Kia Sorento Review – Long Term Update

Pros:

Cons:

By Paul Maric | March 16th, 2010

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Price: $30,870 to $48,480

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	3
Comfort and Interior	4
Quality & Design	3.5
Value & Features	4
Safety	5
Green	3

It’s been a while since I have been at the helm of our Sorento long termer. After driving countless other vehicles since my last stint in our black Sorento, it comes as a surprise each time I jump on the throttle to flee an intersection or overtake a truck on a country road.

Even as an entry level model, our Sorento Si comes with an adequate amount of features that would keep most punters happy. A cracker of a sound system and decent air conditioning make long journeys a breeze.

In terms of reliability and build quality, we are yet to find any issues with our car. Aside from noticing the suspension is firmer than I last recall, we have yet to run into any dramas with the car. It has been comprehensively driven through a wide range of high heat conditions both on and off-road.

The Koreans are also starting to recognise the concept of seat quality. After spending nearly 1000km in the Sorento, the one thing that stands out is seat comfort. The front and second row of seats have become quality places to be that don’t leave you aching after a long trip.

Unfortunately, the third row is an adult free zone. When erected, the third row caters mainly for children. Adults can squeeze in with a bit of effort, but won’t find it a comfortable place to stay for a great length of time.

The thing that impresses us with the Sorento is the placid fuel consumption. During my stint I managed to get our average down to around 7.1L/100km. It’s a commendable effort for a car the size of the Sorento, especially when you consider the performance punch on offer.

I can probably speak for myself and my colleague Matt Brogan in saying that the Sorento has really taken us by surprise. It’s testament to the effort and research Korean companies like Kia are putting into their new products. It’s a serious shift toward brand recognition and improvement.

If the Sorento is anything to go by, we can’t wait to get our hands on the new Sportage, which hits our shores later in the year.

If you have any questions to ask about our long term Kia Sorento, leave us a comment or send us an e-mail and we’ll do our best to respond.

Reader reviews of the KIA SORENTO

January 29th, 2012

By: Jack

Rating:

Just bought a Sorento 2 weeks ago and so far no regrets. I got the 2.2 Si in manual. I took it for a test tow w... Read more

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KM

Taking one of these from Sydney to Broken Hill next week.

Will be interesting to see how it goes, although the one I will be driving will be the petrol variant.

Classic

That’s a shame for you – it seems the diesel engine is the biggest drawcard of the new Sorento.
Carl

KM, Yes what a shame for you to miss out on the diesel on such an Tailor made trip for the diesel!

KM

Not really a shame actually guys…

When you are given a company vehicle to test out – I am not really fussed, eventhough I would prefer the diesel & would have love to take the diesel on this drive, they are very hard to get a hold of.

Carl

With the arrival of my first daughter I will be in the market for a 7 seater soon and will be considering a KIA for the first time thanks to this Sorento and that cracking diesel engine, What a shame they didn’t put it in the Carnival…..Paul or Matt do you know if they have any plans to put this engine in the new Carnival and if not please let them know that in my opinion it would be a good business move to do so!

Regards, Carl (possible first time KIA buyer if the quality continues to improve!!)

http://CarAdvice The Salesman

The soon to be released MY11 Kia Carnival will not change engines. Lots of other changes to the line up including standard ESP and curtain/side air bags.
idlebrain

Actually, I read the news somewhere on the net that KIA is putting this 2.2 R engine into the carnival in Korea. I’m not sure about Australia as I read the news from oversea’s auto site. But I doubt if they are going to assemble two different diesel engine for the same car in the same factory(the carnival in Australia come from Korea factory,right?)
Fenno

Sorry I dont mean to offend but I spent years selling Prados and Landcruisers to people that said they need a seven seater for one baby.
Can you elaborate you buying motive? Surely a good station wagon or a people mover
would suffice?

Captain Nemo

@ Fenno
Carl said first daughter not 1st child he might have four sons already and need all seven seats.
Carl

Yes i have 3 boys and my new wife has a daughter from a previous marriage so i really do need a seven or even 8 seater so when we have to all go out together we do so i just one car rather than two…..but i agree a station wagon would do most people just fine BUT some people that secretly feel inferior like the HIGH driving position of 4wd’s and SUVs

http://caradvice.com.au auto

does it ride as good as a Territory on the dirt?

Paul Maric

Unfortunately not.

While the Territory has the upper hand in terms of suspension firmness and ride quality, it lacks when it comes to handling and cornering.

The Sorento is a very good compromise between the two.

Baji

Just clarifying Paul, but did you mean that the Territory lacks the handling and cornering of the Sorento?

jinsei

Yes, he did. What he meant is that the Territory’s suspension is firmmer and has better ride quality than the Sorento but its handling and conering isn’t as good as that of the Sorento.

ADLover

I have a question to ask you guys.
Is this car same spec as European spec or setting?
I mean I’ve never seen such a high praised article and comments like this site in UK car site.
In UK, the reviews of this car (and also ix35 too) are just average or slightly below.
Ride is blunt, handling, suspension feel and quality of interior plastics are still below average compared with similar price rivals etc….
I don’t know their (in Europe) standard is higher than ours or car advice’s articles about Kia/Hyndai are special?

At least there are huge range of diesel engines in Europe.
I guess they can pick diesel engine option from virtually any cars.
Then this cars diesel engine is not so special for them…
What do you think?

Tobes

Their standards are higher, they have a much bigger market. We don’t have much choice here in australia, so the slim pickings we do have are probably looked upon favourably.
http://CarAdvice The Salesman.

Every European motoring journalist aspires to be just like Jeremy Clarkson. I never take to heart what the Europeans have to say because nothing is ever good enough. Read an article about a $100,000 car and you will find they rubbish it just as much as a $20,000 one.
The problem for them is if they say something is good then they have revealed to the public where their satisfaction level is.
This extends to food critics as well. Do you think anybody would bother to watch Gordan Ramsey on TV if he was a pleasant well spoken gentleman?
Lagoza

ADLover, The UK web site for Fifthgear has the IX35 and says “Recommended. Good looking, well equipped and cheap, the ix35 look”

ADLover

Hello Lagoza,

Thank you for your reply.
Well, I checked Fifth Gear site.
I never visited this site before, It’s good…So thanks again.
Anyway, this site said as you wrote “Recommended. Good looking, well equipped and cheap.”
However at “WE DON’t LIKE” section, they said also
2. Interior trim feels cheap in places
3. The styling is not particularly unique

Hummm…That’s very common review about this car in UK at all.
(And so do I. Personally I hate ix35′s front design. so cheap and ugly.)
However, whatever I thought it’s good car and cheap to buy and run.

fishman

For some reason there are a lot of Kia/Hyundai fanboys on this site who have riduculously blinkered views.

