Kia Sorento 4x4 full 9 point review

  • Performance

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The only engine on offer is a 168bhp 2.5-litre turbodiesel. This was revised in 2006 to give it a smoother power delivery and extra overtaking muscle, but the Sorento still feels slow compared to most rivals. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, while an automatic is available as an option.

  • Ride & Handling

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Sorento is all too easily unsettled by undulations in the road surface; plus, its body leans a lot through corners, even by off-roader standards. The steering could also do with more feel. However, the Sorento is very capable off-road thanks to a low-ratio gearbox and massive ground clearance.

  • Refinement

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad Despite its separate chassis and tough off-road suspension, the Sorento is reasonably quiet on the road. Those large tyres inevitably kick up lots of road noise, while you might also notice a little wind whistle as speeds build. Engine noise is effectively kept out of the cabin, though.

  • Buying & Owning

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Sorento isn’t particularly cheap and, despite its abilities in the rough, resale values are weak. The manual car averages 35.8mpg and the automatic 32.8mpg – figures that are comparable with other ‘proper’ off-roaders. However, it makes an expensive company car, whichever version you choose.

  • Quality & Reliability

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The mechanicals should prove sturdy and the interior feels like it’s been built to last, although the plastics are all hard, grey and unappealing. Still, owners don’t seem to mind. The Sorento finished first in class in our JD Power customer satisfaction survey for two years on the trot.

  • Safety & Security

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The Sorento’s standard safety specification includes active anti-whiplash front head restraints and twin front, side and curtain airbags. It’s disappointing that you don’t get stability control on every model, though. Security is covered by an alarm and remote central locking.

  • Behind The Wheel

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin All models have driver’s seat-height adjustment, but some people may still find it difficult to get comfortable because the steering wheel only adjusts for rake. High-set seating gives a good all-round view and there are plenty of cubbyholes around the cabin for loose items. The stereo is rather fiddly.

  • Space & Practicality

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin One of the advantages of purchasing a big off-roader is excellent interior space, and the Sorento is no exception. There is plenty of leg- and headroom for five adults, plus lots of cargo space – it can swallow up to 1849 litres of luggage. However, the Sorento isn’t the easiest vehicle to clamber in and out of or to load, due to its high rear sill.

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin Every Sorento comes with alloy wheels, an eight-speaker stereo, front and rear electric windows and some form of air-conditioning, but you have to upgrade to XS trim to get dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, cruise control and leather upholstery. Next up is XT, which adds electric driver’s seat adjustment, a sunroof and reversing sensors, while range-topping Titan cars feature bespoke alloys and trim.

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