Kia Sorento Review

2008 Kia Sorento LX SUV Shown

Once the punch line to a joke about subpar products, Kia has done much to overhaul its image over the past few years. Nowhere is this reinvention more apparent than in the Kia Sorento. The exterior styling is crisp, and its cabin is a pleasure both to look at and experience (thanks to first-rate interior materials). Its traditional, trucklike body-on-frame design provides a level of ruggedness not typically found on crossover SUVs, and it gives the Kia Sorento above-average off-roading and towing abilities. As with other Kia vehicles, an extensive warranty package assuages any lingering fears you may have about durability. The frosting on this cupcake is the Sorento's price. Though it has the dimensions of a midsize SUV, the Sorento bears the price tag of an affordable compact sport-ute.

There have been two generations of the Kia Sorento. 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.

Current Kia Sorento

Although the body is generally the same as before, the Kia Sorento was heavily revised for 2007. Chief among the key improvements is a new 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 five-speed automatic transmission that allows manual shifts. The new powertrain helps the midsize SUV, which employs a rugged body-on-frame construction, increase its towing capacity to a stout 5,000 pounds. Rear-wheel or four-wheel drive with low-range gearing is offered. A new dash and improved materials for the cabin, along with a new grille and lighting for the exterior completed the makeover. The Sorento gained a new V6 engine for 2008 for the base and LX trim levels. At 3.3 liters and 242 hp, the new power plant is smaller and less powerful than the 3.8, but it offers somewhat improved fuel economy.

The Kia Sorento is available in base, LX and EX trims with upgrades to LX Sport or EX Luxury packages. The base trim includes air-conditioning, full power accessories, a CD/MP3 audio system, multiple power points and 60/40-split flip-and-fold rear seats. The LX adds keyless entry and cruise control, while the EX ups the ante with an upgraded cabin, the bigger V6 engine and a power driver seat. All models 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.

Past Kia Sorento Models

The original Kia Sorento was introduced for the 2003 model year with a 3.5-liter, 192-hp V6. LX models had either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission, while the EX came only with the automatic. Models previous to 2005 had a four-speed automatic instead of the five-cog unit. Both part-time and full-time 4WD were available, depending on the trim. Off-roaders will be glad to know that both systems included low-range gearing.

This model's cabin was sleek and stylish, and most of the materials used were high-quality and soft to the touch. An abundance of storage space meant that stashing that errant water bottle or garage door openers was a breeze. Front seats were well-shaped and offered comfort even on long trips, thanks in part to a plethora of available seat adjustments. Three could be seated in the rear if need be, though knee and toe room was somewhat tight on this model. Cargo capacity was in the same league as that of other midsize SUVs of the time.

The Sorento was no lightweight, falling into the same weight class as larger, seven-passenger SUVs. At full throttle on the highway, its performance diminished to merely adequate. In most situations, the Kia's independent front and solid-axle rear suspension design held up gracefully, but extreme ruts and bumps could be jarring. In consumer reviews, the Sorento was praised for its sharp good looks, stylish interior and pleasant ride. Subpar fuel economy is the main shortcoming of the first-generation Kia Sorento.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.