Uk reviews are much more realistic, so go with what they say. I test drove and i30, and it’s a nice car, much better than previous hyundai offerings. But it aint a world beater, and still not as good as a golf, focus, mx3.

And it priced accordingly, so you get what you pay for – a good value car at the lower end of the driving experience.

Classic

Fishman, truer words were never spoken re the Hyundai/Kia fanboys on this website. I actually didn’t mind the Korean cars when I started commenting here, but geez they have turned me right off them with their total bias and crucifiction of anybody who dares say something slightly negative about any of their cars, regardless of whether or not they have a valid point.
GoHyundai

yea i get what you mean,
i obviously won’t compare hyundai’s driving experience to bmw, etc

GoHyundai

RE: “3. The styling is not particularly unique”

wow…the ix35 isn’t paticularly unique????? hahaha
how unique is the lexus LX and RX
honda’s CRV
compared to the hyundai ix35???

i won’t even mention anything about toyota…

The Oracle’s Teacher

If it wasn’t built in Europe it is already on the back foot. Arrogance reins supreme over there.

ADLover

Hi The Oracle’s Teacher,
Toyota, Nissan, Subaru and Mazda…Where are they from?
Well, who has Land Rover these days?
And Volvo…It will be safest car from Big C**** !!!
Oh, build place you said? I believe Hyndai has factory somewhere in East Europe.
I think your comment is not exactly accurate.

Tom

Don’t quite agree with the arrogant part, but The Oracle’s Teacher did say built. Making 80% of your post completely baseless. And if you looked at the market share of the Japanese and Korean brands over in Europe, they are much smaller than anywhere else in the world, despite higher car prices overall. Toyota is the highest of the Japanese brands and it only had 5% share in 09, Ford has over 10%. VAG 21%.

The Oracle’s Teacher

At least Tom understood my post. The Europeans are as patriotic as any other continent when it comes to cars. So I don’t expect this car to rank highly there.
ADLover

As long as I know, some Japanese car maker and Hyndai have factory somewhere in Europe and build and design cars in there.
My comment is baseless? Well at least not completely.

jinsei

ADLover, UK car journalists, if Jeremy Clarkson is anyone to go by, are too biased against Asian cars. They even make Lexus models out to be ‘home appliances’ just because the way they drive doesn’t suit their taste. All they want is fast sports cars with firm suspension and hardly care about things like ride quality, cabin comfort or quietnes, which are the factors that Jap and Korean brands focus more on than Germans do.

Even then the Hyundai i30 has recently been voted the most competitive small car there hasn’t it? The Kia Cee’d also have been receiving positive responses there as well.Why don’t you read some up-to-date car reviews? Don’t just keep your head in the sand.

ADLover

Humm…at least he loves GT-R in Japan.
He also said M5 is blunt and boring car to drive…
Personally I never drove more than $100K car in my life.
So I enjoy his show, but I can’t agree his taste sometimes.
I believe MX-5 is always their favourite isn’t it?

“Hyundai i30 has recently been voted the most competitive small car.”
Yes, yes, yes because it’s cheap to buy and run.
But nobody says fun to drive, right?

jinsei

Nope ADLover you are wrong.

Do you think UK motor journalists would ever call a car the best in class only for its cheap purchase and running costs?

Given how much more strict and even arrogant they are than equivalent journalists in Ausralia, Germany or the states, it s so obvious that the i30 wouldn’t and couldn’t have been voted the best in class.

If you are British, which i think you are, you knew this already but just didn’t want to admit the fact that the Koreans are now formidable contenders in the automotive world.

ADLover

Nope !!! I am from Japan.
Living in Adelaide since 1995.
But thank you for your compliment.

I am thinking my next car would be SUV with automatic.
And also I am interested in diesel.
My diesel experience is quite poor.
Few times use Taxi in Europe.
My priority of car choice is “fun to drive”.
Value for money is important, but not first priority.
I like Subaru, but Forester diesel is Manual only, so does outback.
So, I thought this Sorento would be good option.
Then I started research on web.
I knew I should go to showroom and test drive, but I like research first.
Anyhow, I was confused most reviews from Australia and UK were similar, except this site.
So I was wondering how is driving pleasure of this car?
ADLover

ADLover, you thank me for what complement? I never did.

I said you seem British because you so biasedly refered to UK reviews only.

Which part of that sounds like ‘a compliment’ to you? You are Japanese and feel like you are complimented just because I said you seem British?

What sort of mentality is that? Country snobbery? You seem to be living with a sense of inferiority to the British.

If you are living in Adelaide, then go get some quality Australian reviews on Korean vehicles so you can have balanced opinion.

The Oracle

What was really annoyed me about Jeremy Clarkson the other week, was when he was talking on Top Gear about the engine in a car and said it produced something like (from memory) 250 horsepower and 300 “torques” Now, horsepower I can easily understand and can do a quick mental conversion to kW. But what on earth are “torques”? I didn’t have clue if he meant Nm or lb.ft. You would think someone of his experience would express himself more clearly. I have found in the british car mags, it is not uncommon to use BHP and Nm to describe engines as the manufacturers often supply those numbers because they are bigger than the equivalent kW of lb.ft.
GoHyundai

yeap, definitely jinsei

i realised, koreans, are obsessed with a “zero noise silent engine you won’t even notic the engine’s there”thing along with “you can’t feel a bump of the road driving the car”thing,

while seems like the europeans?(etc) like to feel every rock and sand on the road while they drive,
ah don’t know,
we all have our tastes,
jinsei

I’ve just typed my name wrong. I am jinsei not ADLover. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Cheers

jaykay

Hey Fernando,

I think you meant, “bias”, and not “arrogance”. Arrogance is not a nice word to use given the context of that sentence.

RicardoColombia

I have a SORENTO XM 3.5 LITER 277 HP which has an average 10 lts/100 km mixed city highway (mountain roads, Bogota is 2500 mts above sea level), No shame un having a petrol engine. You should try its performance, silence (no noice in the cabin) no vibrations, power, wonderful. As you can imagine nothing is free. Another side of a wonderful car.
Staggers

CarAdvice are the biggest champions of Korean cars. Most other reviews (particularly magazines) still say that Hyundai and Kia are only acceptable, especially in terms of how their cars handle.

ADLover

Hummm…I must agree with you now.
And I won’t change my mind until they bring RWD here in AUstralia !!!!
And also give us real production ready hybrid cars !!!! No more crappy prototype.
Paul Maric

This car isn’t bought by people who want a car that handles like an X5.

