2007 Kia Sorento CRDi And 3.3 V6
August 10, 2007 by George Skentzos
CarAdvice recently attended the launch of the new Kia Sorento and we are pleased to report the Sorento is only improving.
The Sorento range has achieved tremendous global success since its launch in 2002, with Kia celebrating the 700,000th Sorento sold worldwide in January 2007.
“In Australia, the Kia Sorento continues to appeal to buyers who want an SUV that delivers 4WD capability, strong towing capacity and a comprehensive specification, while still offering outstanding value” said Bill Gillespie, Director of Sales and Marketing at Kia Motors Australia.
The range has been upgraded with two new engines – a powerful 3.3-litre V6 with 180kW and a torquey 2.5-litre turbo-diesel with common rail direct injection (CRDi). The new diesel offers 125kW and a very impressive 392Nm of torque at 2,000rpm, delivering a class-leading towing capacity of 2,800kg with genuine 4WD capabilities.
The launch of the new Sorento introduces three new grades of specification to the Sorento range, all of which offer either the new petrol or diesel engine.
The entry level Sorento LX model features a limited slip differential for greater security on boat ramps and off-road. The Sorento is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or five-speed tiptronic-style automatic transmission.
Next up the range is the Sorento EX, with important extra features including 17 alloy wheels, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control for added safety and traction in all driving conditions.
Topping the range is the Sorento EX Limited (known as the EX-L), which adds side curtain SRS airbags, leather trim, electric tilt/slide sunroof, rear spoiler, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning and black woodgrain finish to the comprehensive equipment list of the whole Sorento range.
ABS brakes, driver and front passenger SRS airbags, active front headrests to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in collisions, and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters are all standard across the entire Sorento range.
However ESP is not available as standard in the base model LX, and SRS side curtain airbags are only offered in the range topping EX-L. Expect a review of the Kia Sorento soon.
PRICING
| Sorento CRDi LX manual | $34,990 |
| Sorento CRDi LX auto | $36,990 |
| Sorento CRDi EX auto | $39,490 |
| Sorento CRDi EX-L auto | $44,490 |
| Sorento 3.3 LX auto | $33,990 |
| Sorento 3.3 EX auto | $36,490 |
| Sorento 3.3 EX-L auto | $41,490 |
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Fantastic. Another car with blinding fog lights to dazzle oncoming drivers.
I have a mate who owns one of these and loves it but it chews the petrol like it is water. Like all heavy wagons of this size, probably.
I have always liked the look of the Sorento but never read anything real positive about it.
I will be interested to read a road test review on the new 3.3.
Well they’ve made one good move. DIESEL. It has got to improve their fuel economy and the torque and power figures are impressive. The fact that it offers a dual transfer case will be the big draw card for those looking for a little bit extra in their SUV. With their previous reputation however, I won’t be one of the first to buy.
The interior looks better then the “(freddy)Kluger”. And I think the Hyundai looks better on the outside.
Steve
Worldwide they have sold 700,000 of these.
Steve V, if you buy one, you have no chance of being the first!
I am taking the diesel for a test drive when it becomes available.
There is nothing else available with Low Range in the price bracket other than Jeep (yuck). A Pajero (not ladder frame) diesel with Sunroof and Leather is $75000+, same with Prado. If I could afford to pay $75000+, I would buy a Touareg.
DO NOT WANT
Have read favourable reviews from around the world since it’s release. The only issue seams to come from an underdone suspension. I drove one about a fortnight ago & was impressed. It’s quiet & refined with a comfortable interior to wry the km’s away with pleasant road manners. For the money it’s terrific value. Log onto youtube.com & do a search for Sorento & you’ll soon see that they are certainly capable off road, though not as capable as my Disco it will take you most places. With 700000 around the world the aftermarket crowd is bound to cotton on sooner or later & supply some decent equipment, such as a bullbar & difflock. ARB supply a suspension upgrade with a 2″ lift & would be recommended for off road use. My only gripe is the rear end rake on the “D” pillar, designed for styling, it’s too steep & eats into valuable storage space. The build quality is above it’s price tag.
