The old adage, “you get what you pay for” means nothing to Kia.
Model Tested:
- 2009 Kia Sorento Platinum; 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbo diesel; six-speed automatic; SUV – $48,990*
Options:
- Metallic Paint $450
Strong engine; feature list; quality; price
Handling; brake pedal feel
CarAdvice Rating: 
Despite its history of being cheap and cheerful, Kia has gone the way of Hyundai and transformed its offerings. First it was the Cerato and then the Soul, now the Sorento has arrived and is following suit.
At first glance, you would never pick it as a Kia. It has grown by ten centimetres in length and seven and a half centimetres in width, allowing it to accommodate seven seats across the range.
In addition to the growth, it now actually looks good. The previous Sorento had that ‘beaten with ugly stick’ look about it; the new one is rather handsome and luxurious looking.
The stretched headlights and defining grille give the car a menacing edge, while the LED taillights make it stand out at night. Our Platinum test vehicle also featured xenon headlights, which include headlight washers.
It’s in the cabin where the Sorento really shines. Our test vehicle was fitted with a beige interior that included beige leather seats and trim on parts of the dashboard and centre console.
Having a poke at the materials around the cabin, it’s hard to understand how Kia can get away with making a car feel this luxurious for the meager price tag. The interior plastics feel sturdy and soft to the touch, likewise with all the controls.
The driver’s seating position is very commanding with fantastic forward visibility. Rearward and rear-¾ visibility is quite poor. The small rear window and sizeable blind spots make parking and reversing a touch and go task. Luckily the Platinum model being tested features reverse parking sensors and a reversing camera.
Kia does away with a large centre LCD screen for the reversing camera, instead fitting it to the rear vision mirror. Around ¼ of the rear vision mirror is dedicated to the LCD screen that displays the reversing camera. The ingenious system can’t be seen when the reverse gear isn’t engaged, allowing full use of the mirror.
With three rows of seats, head and leg room is crucial for a vehicle like the Sorento. I loaded the cabin with seven adults and found the results quite surprising. Front passenger leg room, and leg room in the second and third rows was exceptional with no complaints from the occupants. Head room was also impressive in all three rows.
The main issue was with the driver’s seat. I wasn’t able to move the seat far back enough to accommodate my legs, making leg room somewhat compromising. This seems to be a common trait between Kia vehicles, as we had the same issue with our long term Kia Cerato.
The third row of seats is easy to assemble, it’s a simple pull of a tab and they rise out of the floor into their position. They also fold flat to allow for extra storage space.
Cargo capacity is a respectable 1,047 litres with the second row up and 2,052 litres with the second row folded.
It’s not until you start driving the Sorento that you appreciate just how impressive Kia’s feat really is. Kia’s new 2.2-litre diesel is astonishing to say the least.
Producing 145kW and 436Nm of torque, the punchy four-cylinder engine sips through just 7.4L/100km. Drive is sent through a six-speed gearbox with sequential shift modes.
While it’s slightly noisy at idle, the diesel engine is quiet at speed and during acceleration, indicating an impressive level of noise dampening.
Once the turbocharger kicks in and unleashes peak torque, you are pinned to your seat until it runs out of puff and grabs the next gear. It’s an uncanny feeling, especially considering the engine’s 2.2-litre capacity.
The ride is very soft and mellow, making it great for country roads and smooth highways. The unfortunate downside to such a forgiving ride is the Sorento’s cornering ability – or lack thereof. Masses of body roll and occasional attempts to oversteer on liftoff during harder driving uncover the Sorento’s major flaw.
Steering feel is responsive and returns plenty of feedback. The package is let down by very soggy brakes that exhibit almost no feel and inspire no confidence in the drive.
As an SUV, the Sorento is fitted with an all wheel drive system. Integrated into the system is hill descent control and downhill brake control. While we didn’t take this vehicle off road, expect to see an off road review in due course with our new long termer.
Priced from $36,490* for the entry level petrol Si variant, the Platinum diesel tested is priced from $48,990*.
Standard features in the Platinum include: dual-zone climate control, key less entry, keyless start, six-disc CD player with MP3 compatibility, iPod and auxiliary inputs, reversing camera, auto-dimming rear vision mirror, central locking, cruise control, privacy glass, panoramic sunroof, electric windows, fog lights, electric mirrors, alloy wheels, leather seats, xenon headlights, automatic headlights, automatic windscreen wipers and electric driver’s seat.
