JD Power Survey 2005 - 4x4s

When it comes to making cars that don’t break down and are satisfying to own, the Japanese manufacturers usually show the others how it’s done. The Hondas and Toyotas of this world don’t have things all their own way, though – and if this class is anything to go by, the Koreans are catching up.

The Kia Sorento, making its first appearance in the JD Power survey, has taken the top spot, comfortably beating last year’s top off-roader, the Toyota RAV4. The fact that Kia’ older 4x4, the Sportage, finishes dead last shows how far Kia has come – and how quickly.

Big names such as Land Rover and Jeep post disappointing results and are bumping along the bottom of the results table. At least the Land Rover Freelander no longer sits in the bottom 10 overall. It has jumped from 112th last year to 93rd in 2005.

Kia Sorento CLASS WINNER
Rating 84.0% Overall Ranking 7th
This is the first year that the Sorento has appeared in the JD Power survey, and it marks its debut with an emphatic victory: best 4x4 and seventh overall.

The Kia performs consistently well across the board, with a ‘very good’ or ‘above average’ rating in seven of the eight survey categories. Engines hardly ever go wrong and the cabin is well put together. Some owners reported problems with the bodywork, though.

The cabin is practical, the seats comfortable and the styling appealing. Kia dealers do their bit, too. It’s easy to book a service at short notice, and staff are helpful and polite. Throw in some of the lowest running costs in the 4x4 class and you have a worthy winner.

Honda CR-V Second in class
Rating 83.1% Overall Ranking 13th
If it wasn’t for the Kia Sorento’s excellent performance, the Honda CR-V would have been this year’s 4x4 champion.

Reliability is right up with the best in this class, although any problems that
do occur are likely to concern the suspension or brakes, which blot the Honda’s copybook. Squeaks and rattles are few and far between, while the bodywork wears the miles well.

That’s backed up by strong scores for the way the Honda drives, and top marks for the comfort and convenience of the cabin. Dealer service is efficient and running costs reasonable.

Hyundai Santa Fe Third in class
Rating 82.7% Overall Ranking 15th
A highly commendable third in the 4x4 class for the Hyundai Santa Fe shows that Kia isn’t the only Korean manufacturer to build a satisfying off-roader.

Mechanical problems are almost unheard off. In fact, the Santa Fe has the most bombproof oily bits of any 4x4 in this year’s survey. Combine that with low running costs, a practical cabin and helpful dealers, and you have an appealing package that could challenge for class honours next year.

Click here for the 4x4s results table

Click here for the model league table

Click here for the manufacturer league table