping to expand our family, this would be wonderful!

chambanachik@gmail.com

erika said...

Tweeted: https://twitter.com/chambanachik/status/231135494946291712

Wilson20 said...

The power folding side mirrors.

diana wilson 20 (at) aol (dot) com

Deb said...

I like the push button start and the back up camera. Never even thought of having a car with those functions.

Deb said...

tweeted
https://twitter.com/fairydancer35/status/231461588928983040

Anash said...

Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/231607079893336065
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Anash said...

i love the mirror finish wheels, very classy !
My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Unknown said...

Oh my I have four children, I have to have lots of seating but at the same time I want good gas mileage, it amazes me how spacious the Kia Sorento is! Dual air conditioning can I say yes please!

Unknown said...

Blogged about it
http://diymomdiaries.blogspot.com/2012/08/kia-sorento.html

angie lilly said...

I visited their website and was pretty impressed overall with what all comes standard in any trim level! I really liked the fact that MP3 playing capability came standard as it is not standard in a lot of vehicles and should be in this day and age!
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com

angie lilly said...

I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/231754355458588672
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com

Ashley T. said...

I'm surprised about the seats options! Very cool

ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com

Ashley T. said...

https://twitter.com/ajoy1332/status/231758748631330818
tweet
ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com

Heather H said...

I love the inside of the Sorrento. Especially the control panel in the middle! It looks so modern and fun. The most unexpected feature for me would be the back-up camera; I keep hearing about them, but have yet to see one in action. Glad your family had fun in San Antonio!

Betty C said...

The most unexpected feature for me would be the voice controlled audio system. There are so many features and you don't have to park the car to start using them. Amazing.

willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

Betty C said...

Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/231902225889366016


willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

sy said...

The power folding mirrors! It'll help in parking. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail

sy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sy said...

tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/232057997239648256
songyueyu at gmail

Unknown said...

The push button start with smart keys sounds like a dream come true!
jedoggett@embarqmail.com

Unknown said...

tweet https://twitter.com/annedoggett/status/232116763662381057

Jennifer Burgett said...

I didn't realize it had a third row seat! That's awesome!

Kerry said...

I would love the push button start with a Smart Key!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Kerry said...

tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/233744926033195008
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Gina M (crave to save) said...

The dual temperature control is a unexpected and wonderful feature, especially for those with kids.

Thanks for the chance to win!
gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Gina M (crave to save) said...

tweet--https://twitter.com/CrazyItalian0/status/234634213834506240

gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Melinda said...

I like the rear display camera!

Melinda said...

tweeted
https://twitter.com/MelindaJoy926/status/235424224259502080

Artistic Cook said...

Love the 3rd row seating, I wouldn't think it would have that much room, and we'll need it with the dog and kids!

Artistic Cook said...

tweeted:
https://twitter.com/artisticbaker/status/235437188576342016

Unknown said...

The unexpected feature of this vehicle is it has SMART KEY, thank you.

tianayubi at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/mrsayubi/status/235480767470379008

tianayubi at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

the gps and sirius radio

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

tweet
https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/236158532611895296
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Kerry said...

The push button start!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Kerry said...

tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/239530745549434882
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

MCantu1019 said...

The heated/air-cooled seats.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com