For what it is, it’s fantastic, especially when you factor in the price.

RicardoColombia

And I would also like to see the X5 in the mud or rough terrains, not to discuss the reliability of BMW which are plaged by defects, see the number of complaints in the www

Andrei

Recently the family was in the market for a 7 seater to replace the ageing Outback. I was really excited about the Sorento and couldn’t wait to try it out. Both the wife and myself saw and drove a base spec model (diesel) and it was quite nice. BUT, despite the advertising about quality interior etc it really does feel and look quite cheap. I didn’t see the Platinum model by my wife did and she said it wasn’t any more special than the base model. Value for money it may be but it will not suit all tastes. Also, the advertising for the European model is deceiving. There is a stack of things we don’t get here. Its one of those cases of “it looks better in photos”….

Classic

Not really sure why you’re getting the thumbs down for your honest, objective opinion. At least you’ve actually gone to check it out, not like half the people commenting on how great it is here.

Personally I didn’t mind the quality, it actually surprised me. But it’s hardly BMW quality leather or trim. I know it’s not supposed to be, but some people here would do well to realise that there is a massive difference between “being great quality for the money” and simply being great quality.

ricflair

I’ve been lookin at a SUV for a while now and am about to buy, I only want auto for me it was out of the Outback and Outlander, but I’ve really been wanting a diesel. After your review on the Si I thought I’d better check these out, I was surprised at the finish and drive, it has everything I want except reverse sensors and the country it was built in is a turn off.

Korean resales just aren’t going to be there in the future with the stigma attached, I can’t bring myself to sign up for one these with chance at the end of my lease I might be stuck with a car that can’t beat it’s residual
bob

Have just done 1000+ km in the SLi and I’m very impressed with the fuel economy and the solid feel.No rattles or loose bits anywhere. Like any new model who knows what the future holds but I couldn’t ask for a better introduction to this make of car.
Des Gusting

I have driven the TD Sorento, not a bad car with loads of torque. I wouldn’t mind one but the price is ridiculous here in Oz. I work in the Middle East most of the year and the price of the new model 3.5 V6 Sorento here is US $21750, (AUD $23650). It’s really is taking the p*ss to charge us around $15K more, isn’t it Kia?? Kia are trying to look more upmarket with a reasonable increase in quality along with a large leap in price.

The Oracle’s Teacher

You obviously don’t understand our market. Comparing our dollar to the USD doesn’t give you the cars legitimate sale price. Not KIA’s not anyones. This just won’t sink in for some people.

jack

It’s a pretty simple arbitrage TOT. If it can be brought to market in the middle east for a US equivalent of $A 23650, that means the extra 15K (minus 5% tarrif) is pure arbitrage…

Blake

They are putting new engines in the kia grand carnival
pueter66

I will be able to give you guys some feedback as I am picking my Si manual up late April early May and I drive around 1200 km a week round trip out to the mines over very ordinary roads both dirt and bitumen. I agree I found some of the plastics in the interior look a bit cheap. But was impressed with the drive and inclusions that I was getting for the money. Especially the fuel economy as my fuel bill is quite high.
resale doesnt bother me as any car I drive after 4 years is worthless as a trade because of the Kms.As with my last car the road sorts out all the BS between opinions and salesman pitch I will give honest feedback about positives and negatives. Cheers Pete
http://caradvice.com.au auto

did you have any rattles, dust, or water leaks during your road test?
stiglet

Very interesed to hear about towing capabilities.
I did read that weight distribution systems eg Hayman Reese are not necessary.
This concerns me a little, as it usually means less weight on the front axle which then creates stability issues with up to 200kg. on the drawbar when towing a 2000 kg. caravan.
Richard

If you really want to get one of these Sorento’s singing take a visit to racechip.de
They already have a chip for these and take it from 145kw / 421nm to 186kw / 515nm.WoW!! I have bought 4 of these online for myself and for friends for various diesel vehicles over the past 10 months and I can’t speak highly enough about them considering the price they are! Cheers!! Richard.:)
Martin

Well I got a phone call from the dealer today, my Black SLi has arrived (sooner than I expected i may add) I cant wait to take delivery once the towbar and elec brakes are fitted. Shall keep everyone upto date. Go Kia for a wonderful value for money car. And thanks to our car dealer for being honest and keeping us upto date on the cars progess from the production line to the docking and arrival in the central west.
bill

JUSt had my platinum delivered,after weeks of pressure on the dealer about their b\s delivery time.
Seems that they could come up with one when i was ready to cancel the contract.
Just a warning to other buyers if they are having a factory towbar fitted , after two days of driving I noticed a smell around the car. After investigating ,I found that the towbar wiring had been positioned just under the exhaust, so combined with the fact that the protective flexible conduit covering the wiring is the cheapest quality that it is possible to buy, not only did the conduit melt but the wiring insulation had also began to melt . had it been a little bit longer before I found it ,there would have been a probability, of an electrical fire in close proximity to the petrol tank The wiring needs better protection from damage and heat , (the wiring was not in direct contact with the exhaust, just close) kia need to get their act into gear before there is a major problem. So much for the bucketloads of money the dealers charge for so called dealer costs, it certainly does’nt go into quality control. I would advise anyone who has had a towbar fitted to check it immediately (and i mean before you drive it again )as if it is the same as mine ,it is highly dangerous
I am an electrical contractor and id hate to think of the cobsequences if I did a job the way that this was done and used the quality of materials
I have fixed the problem my self and when I can get it back to the dealer , they can change the whole harness
Just before The Salesman comes out with his usual misguided defence of car dealers (especially Korean ones) for the money that car dealers rip off buyers under the misnomer of predelivery costs ,you would think that something as much of a no-brainer as this fault would have been picked up, or dont they really inspect under the car ?
On a better note the car is beautiful to drive and a vast improvement on any korean car that I’ve seen before although the diesel consumption is higher than claimed, but hopefully will get better (still way cheaper than a Kluger, Challenger, Murano etc tURBO LAG IS is almost nonexistent and noise is very low for a diesel(I drove two Challengers before ordering the Sorento and it sounded like I was driving a sewing machine ,I drove the second one because I couldnt believe the noise of the first and wanted to check that it wasnt just that car that was so noisy and rough.
It wasnt ,they both drove and sounded like a truck.
Just a pity that the car is let down by car dealers ( once again)

pueter66

Thanks Bill I am getting a towbar fitted to mine so I will check the wiring before I drive away, good pickup,
Cheers pueter66
http://caradvice.com.au auto

RE BILL..please give us your honest review on the sorento after you have had time to test it out. I asked CA to advise on rattles,dust, and water leaks during their test but they never bothered to reply. Hope you get a good run out of it,I don’t care what the others say , it still looks the best suv out there.

jinsei

Shame on the dealership. And thank God that you have found it out early enough.