Standard safety features include: ABS with EBA and EBD, ESC with Traction Control, engine immobiliser, driver and front passenger SRS airbags, front side SRS airbags, full length curtain SRS airbags and speed sensing auto door lock.
Although the handling could be improved slightly, Kia has produced a car that will go down in Kia’s history books as being the turning point in its reputation with the public.
The Sorento is great value for money and offers a superb engine with plenty of features to boot. Public perception is hard to win over, but a test drive will well and truly seal the deal for most. The Sorento is an offer too good to refuse for any aspiring SUV owner.
*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive: 
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Road Test the Rivals:
Specifications:
- Engine: 2,199cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
- Power: 145kW @ 3,800rpm
- Torque: 436Nm @ 1, 800rpm
- Induction: Turbocharged, direct injection
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: All (with centre diff. lock)
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
- Top Speed: Not Tested
- 0-100km/h: Not Tested
- CO2 Emissions: 194g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 7.4L/100km (ADR)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 70L
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- ANCAP Rating: Five-stars
- Airbags: Front, Side & Curtain
- Safety: ESC with traction Control
- Spare Wheel: Full-size (Alloy)
- Cargo Capacity: 258/1,074/2,052L
- Tow Capacity: 2,800kg (Braked)
- Warranty: Five years/ Unlimited kilometre
- Weight: 1,959kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 18-inch
Nice to know that KIa has hit another nail right on the head with this model.
Excellent, KIA give us a 7 Seater @ 7.5ltr/100 and its “so what its a KIA”. Holden give us a 5 seater @9.3ltr/100 and its “the biggest change in Commodores history”.
Priceless
Priceless is watching you compare a 2.2l diesel’s economy to a 3.0l petrol
Why wouldn’t you compare Diesel to petrol? Why do you think people are shifting to Diesel. Maybe Holden will have a commie diesel in the next decade. Then we can enjoy another big change in the commodores history.
It’s already on the way. The motor is being developed by VM in Italy and has been in the design stage for at least 3 years. It should be a cracker when it lands.
I personally am starting to question the merits of petrol engines.
Wasn’t that due in 2007/08?? I remember CA covering this engine shortly after the launch of the VE.
I have personally driven the platnium model of this car & rest assured it does not feel like a typical Korean piece of metal.
It is very refined & drives very well. The only time you know when your in a KIA is when you look at the badge!!! Possibly KIAs next marketing strategy should be to change the badge to a symbol of some sort??
did you notice the body roll?
Mitch – I am not quite sure what they are comparing the body roll too?
This new generation feels like a lotus compared to the old sorento… And I am not joking, the old sorento was like a boat with enormous amounts of body roll.
This new generation handles alot better & yes there was a little body roll but hey lets face it, its not a Porchse Cayenne.
Any new owner reviews out there? – would like to know your opinion?
Be objective if possible.
nobody who has just bought a new car can be objective. They all gush with pride and justification… give them six months before they can truly be objective. (this is in no way a slight on the Kia or any one else just no one will bag anything they have just bought until something goes wrong with it)
I’d love one. I wouldn’t bother with the platinum model though. A glass roof in the tropics is as useful as the proverbial on a bull.
I think they will be a little disappointed when they review it off road. It isn’t intend for that kind of use. Hence the removal of the ladder frame.
You would be surprised. Most of the new Sorento’s i have sold have been in the platinum (to date I have not sold a poverty pack SI). Largely due to the keyless entry and start. An extra $3,000.00 on the lease doesn’t seem to worry the punters.
what lease is that? I cant get a lease and I dont think anyone who is not is business can, can they?
Talk to a dealership business manager. Private leases are gaining in popularity. Your payments are made with your pre tax dollars.
Private leases are huge business in the UK, and a reasonable effective way of owning a car you couldn’t normally afford with clever structuring of the lease.
the seven seat should be an option.
Why?
The seats fold down flat. No loss of space.
There is about 100kg penalty for those extra seats. And without them you get a massive under floor space big enough smuggle a few asylum seekers.
So making them optional is a fair call.
With the torque this car has to offer Im sure 100kgs isnt going to matter.
I agree. The weight penalty clearly isn’t making the car a slug.
