Kia Sorento Review

2011 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV AWD

For the Kia Sorento, a traditional, trucklike body-on-frame design provides a level of ruggedness not typically found on crossover SUVs, and it gives the 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. Though it has the dimensions of a midsize SUV, the Sorento bears the price tag of an affordable compact sport-ute.

Newer Kia Sorentos boast considerably more power, a higher-quality cabin and additional features, so you'll want to pay attention to model years if you're interested in a used Sorento. General downsides include lackluster on-pavement handling and ride quality and below-average fuel economy. But if you're looking for an affordable SUV that can take on the occasional camping trip without breaking a sweat, the Sorento's worth a look.

Current Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV available in base, LX and EX trim levels. A 3.3-liter V6 powers the first two, and it produces 242 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque. The EX gets a 3.8-liter V6 good for 262 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired to a five-speed automatic transmission, while rear-wheel or four-wheel drive (with low-range gearing) is offered.

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.

While the model's cabin may have once been sleek and stylish, it is showing shades of gray at the temples in terms of design. However, it still boasts an abundance of storage space. The front seats are well-shaped and offer good comfort even on long trips, thanks in part to a plethora of available seat adjustments. Three can be seated in the rear if need be, though knee and toe room is somewhat tight.

In reviews, we found the aging Kia Sorento to be outclassed in terms of all-around polish. Its lackluster fuel economy, unimpressive brakes and trucklike ride make it out of touch with what most people want and expect from today's midsize and compact SUV market. It is simultaneously not as comfortable on-road as crossover competitors and not as capable off-road as more traditional truck-based SUV competitors. Although a good bargain choice, you can probably do better than the Sorento.

Used Kia Sorento Models

The 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.

For 2007, all Sorentos were given the current EX model's all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 engine. The new five-speed automatic transmission also now featured a manual shift override. Towing capacity also increased to 5,000 pounds. Prior to '07, the Sorento featured a different dash design, lower-quality materials for the cabin and a slightly different front fascia. For '08, the current base and LX models' 3.3-liter V6 was introduced.

SELECT A SPECIFIC KIA SORENTO MODEL YEAR*

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