Have you tried asking the dealership to reimburse you for the towbar wiring that you replaced at your own expense? I guess you should…

James Kim

aa
Adam

I have had my Sorento Platinum for 4 weeks and racked up 3000ks of mixed highway and city driving.

In short I love the comfortable ride good handling and that engine is a ripper. I would recommend this car if you are after a good balance between ride quality and handling in a family capacity vehicle.

To answer Auto’s question there are no rattles, dust ingress or water leaks.

My fuel consumption has been as low as 6.9lts per 100kms sitting on 110kph on at trip from Wollongong to Canberra with the highest being 8.8lts per 100kms running around town.

to put my comments into perspective my last vehicle was a 2007 Navara STX diesel dual cab and before that a 2002 Pajero DID and my wife’s car is a Subaru Forester.

The lack of noise and refinement of the engine when compared to my previous diesels is astounding. Driving the pajero you needed ear plugs, the Navara has huge turbo lag to the point that it can be dangerous trying to time entry on roundabouts and the fuel average over 2.5 years was 11.8lts per 100ks. Almost as bad as the petrol. Oh and surprise, it handles like a commercial vehicle!

Granted the other vehicles I have owned last are in a different class, but I also drove the new Hyundai Santa Fe and found that the kia had far superior seats and for some reason the Hyundai had a little more turbo lag compared to the nearly non existent lag of the Kia. I have also driven a new Subaru Tribecca and whilst it is a nice car delivering a similar ride comfort, it is far more expensive, does not corner as well and there is no diesel option.

First Korean car I have either driven or owned. I used to be a huge subaru fan until they hit the new ones with the ugly stick.

I am very happy with the whole thing as it has delivered above expectations.

http://caradvice.com.au auto

Thanks Adam ,keep us informed.

James Kim

I must be biased since I’m from Korea (as you can see my sir name which is very common in Korea)

So don’t expect perfect English here.

And I own the SLI version of this for 3 months (over 5000 Kms)

I must admit I’m a bit of a badge snob who tends to think a girl in a BMW is a lot more attractive than one in a Kia.

So I hadn’t owned any Korean or Japanese cars…..it had been always one of those Europeans.

Not only I’m snobby, but also the quality of the cars hadn’t been competitive enough.

But then i30 came along….it made me think us,koreans can make decent cars.

Specially that diesel engine put in there is almost class leading…..

it is interesting because Korean car manufacturers are not famous for diesel engines
(honestly not famous for anything…. T.T)

and this 2.2 R engine was blowing my mind….

145Kw and 436nm from 7.4L/Km….this three figures looked almost unbelievable…

I’m not talking about top notch German engines….this is from Korea…

I mean….how did this happen?

So my plan for Tiguan or X3 was changed to a Sorento.

Conclusion first, I have to say…I really enjoy the toque from the engine.

Riding is good….not for a racing, you know….but good for SUV…

….acceleration is excellent with 0.00000001 sec turbo lag

….but cornering and breaks are only average (or under)

Interior is good…well layout 7 seat…good leather(don’t expect Merc S500 leather there thou)

….people say too much plastic are used there…but these days every one uses too much plastic anyway…
….rear view camera is good but in Korean a SAT-NAV is optional which does TV and DVD

I don’t see any Korean car makers put a SAT-NAV in cars in OZ….why?

Overall I’m happy with my purchase…it’s expensive for a Korean car…but you are buying

A car with 145Kw and 436nm from 7.4L/Km
James Kim

I must be biased since I’m from Korea (as you can see my sir name which is very common in Korea)
So don’t expect perfect English here.
And I own the SLI version of this for 3 months (over 5000 Kms)
I must admit I’m a bit of a badge snob who tends to think a girl in a BMW is a lot more attractive than one in a Kia.
So I hadn’t owned any Korean or Japanese cars…..it had been always one of those Europeans.
Not only I’m snobby, but also the quality of the cars hadn’t been competitive enough.
But then i30 came along….it made me think us,koreans can make decent cars.
Specially that diesel engine put in there is almost class leading…..
it is interesting because Korean car manufacturers are not famous for diesel engines
(honestly not famous for anything…. T.T)
and this 2.2 R engine was blowing my mind….
145Kw and 436nm from 7.4L/Km….this three figures looked almost unbelievable…
I’m not talking about top notch German engines….this is from Korea…
I mean….how did this happen?
So my plan for Tiguan or X3 was changed to a Sorento.
Conclusion first, I have to say…I really enjoy the toque from the engine.
Riding is good….not for a racing, you know….but good for SUV…
….acceleration is excellent with 0.00000001 sec turbo lag
….but cornering and breaks are only average (or under)
Interior is good…well layout 7 seat…good leather(don’t expect Merc S500 leather there thou)
….people say too much plastic are used there…but these days every one uses too much plastic anyway…
….rear view camera is good but in Korean a SAT-NAV is optional which does TV and DVD
I don’t see any Korean car makers put a SAT-NAV in cars in OZ….why?
Overall I’m happy with my purchase…it’s expensive for a Korean car…but you are buying
A car with 145Kw and 436nm from 7.4L/Km

http://caradvice.com.au auto

are any other sorento owners having these cornering & brake issues ?

Ricardo Colombia

I travel throughj a lot of mountain roads with steep and very shartp turns, usually six person cargo on the roof, going from 1000 mts above see level to 2500 mts in 60 min, and I have had no fdificulty. The torque of its v6 engine is huge so you can pull very quickly yn a ny turn. Exceptional good truck.

James Kim

In OZ versions, We don’t get V6 petrol ones…Instead we have 4 cylinder Diesel and petrol, Which I believe diesel R is a winner.

anyway It’s not an issue as mentioned “cornering & brake issues”

I heard that the OZ version’s suspension is made for long journeys not like the Korean and Europian versions.

I feel the conering of subarus and hondas are firmer and better(in other word “preferred”).

Vince

Anyone fitted the dealer fit Bluetooth designed for the Sorento? It plugs in to the bog standard radio.

What about a cargo barrier? I have a dog, and it will be a must and Milfords don’t make one for it.

