EDMUNDS.COM 2004 KIA SORENTO
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| Editors'' Review |
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Good-looking, comfortable, rugged and well equipped, the Sorento is one of the best buys among small and midsize SUVs.
Pros
Great value, long list of standard features, solid construction, true off-road capability, lengthy warranty coverage.
Cons
Mediocre fuel economy, harsh ride over sharp impacts.
What''s New for 2004
The LX model is now available with a sport package that includes a new five-speed manual transmission, side step bars, Michelin tires, alloy wheels, roof rack, leather-wrapped steering wheel and keyless entry. A two-tone gray interior color scheme is also new, and metallic interior accents replace last year''s wood grain accents.
Overview
Introduction:
Named after a city in Italy, the Sorento has set a new standard for value among small and midsize SUVs since its introduction last year: For the price of a mini-SUV, you get a crisply styled midsize sport-ute with spacious accommodations for five adults. Taking a page from the Honda playbook, Kia offers the Sorento in two well-equipped trim levels: LX and EX. The LX supplies the basics -- those being air conditioning, a CD player, cruise control and power windows, mirrors and locks -- and the EX adds the would-be-nice features like keyless entry, a power driver seat, a sunroof and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A luxury package for the EX provides upscale items like leather upholstery, auto climate control and a six-disc CD changer. A 192-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 propels every Sorento, and buyers have their choice of two-wheel drive (rear-wheel drive, that is) and part-time four-wheel drive. Those who opt for a luxury package-equipped EX model get the automatic Torque-On-Demand 4WD system. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard, though Kia has added a manual gearbox option for 2004. However you equip it, the Sorento has adequate power in most situations, though with a curb weight of over 4,200 pounds in 4WD form, don''t be surprised if it feels a bit taxed when you load up the family for a road trip. Fuel economy is rated at just 15 mpg in the city. Unlike some of its competitors which are based on cars, the Sorento employs rugged body-on-frame construction, and this, along with the low-range transfer case in 4WD models, gives it greater off-road capability than most buyers will ever need. Of course, this means that its ride and handling characteristics aren''t as refined as the Honda CR-V''s, but its road manners surpass the Jeep Liberty''s. Overall, the Sorento is a well-rounded effort from Kia that, apart from its thirst for fuel, has a lot going for it. Perhaps the greatest compliment we can give a particular vehicle is stating that we''d seriously consider buying one if we were shopping in that market segment. The Sorento has earned that accolade.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The four-door Sorento is offered in two well-equipped trim levels, LX and EX. Standard equipment on the LX includes 16-inch wheels (with a full-size spare tire); skid plates; air conditioning; power windows, mirrors and locks; cruise; a 60/40-split rear seat; a CD player; and an overhead console with four 12-volt outlets. The EX adds alloy wheels, two-tone cladding, body-color exterior trim, foglights, keyless entry, a power sunroof, a power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a premium sound system, brushed metal and chrome interior trim and a cargo net. The EX luxury package adds an in-dash CD changer, automatic climate control, automatic headlights, leather seats (heated in front), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an automatic 4WD system. Options for both the LX and EX include a towing package, a cargo tray and mudguards. LX models can be equipped with alloy wheels, a roof rack and keyless entry. Selecting the Sport Package bundles together these items while adding a manual transmission.
Powertrains and Performance:
Powering all Sorentos is a 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out 192 horsepower. A four-speed automatic routes power to the rear or all four wheels, depending on whether you choose 2WD or 4WD. A new Sport Package offers a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is not good, rating 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway (4WD models get just 18 on the highway). Likewise, towing capacity (just 3,500 pounds) is unimpressive given the Sorento''s body-on-frame construction. Payload limits hover around 1,200 pounds.
Safety:
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard, an antilock system is optional. Also included are front and rear side curtain airbags, and three-point belts and headrests in all seating positions. In government crash tests, the Sorento earned four stars out of five for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. The sport-ute earned a perfect five stars for front- and rear-occupant protection in side impacts.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Soft-touch surfaces abound on the dash and door panels, and the front-passenger airbag is seamlessly integrated into the dash, giving the cabin an upscale feel. The rear seat is wide enough for three adults in a pinch, though knee and toe room are tight. Cargo space is on par with other midsize SUVs with the rear seat up (31.4 cubic feet), but when it''s folded, the resulting space measures only 66.4 cubes.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Equipped with the 3.5-liter V6, the Sorento feels almost sprightly around town. Though acceleration at freeway speeds tapers off to just adequate, the Kia will cruise happily at 75 mph all day long. Driven on pavement, the Sorento''s independent front and solid axle rear suspension design provide a firm, mostly agreeable ride, though sharp impacts can intrude into the cabin. Accurate, well-weighted steering and a minimum of body roll keep the Kia well planted around corners. With body-on-frame architecture, a low-range transfer case on 4WD models, and meaty 16-inch tires, the Sorento can easily take on off-road trails of moderate difficulty.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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