Wish I could get rid of the 7 seats in the Platninum and use the extra space under floor for storage
i have had 3 territorys picked up a sli diesel sorento 2 weeks ago have done 5100 kms this is one of the best cars i have ever owned this is near on perfect
JR
Good luck convincing any of the fanboys that any “SUV” type vehicle is better than their precious Territory.
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The old adage, “you get what you pay for” means nothing to Kia.
Thats right people almost $54k on road is a steal, even for KIA!
-What drugs are people on?
The saving grace of this car in the drive line and half decent interior.
It looks like an Accord Euro mated with a Grand Cherokee and the CX9, Murano and Tribeca are so much nicer for similar money with more capable and safer handling, and almost 200kw of tried and tested engines!
I would probably take the Kia over a Kluger though!
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Forget stereotyping. I have both a year old SantaFe and an Xtrail – I cannot tell the difference and the Nissan has now been off the road for four weeks with an unresolved ECU issue. I have taken both vehicles off road from deep beach sand to gravel/rock hills etc and the Santa Fe performs in some instances better than the Xtrail.
I think the Sorento is a good offering – I just get very annoyed when the Australian importers seem to limit the choice of versions for the manual to the lowest spec. Hopefully some suspension mods will ensue after feedback.
I think you are deskbound comment generator from your offering above.
Haha. Nice call and too true. There are plenty of them in these forums too. The Australian motoring press has been largely favourable to this vehicle. That should have alarm bells ringing in its competitors.
This vehicle was NEVER intended for the jungle. Hence the switch away from a ladder chassis. Some people just don’t read before flapping their gums do they. For its intended purpose it will excel.
According to a recent U.S survey the Koreans are on a par with and better than most of the Japanese and Germans. It’s a Car Advice article. Look it up.
Agreed….I co-manage a fleet of over 800 vehicles for a major car rental company..and I can say without a doubt that the Korean models (Hyundai) are by far the most reliable (you can’t kill those little Getz’s, theyt just keep on workin!!). It has changed the opinion of our most skeptic employees. Whilst I am a big fan of the FG Falcon (also on fleet) Ford and Holden could only wish to have this sort of reliabilty.As Kia is now owned by Hyundai this level of reliabilty is shining through now with Kia’s.
I read recently that the respective heads of Honda and Toyota have stated publicly that it is complete marvel what Hyundai has done reinventing itself, and they see them as their biggest threat.
In regards to the FG 6Cyl…yes it still does share some parts with the original 50yr old design..but when you are on a good thing…why change it. It beats the Holden V6 hands down imho, considering every motoring writer has heralded the FG Turbo 6 as the best value/performing 6cyl family sedan in the world…is says volumes for this model, we are lucky to have this brilliant motor here in Oz.So dont bag it too much…it aint that bad!
Pirakavezok, fine don’t buy one. People with stereotypical views on Hyundai / Kia vehicles like you are the ones that lose in the long run. And who cares its only 2.2lt, look at the outputs vs the Pajero’s 2.5lt The Triton diesel I have driven has the most horrible flat spot around 2200rpm I have ever felt. Better lag response than a Nissan 2.5lt but there is something seriously wrong with Mitsubishi’s ECU tune. And I hope the Mits wagons have better seats than the Triton, it was like sitting on a plank of wood.
+1.
@pirakavezok
oops. are you living in 1980s?
Todays, Mitsubishi is not match with Hyundai and Kia.
And All Japanese are not on par with korean car.
Except for Toyota and Honda, Other minor Japanese makers are already far behind than Hyundai.
Bit early to be commenting on reliability don’t you think?
Have you driven a new Korean car in the last five years? If you haven’t you have no idea what you’re talking about. Being an owner of a Hyundai i30 and a Toyota Corolla, I must say without regret or doubt that Hyundai is surprisingly on par, if not better, than the Toyota.
Oh – and how many of the so-called ‘Japanese’ are actually made in Japan? Thailand, Spain etc.
Robin: The Nissan and Mazda AWD’s are made in Japan, the Tribeca in the US? not sure about the Kluger!
Bloggers: With the Territory currently advertised at $38k drive away assembled with Australian labour rates, Kia better have pretty valid reasonings to why it charges what it does for the Sorrento considering its Korean origin and global platform!
ps: Not drawing comparisons between vehicles, just the so called bargain pricing of the Kia!
Pathfinder and Navara are made in Spain, xtrail is Thai? I think our Kluger is Japanese. But a lot are not made in Japan thats what I was getting at.