We’ve been comparing mid-range 4WD versus SUV’s. Having driven Pajero for 12 years followed by two Subaru Outback’s for last 10 years, we’ve discovered we’re lacking the ability to tow 1300-1500kg and do any off-road (only medium level), and so we have been looking at what is on offer for good towing (low down grunt), good economy when towing and a reasonable compromise for using the same vehicle around town 50% of the time. Now that the Sorento Diesel EX with ESP and traction control on all four wheels has become available, there is little else on the market that compares for the price and capability. We’re putting our name down to buy the EX, and foudn it to be an excellent all rounder compared to anything from Mitsubishi, Nissan or Toyota.
Gaz
Put a decent Stereo in it. I know a bloke who has had 5 fitted in less than a year. I’m on my second. I have had a Sorento for 4 years and had nothing but trouble with it. keep looking…
I should also say the engines suck in sand thru the timing cover and derail the timing belt in off road conditions, beach driving. My engine now rattles on start up and is out of warranty (valve hit top piston, bodgy repair work)…
Well…….I bought a CDRi Sorento Manual and must say: It has grunt, takes off like any fast car, plenty of space and most important has the spare wheel not in the way for towing connection. It does tow my rather heavy trailer sailer out of the water with ease and trail it at high speed with safety. It has excellent fuel consumption and when driven carefully (with no trailer) will master around 8 l / 100km. To summaries, it’s hard to beat: Value for money, yes it even has a genuine chassis. I am glad I bought what I bought and am happy with it.
Put some AT tyres on and aftermarket suspension as with any 4WD and you’ll be surprised where it will take you.
Tads, the sand in the timing cover issue has been addressed with a revised timing cover. Mine (3.5L) had that problem but was fixed under warranty. Besides, the new engines are totally different.
Purchased a new EX-L Diesel Sorento 3 months ago now. To sum it up….If it was only half as good as what it is, I’d be more than happy. Engine not only has heaps of grunt, but fuel economy to match. Smooth 5 speed auto, fantastic climate control, well appointed and ergonomically designed interior. Ride is stiff, but I prefer to drive a 4WD and want it to feel feel like a 4WD, not some spongy car ride. Overall quality of vehicle is surprisingly exceptional. Price is unbeatable for features compared to other SUV’s. Would highly reccommend this latest model Sorento if a mid sized SUV is what anyone is chasing.
This is my second Sorrento and have loved both, the new diesel is fantastic, my other car 2003 Prado is gathering dust at home.
Never had an issue, servicing costs reasonable, quality is good. You can’t beat it at the price.
I just bought an LX manual diesel Sorento for $34990 drive away. I had a Hyundai Santa Fe for nearly a year and liked it but couldn’t get along with out low range. Did a clutch in it at 7k….doubt if they will give me another on warranty. It also had steering issues. I haven’t driven the Sorento yet but I hope it rides as well as the Santa Fe and steers better with the low range. I wonder if I will miss the center diff lock off road???
Anybody know where to get the aftermarket bolt on suspension kit that is supposed to improve the handling as well as the ride and the clearance on the new Sorento??
Pedders do an $800.00 50mm lift kit. My 2007 Sorento has clearance of a mates Prado. But I out corner him by 50%, my Sorento handles like an SS.
Max what was the fuel economy when towing that boat?
Sorry Neil, saw your question only today:
The towing fuel consumption while towing a boat with 2300 kg total towing mass is approx. 13 l/100km at around 100km/h speed
I have a 2005 KIA Sorrento and the first time I took it on the Beach sand got in the timing cover and caused the valve timing to jump. It has since been a bitumen only car as I am not game to take it off road again. from above comments other people have had this problem, and claim to have had them fixed. Can you please tell me the name of the Kia dealers that fixed the problem. None of the dealers I have called acknowledged there is a problem or know of a new timing cover available.Ron.