And yes, why no Sat-Nav? don’t tell me that they cannot program the unit.
sorrie

I too am waiting for delivery of my SLI next week after initially being told I would receive it last week but hey these things happen. Anyway my interest was sparked when I read the dangers with tow bar wiring. We too have optioned one of these so will have a close look at it before driving away. Just a question re side steps…anyone ordered these or the alumunium nudge bar? Do you think they are a good investment or unnecessary waste of money? Cant wait to get into the thing and see how it deals with day to day city driving as well as its boat towong abilities on a weekly basis. Will keep you posted.
sorrie

For those that are interested the new sorento now has an in dash sat nav, dvd etc player as an option. They are considering about $2000-$2500 at this stage. Company will be manufacturing and working with KIA and I have just ordered it to be fitted on my car prior to delivery next week. Will update later.

Murf

sorrie

very interested to hear any details re the sat nav. I thought this option was not avialable on the current model?

regards

James

Caradvice,
I just wanted to ask if you know anything about the Sorento’s towing capabilities (yes, i know the specifications) but do you know its real life ability. Also, have you experienced the Sorento on the beach? And will this area be one covered in future tests.
Thank you
Bill

Sorry I havent answered a couple of questions earlier, the
Sorento if anything is running better than when I last posted
Fuel on highway trips from gold coast to lismore and G\Coast to Bribie, andGold coast to Brunswick heads has averaged 6.7 Lts per 100 Ks
although I am still getting around 9 around town (lots of stop start) But after driving a jackeroo, whats 9 Lts per 100???
I didnt completely refit the tow bar wiring , I just rerouted bit enough to make it safe ,It can be fixed when it gets its first service, and the dealer can cop the cost
Also in answer to Auto, no there have been no noises or rattles at all and no brake or cornering issues either
On a longer highway drive i have been amazed how effortless everything seems ,it corners like its on rails and the brakes have been more than adequate.
Our second trip to Bribie Island (last weekend ) was towing a full offroad gal trailer (fully laden) also unbraked and did ‘nt really notice the trailer at all both in braking or just generally towing. Fuel on that trip averaged 7.4 per 100
And in answer to James question…..What really amazed me was that that included a trip up Bribie Beach (to the traffic limit point and back with 4 people on board (trailer was not on at that stage)
for those interested, It was a tester for us as I was hoping to still be able to go camping along the beach at teewah as we have done in the Jackeroo for years.
But I was fairly skeptical about my chances in the Sorento, We wanted to try it with some friends in a couple of other 4wds just in case
Entry on to the beach was deep soft sand with fairly deep ruts for quite a long stretch, before we actually got to the main access part and the the car handled it with ease .We used common sense and tried to avoid as many of the deeper tracks as possible , and got through (both ways ) without missing a beat.
One of the 4wd drive utes was’nt quite so lucky and slid of the track at one part..
Ground clearance could be a bit of a problem on some tracks , but as we dont do severe rock climbing or mountain tracks I’m actually pleasantly surprised with the way it handled the soft sand.
So fishing at Fraser and Noosa North shore is back on the agenda again.
Beach conditions once we got on were perfect , hard packed sand and a great drive up toward Caloundra and back To Woorim
Getting off the beach was no problem, , but before we came off there was a pajero bogged and a landcruiser that had three attempts, before getting through the soft stuff, although I think both drivers were new to beach driving and it probably had no reflection on the cars.
The trip did what we wanted and confirmed in my mind anyway that the Sorrento will handle most of what you will find on most beaches in South East Qld; It would quite easily tow a campertrailer up the beach , While there was no very deep washouts , there were a few moderate ones , which the car handled with ease.
The guys with us ( who were just waiting for the inevitable bogging especially on thw way off the beach) were amazed how easily it drove off( second gear locked in 4wd )without even having to get a long run up. All in all i couldnt be happier with it and can reccomend it for anyone wanting to go beach camping or fishing etc.
As long as all normal precautions are taken and you first do as we did and try it in the company of other vehicles
While I will admit that it,s not in the hunt with full 4wd vehicles vin the really rough stuff offroad , you’ll be surprised how you do not have to really push it to get it through the soft stuff .IT merely seemed to drive through steadily with less effort than my old Jackeroo, the power was there without really pushing.
A great motor and gearbox

http://caradvice.com.au auto

thanks for the review. you should get a job with CA

Bill

I could live with that

http://caradvice.com.au auto

Bill, i would like to know if you tried the territory 6 speed zf auto against the Sorento 6 speed?

Bill

no ,i never considered the Territory .
A mate has an 18 mth old Territory and although it seems to be a great car and is really nice to drive ,His info on fuel consumption , scared me off them when we first started looking for a new car.
I dont remember the figures but they were high(and he is not someone who really pushes his car to extremes)
He has just purchased a 17,ft pop-top van and he is thinking of changing the Territory because of the fuel usage.
As it happens ,He and his wife were the other two people in the car with us when we did the beach trip previosly described,and he was really impressed with the Sorentos fuel figures both on the sand and on the road.
Fuel consumption is the only bad story I have heard about the Territory, but I have heard quite a few of them

Jason

I took delivery of my new Sorento Platinum 2.2CRDi about 3 weeks ago and have done 2500kms now. Very impressed with the level of build quality in the vehicle. I worked for Hyundai about 15yrs ago and the Korean cars back then were just a cheap car. Well….. the Korean cars have come a long long way since then. In fact….. some might knock me here …. but I think they are every bit the quality any Jap car today. For those that have asked about the towing ability of the Sorento….. I have just taken a trip from Brisbane to Hervey bay and return (about 560km round trip) towing a 2009 Jayco Swan “windup” camper which weighs 1500kg with all our camping gear and food loaded and the Sorento tackled the job with ease, in fact…. with far less effort than my previous vehicle… a 2001 V6 Pajero.
Thanks to Bill for the heads up with the tow bar loom…… I too have a genuine bar and wiring and will check it out right away.
Fuel economy is amazing….. on highway without van attached is 6.1 litres/100kms (i have a photo of the dash to prove this if anyone wants confirmation) and with van on the back was a steady 11.7 litres/100kms.
I am thoroughly impressed with the comfort, handling and build quality of my Sorento but most of all with the power, torque and the Auto Trans seems to always be in the right gear. I don’t know how they have done it but Good On You Kia…. what at top notch vehicle !!

http://caradvice.com.au auto

how is it for road noise?

Ricardo Colombia

Minimum road noise. My sorento is a V6 you cnt hear any external noise, just a small humm when the engine is revved up. otherwise perfectly silent.