I would have to agree that $55K on road is not exactly cheap but I would say they are good value for money compared to whats on the market, ie not like the Euros that you have to option up with premium or excutive or technic packs that blow the price through the roof. The Koreans are slowly creeping up in price as they get better build quality.
For my money I would take the Murano but then it is a urban SUV not aimed at the off road market so it really doesnt compare.Dont forget that whatever they look like doesnt matter as looks is all in the eye of the beholder.
Then don’t pay $55k. I just bought a demo Platinum with 300kms on it for $47,500 with a tow package thrown in. Anyone who pays the ticket price for a car is mad, dealers would rather sell you a car than have you walk out the door so stand your ground and negotiate. Don’t let them push you around! Remember, the buyer has all the power.
I’m sure this will offend the Territory fanboys (too bad, wake up) but the KIA is a far more sophisticated vehicle, particularly in diesel variants. I’d hedge a bet it is better put together too. They will enjoy the same woeful resale though.
I’d take the KIA over the Territory any day of the week. The straight six in the Territory is 50 years old for starters. There are also numerous forums with owners complaining about all the bits that have fallen off and broken.
Not to mention the brake discs that need replacing at 40 k.
Those of you that still think that KIA’s are unreliable should go do some research before embarrassing yourselves further.
My $44 k Navara has had a string of problems , including two sets of injectors, a new clutch kit , leaking rear axels that caused massive problems with the ABS and it has still only done less than 50,000 k’s .
The koreans need to get that motor into a 4×4 ute and get it over here. That will shake up the order. I know of numerous people with Korean cars that have had zero issues with them. They are second only to Lexus in the USA for customer satisfaction.
I have said it already but will say it again. The Koreans are coming. Get used to it.
Probably why most mechanics who work on them call them Ford Terriblies.
People think buyers are desserting Falcon and territory because of fuel consumption. Whilst it certainly part of the reason ,the main issue is a much bigger one. Reliability. So many people have had problems with both vehicles and word spreads quickly.
Once bitten.
At the same time there has been a surge in the sale of SUV’s that use as much or more fuel than the fords. So economy ain’t the real picture. Fed up clients that have been loyalists for so long are finally taking their hard earned to other makers.
Go do a survey of KIA / Hyundai owners and their response will be in stark contrast to the ford fanboy brigade. Fords made in this country really are rubbish.
As you require that I am pedantic I will extend that to my original comment on the engine. It has been in a constant development phase from its introduction nearly 50 years ago. It is now at a point where they can’t take it much further. It is heavy by modern engine standards and thirsty. Hence ford’s decision to axe it in favour of a 4 cylinder and a new V6.
This is widely known in the auto industry but apparently not by many owners.
Agreed with the price. The RRP for the poverty pack new Sorento is under US$20,000 Convert that to AU$ and you have to wonder why we are not importing them from the good ‘ol USA
i should have said that was for the car sold in the USA!!!
The article mentions the reversing camera display on the rear vision mirror? Don’t happen to have a photo if it?
Seems like KIA has done a good job with this
There is a photo of this in one of the Soul reviews… Same system as the soul camera
50k is big bikkies in my book. Kia Rondo7 has 7 seats and sells for 24990. Now there is a value packet family car!
True Sam but you cant tackle sand with a Rondo (maybe with a big run up?)
“A meager price tag.. of $48,000…”. You must be paying well Paul, as that is still a pretty large sum of coin the way that I look at it.
The rear-view mirror/camera trick is by no means new, and as I discovered with my Nissan Pathfinder from 3-4 years ago, it was absolutely terrible in full sunlight. Given the expanse of glass on the roof of this Kia, I will be interested to see how it goes in every day conditions..
You can just slide the blinds over the glass.
@ KM re third row seats. Besides having a huge weight lifted off its tail(for thoes that don’t need them) it may be better still on fuel and should be about $1500 cheaper
If the seats were not there all you would have is…..floor. The seats fold down flat. You might gain 4 inches of space. The second row of seats sit higher than the first row to bring them in line with the third row.
As for economy the Global Green Challenge team managed to get the fuel consumption up to 25% better than Kia specify. I would be surprised if 100kg made a difference.
how long did it take you to figure that out ? of course, you would have more floor space, that’s the idea, more luggage area and about $1500 in your pocket
True, its nice to have the option at least. But what i’ve noticed with my recent round of test drives is the range of cars for a perticular model has definately reduced. Campared with 4 years ago. Ford would even offer me a Manual Diesel for the Mondeo.