Ricardo Colombia

Quality Kia Sorento…

Interesting to hear today that the Lexus GX460, had serious stability problems according to consumers report. Toyota had to take it off the market in the uSA. Heard any complains from the Sorento… none at the NHTSA or consumers report.. Something to think about.
http://caradvice.com.au auto

to all you new Sorento owners,how is it performing now that you have had it for awhile and does the new diesel use any oil?
bob

I’ve had the sli for just over 3000k’s and so far it has performed exceptionally well ( on road and a brief beach drive). Fuel at 7.4 /100 combined and no squeaks or rattles. Very impressed!!!
Ricardo Colombia

Any Idea when is the next update….
http://caradvice.com.au auto

took a sorento for a test and found the annoying diesel clatter at city driving speed was not for me and the cheap plastic around the instrument cluster is a let down. maybe next time Kia.

Ricardo Colombia

I guess you are used to have an X7 or Range Rover…

http://caradvice.com.au auto

no,just a little old Kluger

pueter66

Finaly picked up my sorento. Ended up with the Auto rather than the manual as delivery had been postponed from May to late June early July. I ordered it in early Febuary, what a crock. Car drives nice even over the rough western highways, no rattles, steering precise, fuel economy at moment in the high sevens. Front speakers on the stereo are terrible are they just cheap or blown. they sound like the dalek national anthem.Turned off sound system. Anyone else having this problem? Car will have done around 1200kms when I return to town in one week. Cheers Pueter

Ricardo Colombia

Hi

No my sound system which is the basic one with 6 speakers sounds pretty well. No problems with any aspect of the sorento, eventhough I have pushed it very far, travelling through very hilli roads with 7 persons and everything on the roof of the car. Great car.

pueter66

Thanks Mate I will get dealer to investigate. Hopefully easy fix.
Rest of the car is great heaps of power. Pete
guineapigman

Hey Peuter66

I too ordered a manual in Feb and was told May. Still havn’t heard (and havn’t asked as not in a hurry). So you reckon I might be waiting till July now??? Did they offer you an auto at the same price as a manual?

Cheers

pueter66

No I had to pay $600 more for the car which i suppose wasnt to bad. But yes late June early July if your lucky.
Apparently Kia is not that concerned about the Australian market as we are quite small and are european focused so your car is probably parked next to my manual heading to sweden. I nearly blew a valve when they told me.There will not be a kia australia if they keep treating the customers like this. I dont actually blame the salespeople
they only found out themselves when the truck with my car never showed up and they rang up to enquire. I am happy with the auto although I really wanted the manual for the extra towing capacity. The young saleslady almost topped up my car with unleaded fuel but I was lucky to stop her in time or I wouldnt have an auto either. Hyundai did the exact same thing with my last car after months of waiting for the manual I gave up and got the auto must be a korean thing. Cheers pete

pueter66

Second week on rough roads car still handling fine. Cant seem to get comfortable in the seat. fuel usage over 800kms 8.4 l/100 No rattle though some thumping from car over bigger bumps. Cheers pete

Bill

Have only recently experienced a a loud clunk under rear of my Sorrento as I crossed a speed bump at about a 45 degrees angle , no noiSe as i tried it again straight on , but does it every time when I tried it again at an angle. Turns out it is being caused by the exhaust system bouncing around ( the supports for the exhaust are too flexible and allow the muffler to hit the floor)
Not a major problem, but will get them to check it out when it goes in for a service, Cheers Bill

pueter66

Towed boat around hinterland were I live the boat is a smidge under two ton pleasantly surprised.
The sorento towed it with ease and even accelerated up hills which had my v6 prado gasping to make.
Fuel economy average 12.9 Tow bar draw bar pin is a bit loose for my liking and thus getting a lot of noise from towing back into the cab. But over all a great vehicle for towing.
Nyngan

Tossing up between the sli and sante fe elite. Any tips? Anyone know if DVD, sat nav and cargo barrier are available for Sorento? Thanks.
Brett

I’ve spent the last 3 months researching,test driving and generally frustrated that I couldn’t find a good sized, economical SUV that would be great for towing a camper-trailer on long holiday trips with luxuries for a reasoable price. I came across this review last night and after reading all your comments, took the wife and kids to our nearest dealer to check it out. They had a premium titanium colored one as their demo and after a long test drive we loved it and bought it on the spot! Thanks for the heads up guys.

Brett

Oh and I forgot to mention the great trade in I got on my 2 year old lancer compared to a Mitsubishi dealer when I was interested in a Challenger. After a bit of negotiating Kia gave me $3500 more! Couple that with picking up the demo (only 300 kms) for $47,500 with a tow package included we’re very happy.
Jabba the Hut

It’s our pleasure. There are a couple getting around up here now. You bought a great vehicle. It will tow as effortlessly as a landcruiser V8 whilst using half the fuel.

My partner has a KIA Rio that has done 30,000 k’s and it’s as tight as the day it was bought. Super reliable just like their parent company hyundai.

We too have been visiting numerous dealers and have decided (finally) on an ix35 .

Brett

Obviously I meant Platinum not Premium – sorry.
Annoyed

Has anyone here experienced an annoying rattle in their Sorento yet? Mine is a Platinum with less than 1500kms on it and their seems to be a rattle comming from the front passenger area (Inside Cabin). I have noticed several others as well but that ended up being the cargo blind, rear seat belt tapping on plastic near door and IPod connector rattling inside console.
I have dropped my tyre pressures down to 34PSI and the rattles are still their. Not happy for a $50,000 car.
Otherwise, drives nice and the economy is great.
Any help on the rattle would be appreciated.

Jabba the Hut

The rattle is most likely coming from the aluminium, liner in the passenger side door. Google for more info.

Annoyed

I pulled off the door trim and checked the bolts on the aluminium tray and found they were all tight. The rattle is still their and i’m really annoyed. It’s a real shame as the car is great otherwise.
I’ll take it to the dealers and see what they say. KIA head ofice should take note as this is a real dissapointment for a car that is still new.

grandpastew

Hi All,

I to test drove several different mid sized suv\’s and the Sorento ticked all the boxes especially the diesel motor, yeah the plastic looks a bit cheap but was suprised how solid the doors felt when opened and closed, go and open a door on the new challenger i think a coke can is made of thicker material they felt that cheap and nasty!
The seat felt very comfortable in the platinum which is what I have ordered and should pick up next Friday all going to plan.
Thanks for the heads up on the towbar I will mention this to the dealer before they fit it.
I will let you know how it goes as I drive around 80k a year around NSW on all sorts of roads.
Cheers, Stew.
peter

Car has now done 10000 kms on back queensland country roads and is still going strong fuel economy is averageing high 7″s low 8″s No rattles except from the tow bar insert. Still have not had stereo replaced since been broken from brand new. Its been on back order from the first week, God help me if I ever hit a roo if it takes this long to just get a stereo. They need to sort out their parts debarcle and quick.
Cheers Pete
Murf