Its probably cheaper for the manufacture to offer a smaller range rather than have several versions of the same model.
“The main issue was with the driver’s seat. I wasn’t able to move the seat far back enough to accommodate my legs, making leg room somewhat compromising. This seems to be a common trait between Kia vehicles…..”
I would like to know whether Paul is a very tall person or not, as I am a little over 6 feet, will I find it hard to get comfortably behind the wheel of the Sorento?? I drove the older version, but can’t remember the front driver seat being a problem.
I’m 5’11″ and have had no problems driving KIA’s. I drove a 2002 RIO hatch for 4 years without a problem and the seat wasn’t all the way back either. I currently have a Magentis and a Cerato Hatch for the wife and they are both a comfortable drive. Again, the seats still have further travel for taller people. These cars are all smaller than the new Sorento, so unless your one of those people that like driving at full stretch and are 7′ tall or something, I can’t see a problem.
Hi Guys, looking at one of these myself. I tow a boat (about 1600kg) has anyone towed with the new Sorento yet.?
AL
Don’t know what happened to my comment. It has just been deleted from the list apparently. I only wanted to comment on the towing capacity. I am wondering if this could really pull a 2000kg caravan when it operates in front wheel drive most of the time. Same applies to the new SantaFe. Bit annoying when your comment is purged like that !!
Interesting thread. As for the argument early on as regards the 6 cylinder Falcon motor used in Falcon and Territory, it is widely known that the basic architecture of it is very old, (comments in various media range from 27 to 50 years. It is referred to in various motoring media as ‘grandfathers axe’ etc. etc. It is very easy to discover just how old it is. That being said, the 4.0L Falcon motor has had it all over any competing commodore motor up to the currend SIDI generation. I haven’t had the opportuinity to try any of the ‘new’ non V8 commodore motors. What Ford have managed over the years with their straight six has been truly remarkable. As for a Territory, I wouldn’t even look at one until they have a diesel. The bulk of the car just sends fuel use through the roof. As for Korean reliability, i really don’t see any issue. many years ago we had one of the first of the ’rounded’ excels. never a problem, and has been mentioned, still see many of that type getting around today. I will certainly be considering a Sorento, Santa Fe or IX35. Tiguan’s are good, but you need to pay for just about everything, Captiva (??) don’t like it, seems overrated, and as far as I can see Daewoo is below Hyundai/Kia. The engine/geabox cominination in the Sorento/Santa Fe seems to have raised the bar for everyone.
Does anyone know how these things depreciate? Same to for the Hyundai.
hi I drive big kilometers every week as I comute out to the mines I have just gave my daughter my hyundai after 4 years with over 240000 on the clock over some terrible roads and it never missed a beat in fact it is still a great drive.My work car is a falcon and it had more troubles after 10000 than my hyundai ever had.
I have just purchased the Kia(not delivered yet) as I was so impressed with korean cars reliability. It was a toss up between the santa fe and kia as kia price matched the hyundai. I went for the kia as it looked better and most options were the same.
My other car is a v6 toyota prado which is a great car but much to thirsty. If the Kia performs as well as the hyundai I will continue to buy korean cars great value for money.
As a new owner of a Sorento I can confirm that KIA have come up with a real winner. The engine and auto gearbox are superb with all the hill climbing and overtaking power you need. Fuel economy is excellent and both interior and exterior design are top quality. Equipment levels are high and all round this is a winner.My past experience with Hyundais has also proved that this company also makes incredibly reliable cars.
Good God! for that sort of money I can get a new Freelander 2 Diesel 6sp Auto! The new ones are solide and reliable. I have noticed that with the prices of all these 4WD SUVs creeping up the local Landrover dealer is now having Freelanders on back order. Having driven most of the $45k to $55k SUVs available on the market I am still inclined to go Freelander. At least it can do more off-road than a lot of the others with the exception of the Pajero-Prado-landcruiser-patrol brigade which are much larger and heavier.
Bill, can you carry SEVEN people in the Freelander???? NO. So you point is completely invalid!
point is not completely invalid. The availability of 7 seats is not the issue. The cost of the damned things is vis-a-vis perceived and real value. The Freelander will travel off-road in a variety of conditions where the Kia and dare I say it a lot of other SUVS including the more expensive Continental Euros will not. The versatility on offer in my view exceeds the availability or not of 7 seats. And in most SUVS the 7 seat availability carries a lot of compromises in terms of what you can actually carry in the last row up or down.
Bill,
Obviously you have not read any of the off road reviews on Sorento. Every motoring journalist disagrees with you, re off road ability.
What do you mean by “The Freelander will travel off-road in a variety of conditions”
What “conditions” would only suit a Freelander?
Currently Land Rover reports 255 warranty complaints per 100 units sold world wide. Kia reports 167 per 100 units. I hope you don’t venture too far from the local service department.
Sounds like you haven’t a clue. Please take the Freelander blinkers off before posting dribble.
I don’t have blinkers on Sunshine, nor am I exclusively devoted to Freelander or land rover in general. I am not posting dribble. I think I have been around a hell of lot longer than you. I suggest you back and read the review and then read the Freelander 2 reviews. Land Rovers in general are renowned for their off-roading abilities which I don’t think the present range or past range of KIA/HYUNDAIS et al have. When you actually know what you are talking about you may have the privilege of becoming insulting in your comments.
Now, now you two, settle down. If you want my two bobs worth, the Sorento is so much better value for money. $50k gets you a 7 seater with almost everything that opens and shuts but the Freelander has 5 seats and a very small cargo space and really not many luxury items so I bought the Sorento purely based on what I get for my money.
Dear Sorento owners and drivers,
Firstly, congratulations on your purchases. I haven’t yet had the chance to drive one, however, I think it’s a great car at a great price.
My wife and I have considered the others (other brand CUVs) and are 99% sure we will be getting a KIA Sorento. The final 1% would be based upon a direct visual inspection and a drive.
I have some queries and so, would anyone be able to answer the following: in the case of moving off from 0mph/kph under fairly hard acceleration, is there any or substantial torque steer?
As it is (the one we have decided upon) a 4WD system, is that full-time or part-time. I am a novice in these regards. In other words, were I to be pulling off on snowy or icy, or mountain slopes with a coat of rain driven mud roads, with excessive wheel spin, would it be necessary to engage the diff-lock button or will torque be transferred to the non-slipping wheel in most cases?
Is there even the slightest whiff of diesel odor coming in into the cabin?
Is long-range highway cruising diesel engine noise a concern?
Thank you all for your considerations.
Soren.
Soren, the Sorento 4WD is basically a front wheel drive around town with power delivered to the rear wheels if the traction control or stability control detects wheel spin. The 4WD lock button is basically good for icy conditions, sand, dirt roads etc where power is delivered in a 50-50 split for speeds up to 30km/h. After that, it basically becomes a front wheel drive with all the electronics monitoring the wheels as previously mentioned.
I have been fortunate to test drive a Sorento Platinum over the Easter long weekend and I clocked up 580km with a mixture of Freeway Driving, city driving and also a bit of Offroad at Lithgow. Travelling at 70km/h on a dirt road, the Sorento felt stable even with the lock button actived. Once I slowed down to below 30km/h, the rear wheels kicked in and it climbed everything I asked within reason for a SUV. Highway speeds give very little noise at all and no fumes entered the car with windows wound up and sunroof open. Fuel economy returned a respectable 42L for 580kms which works out to be 7.3L/100.
As for engine noise overall, I test drove a Mitsubishi Challenger this weekend and really noticed how loud that engine was. After about 7 minutes of driving, the engine quitened down to an acceptable level. The Sorento on start up is at the same level of the Challenger when warmed up.
I was that impressed with the Sorento, I have just placed an order for a Titanium Silver Platinum with an expected delivery date of late June.
Can’t wait to get it now. Hope that helps.
Ken,
I am most grateful for your prompt and informative reply.
I wish you good luck on, and enjoyable rides in your upcoming KIA Sorento.
Best regards,
Soren.
Picked up my Platinum Sorento last Thursday and couldn’t be happier. The Titanium Silver and Black leather go well together and everyone that has seen the car are impressed with the looks and quality. It drives smooth and that engine pulls the weight effortlessly up the hills.
So far, I have travelled just over 400km with a mixture of mainly City driving and some Highway driving and am averaging 8.3L/100 according to the display. 800km per tank shouldn’t be hard to achieve once the engine has run in.