Hi all

Interested to know if sat nav is available. Per above comments, sorrie mentioned this may now be an option available to the aussie market?

regards

Jay
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1067548566 Sha Stew

Hi All,
So far so good have only just clicked over 2k fuel is low 7-8 lt p/100. No rattles except a noise coming from the front passenger seat. Overall the car has run better than I expected. It was under steering a bit so I changed tyre pressure to 36 f and 34 r cold and that fixed that.When you use the rear demister the side mirrors are heated and worked a treat.The drivers seat is proving to be comfortable.Also the climate control works really well turning the a/c on and the off as needed most turn on and stay on.Must say I am Impressed to date although early days!
Cheers, Stew

Mike

We have done 14000 kms in our Sorrento SLi. We previously had a Subaru Outback 3.0R. The Kia has better seats, no rattles/squeaks, uses a bit more than half the amount of fuel. and could tow the Subaru up a mountain side, probably in top gear. The Sube was a lovely car but had issues with its wheel alignment(chopped out two tyres when a rubber bush in the front suspension failed at 50000 km, replaced under warranty but not the tyres), body rattles from the day we bought it home (dealer could not find them) and the horrendous servicing costs, $1200 for a 100000km service.

The Kia doesnt ride quite as well as the Sube but it does handle better, especially on rougher surfaces. The brakes are strong and showed no signs of fade towing a 400kg trailer with 1200kg of cement in it. Its towing ability is amazing. We towed an Avan from Goulburn to Griffith & back and used only 10.8ltrs/100 (The Sube used 12ltrs/100 unladen). We averaged 5.7ltrs/100 between Goulburn & Canberra. The seats are the most comfortable of any car that we have owned and I felt as good after a days travel as when we started.

My only complaint is with the headlights, they are weak and do not project a sufficient distance for driving on country roads at night. I am looking at better aftermarket lamps.

We tried all of the Sorrentos competitors but settled on it because it was the only one that we felt instantly comfortable with. All told we are more than happy with the car and are impressed with the build quality even if there is a lot of hard plastic.

Mike

PS Reversing cameras are the greatest thing for backing up to trailers and vans. You can place the ball under the hitch. No more damaged bumpers.

peter

Hi Mike,
Have just done 15000 kms in my sorento, I have fitted a nudge bar from ecb in a black hammered finish and driving lights (cost about $1200 all fitted) and what a difference that makes I agree without them the lights are not really suitable for country driving at night.
Also be aware that there is no camber adjusment on the Kia so when it starts to gets to get a bit of wear and tear you will have to buy a camber kit so you dont flog your tyres out.I wish I had a reversing camera on mine rear visibility is limited and I tow boats and trailers all the time might have to investigate an after market one. Cheers Pueter66
Ps My stereo is still not working properly even when they changed the unit out is anyone else getting a lot of distortion through the speakers even at low volume. Kia is continuing to look for answers slowly

guineapigman

I agree re the comments on the poor lights. Has anyone tried replacement bulbs rather than spotlights? Any recommendations re spotlights (I do have a nudge bar to fit them onto)
Silver Streak

A lot of talk about the suspension not being quiet right?? I was wondering if the suspension was “Australianized” like the new Sportage was supposed to have been?? Or whether it will be, if required, for the up coming face lifted model. Well, I gather there will be a face-lift soon, it will have had its first anniversary soon.
Mistimiss

Hi there,
I have been driving a commodore station wagon for the last 7 years and time to update. I was looking into an SUV/4wd as I have just recently moved to acreage and looking at horses. I looked at the Kia sorento the other day and it seems a nice little option for us. Was wanting to know if this has the capability though to tow a horse float??
Thanks, would appreciate all feedback or if anyone has used one to tow a horse float.
Cheers.

JabbaTheHutt

You’d be better to answer that one yourself Mistmiss. You’d have a better idea what your float weighs with horses aboard than most here. Then all you need to do is check the braked tow weight at the dealership or in the brochure.

Who Knew

Well Jabba, that was helpful. Not.

Mistmiss, according to the Kia website, the towing capacity for a trailer with brakes s 2500kg for the manual transmission and only 2000kg for the automatic transmission. For an unbraked trailer it is 750kg.

They don’t specify a towball downforce, but it is typically 10% of the towbar capacity.

I hope that is some use to you.

http://CarAdvice Mr. Kia

Ball weight is 150kg

Thomas

Hi all,
Have owned a 2.2 Turbo Diesel Platinum Sorento since June 10′ and covered 19k of mixed city and country driving.
It is an absolute pleasure to drive and very sure footed on the road. Lots of power and torque to burn and very comfortable over long commutes.

Any niggling complaints have been rectified quickly. For those wanting darned and Bluetooth I recommend fitting an aftermarket all in one unit for the Bluetooth, DVD, mp3 and handsfree kit for the front and fitting your own iPads at the rear seats for entertainment. It works out cheaper and a lot more versatile with Internet, movies, applications available at a touch.

The rest of the package is *perfect*.
So what are you waiting for? Try one out!
Pretty Bunch

Hi nice people,

I took delivery of my Si on Tuesday and can not wait to get out to stretch its legs. I had a Kia Carnaval so the change over to the Sorento was not big but actually surprisingly easy.

Also shopped around and could not found anything that had available in one package as per the Sorento.

Thanks to Bill and Pueter (and others) for sharing their experiences, looking forward to happy motoring. Thanks for piece on beach driving, was a bit scarred on it real capability but that has now been put to bed 

Fitted a towbar before delivery and will check out the wiring this afternoon, as for comment re auto air-con, I am living in tropics (Darwin) and air-con is either on or off, nothing in between.

One gripe I have is the position of the roof mounted DVD player, the technician removed the internal light and fitted the player in that position which places it too close to 2nd row seats. I think he has never sited in the back seat watching DVD’s (comment that will goes back to dealer)
stewart talbot

Hi All,
Have had my Platinum Sorento since July last year done 45k and cant complain about a thing except the DSE or whatever its called cuts in too early when cornering a bit harder, do alot of country driving ie Snowy Mountains and the Putty Road, althought to fix this problem you can turn it off.

I am averaging 7lt p/100 with the diesel and would recommend this vehicle to anyone, we have also towed a Jayco Expanda 16.5 foot 1.6 tonne van did it easily and averaged 11lt p/100 over a 3oooklm trip. I would advise to use the transmission in manual mode, transmission seemed to get hot when left in auto and travelling up
hills.
Still on the original tyres although they probably have around 10k left in them at best.
Cheers,
Stew.

Ben T

That is a lot of K’s in less than a year. 45k+ on original tyres sounds good. How often did you rotate those tyres?

Jason T

Well, it is time to change cars and we have decided on the Platinum CRDI Sorento.

I have owned a 2004 Kia Rio Sedan – great car which had over 100,000km in 2.5 years before it was drowned.

Currently own a 2004 Kia Carnival – not a Toyota but is still going strong with 202,000km on the clock.

Not all that fond of the dealer service experience thus far with the other vehicles but I do like the vehicles.
ZoomJC

Just ordered a Platinum Sorento and looking forward to picking it up hopefully in May. Anyone here have any experience with fitting child seat anchor points to the 3rd row seats? Also any info on after-market caro barriers?
Peter King

My partner & I have just purchased a Black Kia Sorento Si in Diesel. As we now have added a dog to the family, with 3 little kids, the Sedan we had was becoming a tight squeeze. We liked the well appointed Sli but couldnt justify the extra 3-4 grand. We have added front and rear parking sensors though ($900). We have only owned the vehicle for a week, so we took it for a decent drive through the windy and hilly back roads of the Mornington Peninsula. We are very happy with how it handles and the seats are supportive and comfortable. The engine is smooth & eager to please. The one niggle we have so far is that our iphone cord was faulty and doesn’t work. The dealership have ordered us a new one and it should be here in a week. We are delighted with our purchase, The Sorento is so much better value than a Ford Territory or Toyota Kluger, of which we test drove both and we kept coming back to the Kia. The Holden Captiva (although cheaper) couldnt match the Sorento for internal Space. We traded in a 16 month old Ford Falcon G6 and we have not regretted moving into a Korean built car. I would happily recommend anyone who is looking at a Family vehicle thats flexible, well equipped, comfortable and above all good value for money, the Sorento is certainly worth a test drive, like us you will be surprised by the package!
Paul G

Well if buying a new car was not confusing enough, reading through some of these comments would make even Chucky’s head spin.. Anyway I am in the SUV Market, with 3 kids, lovely wife and hungry Lab i would like to pass on my Honda CRV which has been a very realiable and comfortable car to drive and look into the Kia / Capitva / Outback / Territory / 2nd Hand Klugger (can’t afford new)/ Prado – I am yet to test drive however am interested in the Diesel for fuel consumption / realaibility / towing – from all my research I keep coming back to the Kia Sorento SLI – I will complete my test driving in the next couple of weeks, but my one concern is with the added extra’s / electrics etc are they of quality to last the 7-10 years of Australian conditions, and what is the resale value likely to be compared to the Toyota’s etc…..just my thoughts appreciate any feedback… and like ZoomJC anybody fitted childern safety seats into the sorento 2nd row and had problems accessing the rear – as you should have the child seat curb side this means you restrict the access to the rear seats, is there room for child seat in 2nd row middle?
pueter

Mate I use my sorento for the back and forwards travel to the mines I average 60000+ a year and the roads are completely destroyed after the floods. Goat tracks would be a better word. I have just completed 58000 kms and the sorento is powering along like a trooper with usage around mid sevens. The car has a small rattle somewhere down the back but other than that the car had no problems.
58000 kms on the roads I am driving on at the moment would be almost double the wear and tear that people are running around in the city. It is my first KIA and I have been pleasently surprised.
gussy

i’m in the market for a softroader, 7 seater, some feedback for those in the same position.

I currently own a pathfinder (ST Diesel), it’s been good. I lived in the country (sthrn NSW) and these are a tough machine so it handled the miles (250k) and the farm, but since moving to town, it’s like a truck… noisy, rough ride, unrefined, poor road manners – but relaible and good on fuel for a vehicle this size 10/100km, despite a few niggling issue’s (broken door handles and a transmission fault out of warranty).

So test drive results as follows:

Kluger – unreal, loads of power, great looks, great service package. ok boot space, useless middle 2nd row seat, thirsty

Prado – if you don’t live in the country it’s overkill, i’ve owned these too, if you live in the country buy one. back tail gate (opening) is a pain in the arse! not much boot space for a truck

CX-9 – luxurious, grt boot space, but very thirsty, 5m long and not cheap

Captiva – seemed great until I read the blogs on this website…..

Territory – diesel motor is awesome, loads of power, whisper quiet. solid back row seat (only car that hasn’t progessed to split 3rd row seats…)), no footwell in 3rd row, entry models are poorly finished (in and out), expensive and….. i pass lots of fords broken down in my hours on the road.

volvo xc 90 – great, stigma issues…. expensive!

honda odyssey, hmmmm, comfy, frugile, well appointed, good boot space, but little underpowered and so low to the ground… i think a full load would see it bottom out on any rough road, speed hump etc

kia sorento – amazing. great value for money. frugile, well enough appointed, strong diesel motor. only issues are the facade of the brand and some minor styling – easy enough to get over.

hope this helps.
mistimiss

Extremely happy with my Sorento Platinum.
Only thing is the headlights have no projection on country roads at night and really quite dangerous.
Has anyone replaced the globes at all and improved this and if so, with what globes??? Apart from fitting a nudge bar with spotlights!!
Would appreciate any feedback.
Cheers.

Ken

The platinum has HID’s and obviously yours are not adjusted right. Take it to the dealer and get them to adjust. My Platinum has great lights and very rarely will I use High Beam. Always remember though not to adjust to high as it will blind oncoming motorists. HID’s are bright and I adjusted mine to slightly aim to the left as well to not blind other drivers.

Wombo

My Sorento Platinum has been in the workshop now (under warranty) for near on 40 days. Not Happy Jan!! At first Kia wouldn’t come to the party with a loan vehicle, but did offer $40/day towards a hire car. Anyway, there technicians have been stabbing in the dark for problems and have so far replace the ECU, immobiliser and now the fuel pump and fuel tank sensor. Initially the problem was that the vehicle just wouldn’t start and lacked responsiveness when the throttle was engaged – the power just wasn’t there. Then the immobiliser locked the car down in the workshop. Eventually (after 32 days) I was told the issues had been resolved and I took the car back, only to have the same issues reappear when I drove the car home. Now I have a Carnival as a loan car and have sent a letter of demand to Kia.
Am I the only one to get a lemon or has this been something across the board?

AK

Hi Wombo
Would you elaborate more on what actually happen to your Sorento, how many kms travel and how old your car is? this is the first time major issue I read on Sorento XM.
Thanks

Nina

Hi,
Im a student and can’t afford a new car but would love to buy a Sorento
Can anyone have a comment on a Sorento 2004 model?
Im about to buy one is very well kept an had 90250km
Nina