As an added bonus, the dealership I purchased my Soreneto from rewarded me with a bonus 3 years warranty extension after the 5 year manufacturers warranty expires for my loyalty in purchasing again from them and also for my continued support servicing my car with them.
Ken, May I know how much you paid for yours, any extra like toll-bar or roof rack? As I am tossing it with Honda Odyssy, are there feelings such as Japanese vs Korean brand, reliability, resale value, and ..It is quite a lot of money to spend, and I hope I don’t make the wrong choice.
I purchase my vehicles on a novated lease and the drive away price I got (GST Inclusive) was $48,515. I optioned mine with Tow Bar, floor mats and bonnet protector.
As far as Japanese vs Korean, I’m happy with the quality in my car and that’s all that matters. Their will always be better quality but that usually comes at a cost to your hip pocket. Some prefer Japanese because of re-sale value etc but they tend to forget that you spend more upfront to get the same level of equipment on the Japanese vehicles.
Reliability has never been an issue with my KIA’s. I have owned several before this and have never been let down. I service them by the book at the dealer and they just keep going.
As for Honda Odyssey or Kia Sorento, you must ask yourself are you going offroad or not. I like the Honda but I intend on doing some (Light Duty – Beaches etc) offroading and the Honda won’t do it.
Fuel economy was also a factor I considered as I travel 25,000km/year. Purchasing a car like a 7 seat Kluger AWD for more money with an increased fuel cost was not a option for me. My Sorento will easilly average 8L/100 where the Kluger will average around 12-13/100 from what I have been told by current owners I know. 4 to 5 Litres per hundred equates to a 20 to 25 Litre per week saving on the KIA for me.
I can only recommend driving both vehicles and making your own mind up. When I purchased my first KIA in 2002, everyone was sceptical about the reliability etc and after 4 years and over 60,000km in a basic 5 door RIO, I traded that vehicle in at almost 50% of the original purchase price. That car never let me down and nothing had been replaced outside the general servicing consumables. Many family and friends changed their views on KIA after they saw first hand the reliability of KIA.
Hope that helps.
Bought my Titanium Platinum 2 weeks ago as a demo with 300kms on it for $47,500 with tow package included ( about $1100 worth)
We almost bought a demo Challenger for $52,500 but once we drove this we realised we get so much more for our (less) money. If you can get passed the badge issue you actually realise what a great car they are!
All SUV’s are ugly, at least the Murano and the CX7 breaks the usual mould as far as fresh designs go! Believe it or not there are people out there that prefer the look of the original faced Tribeca because it was different!
“Murano is possibly the ugliest SUV on our roads. Wouldn’t touch it.”
Has to be said Nissan don’t do Handsome. I think they try and appeal to the US market a little too much.
There are lots of good looking SUV’s out there, Territory, RAV4, Tribeca, Outlander, Pug 4007, VW Tiguan. Q7, X5, Even the Aussie Captiva isn’t too bad. The US version (Equinox) is as hideous as you’d expect.
Yeah but not many. Which is why Subaru rushed to fix it. The KIA is a good looking car.
Gee beauty is really in the eye of the beholder if you think the Murano is a good looker! I think the Sorento is a really classy looking car and wonder how much better it might look with an all-chrome mesh grille rather than just the outside.
Exactly, everyones forgetting that that is the top-of-the-line model with pretty much everything included, it’s not like something Japanese where you need to on top of that price option on even more kit.
Saw a Black Platinum advertised at Peter Warren this week for $49,999 drive away. Classed as a demonstrater yet still has no rego plates, definately a good buy for that price. What other 7 seater diesel, 6 speed auto with all the options comes close to that price?
Hyundai SantaFe. Cheaper in fact..!
OH SNAP …and yesterday’s news. I was wondering how long it would take some clever little 5th grader to jump on that one. I’d be waiting for the all-new model in the Hyundai.
…but wait there is still more. While you are digging ,check out the reports on cracking in the floor around the front seats and rust in the tailgate after only a year or two.
Give me the KIA.
Callous Aussie forgot to mention that all these cars were in US States using salt to melt the snow,I would be surprised to see any vehicle not affected by salt, including all those australian 4WD hitting the old Fraser island,Stockton sand dunes,Crowdy Head beach, Eighty mile beach in fact any beach,I would like to see them in a few yrs to see for any rust.