Kia Sorento - Cheap And Gear-Full

With lots of space and kit, the Sorento is a steal if you’re looking for a big 4x4

Can you actually picture a Kia Sorento in your mind's eye? Of course you can’t; whereas the sheer awkwardness of the old Hyundai Santa Fe left an indelible impression, trying to remember what a Sorento looks like is nigh-on impossible. But that doesn’t make it a bad vehicle - just a forgettable one. But what is it?

Kia Sorento

Well, the Sorento is a grown-up 4x4. It’s like a Land Rover Discovery, but far cheaper and also much less likely to break down. Reading all the reviews and road tests is almost as vapid as the inoffensive Sorento itself. The know-alls say that it is dull inside and even duller to drive, as if that is a bad thing. On the road it may be boring, but it’s not meant to be a sports car, is it? Lifeless steering and a firm ride are not major crimes. It’s a good job, then, that the Sorento really is quite good off road and worth finding if you want to go to work and tow stuff.

There are two types of four-wheel drive with the Sorento. XE models have a manually selectable system, operated by simply pressing a button on the dash. The XS uses a system common in soft-roaders, which varies the amount of power to the wheels automatically. However, all have proper low-ratio gears which means they can cope with pretty much all muddy, watery and steep eventualities.

Two different 4x4 systems are available

The range arrived fully formed in 2003 with a 2.5-iiter diesel offering 138bhp. It is a fairly economical unit (returning up to 36mpg, according to the official combined figures) that many find to be quite noisy and not that perky. Then again, a diesel Discovery 2 really isn’t that refined or responsive, despite costing similar money.

If you do want refinement, and especially if your annual mileage is modest, then it’s worth considering the 192bhp 3.5-litre petrol V6, which returns 23mpg but at a much lower price. Bear in mind, though, that there were engine upgrades in 2006; the diesel became quieter yet more powerful (168bhp) and the original petrol V6 was replaced by a 244bhp 3.3-liter version. In addition, automatic gearboxes went from four to five speeds, and there were new bumpers, lights and even a brightened-up and restyled interior.

Not the most inspiring cabin, but lots of kit

Inside the Sorento, there’s bags of room whether it is the dull 2003 model or slightly less dull 2006, but while five adults will be fine, be aware that there is no seven-seat option. What does happen is that the rear seats have a 60/40 split with lift-up cushions and backrests that fold down to make a completely flat load area. As for the boot itself, it has a capacity of just under 850 liters. Not only that, but there is also storage under the boot floor and the rear quarter panels. Just like a Range Rover, the rear window of the tailgate opens, so you can easily chuck stuff in the back.

Petrol V6 better value for low-mileage buyers

Oddly, though, the revised XT and Titan models have more rear legroom because of revamped front seats which is a good time to mention the trim levels available. It’s worth saying that, as this is a value-for-money Kia, buyers get an awful lot of standard trim. Indeed, the entry-level XE has 16-inch alloys, CD player, remote locking, air conditioning, electric windows and fog lamps. Next up is the XS, which means climate control, leather trim, heated seats, cruise control and electrically folding mirrors. Beyond the XS, the XT has 18-inch alloys, sat-nav, privacy glass, parking sensors and bits of chrome. The Titan version has fancy and unique alloy wheels but certainly isn’t worth paying much more for.

In 2010 the Sorento was replaced by a much pricier, heavily face lifted car. But one of the biggest factors in favor of first-generation Sorentos is that buyers are always private drivers seeking value. That means they are in better condition than mainstream 4x4s. Combine that with enviable reliability and you have one of the very best off-roaders that not much money will buy.

Bland to drive, but that’s okay. Makes a great tow car

Paintwork

The quality of Sorento paintwork is variable. There can be a lot of stone chips at the front of the vehicle and a poor-quality finish overall. As a buyer, you have to offset this against the price you’re paying and whether it really bothers you. Dealing with individual blemishes can cost around $75 a pop, so get a quote before you buy. Rust is more serious; also check for off-road damage.

Brakes

Check discs for thickness and also pads. Are there any fluid leaks? The handbrake takes lots of strain and can fail; make sure it really works.

Automatic gearbox

May lose drive as the automatic transmission sometimes jumps out of gear. If this happens, the electric plugs under the 'box may need to be cleaned and re-greased. It will take at least an hour’s labor to fix this, so expect to pay between $75 and $150.

Steering

Check for leaks from the power steering pump; they can get sloppy at very high mileages. Constant-velocity joints can wear out in time, as can the wheel bearings. You should be able to hear them complaining and whining easily enough during a test drive.

Cabin

The interior trim can become shabby quite quickly. Lift any mats up to see how worn the carpets are, and inspect the seat upholstery piping for cracks. Although such cracks are repairable, it's seldom economically justifiable.

Engine

It’s no good just having a receipt for a cambelt; ideally there should be evidence that the water pump and tensioner have also been replaced. At least budget for this if the vehicle is reaching this critical age/mileage.

Underside

Get underneath for a good look. Hard­working Sorentos are more likely to have suffered off-road-related damage. Look closely at the chassis and suspension for wear. Also check for leaks from the shocks.

Two different 4x4 systems are available

Not the most inspiring cabin, but lots of kit

What to look out for

Kia automatic gearboxes can whine, but this is normal, especially in the pre-2006, four-speed models, so there’s no need to be alarmed.

2006 Kia Sorento

One recall in 2004 was for the power steering hose, which could come into contact with the metal brake pipe. If unchecked over a period of time, there is potential for the pipe to chafe, which could result in fluid loss.

Other recalls addressed possible alternator pulley seizure on diesels, detachment of the snap ring retainer within the automatic gearbox, curtain airbags deploying incorrectly (2007) and the brake light not operating (2009).

2009 Kia Sorento

During the test drive, look for black smoke coming from the exhaust. If there is a constant stream of smoke and a loss of power, the intercooler hoses are on their way out. It will cost at least $255 to replace them.

Check the paperwork to see if the cambelt has been changed to the prescribed schedule. On most Sorento variants, a change is due within six years or at 60,000 miles, and that alone will cost over $150.

What we said then

Comfortable and well equipped new 4x4 is a bit bland but offers great value for money

Design and engineering

The Sorento is larger than both the Land Rover Freelander and Jeep Cherokee, but marries considerable road presence with handsome (if unexciting) styling.

Interior

Tacky wood trim is the only negative in the spacious and well-made cabin. Leather trim, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat, climate control and CD player are all standard.

Performance

The 138bhp engine is noisy from start-up, but quiet and smooth at temperature. It judders badly if asked to pull below 1000rpm, but there’s a real surge as you hit the meat of the torque, followed by a sharp decline at 4000rpm. Speed is commendable, given the Sorento’s 2056kg bulk. The brakes are impressively effective but lack feel.

Ride and handling

Benign handling and light steering make it both a decent drive around town and an easy motorway cruiser. Rough roads are comfortably dealt with by the soft springs and balloon tires. However, body roll and pitch are intrusive at speed and the rear suspension thumps when asked to deal with anything awkward.

Buying and owning

The Sorento has a massive 530-mile range thanks to its 80-litre fuel tank, but its colossal weight means average economy of just 26.4mpg. Even worse is a CO2 rating that attracts 35 per cent tax.

Verdict

It can’t beat the more established marques on all-round performance, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that the Sorento is excellent value for money, with levels of kit that would put a Mercedes-Benz ML to shame.

The Sorento is excellent value for money

Ones we found

Petrol fans could opt for this clean-looking V6 XS. It comes with 12 months’ MOT, service history and stacks of kit, including leather seats, air-con and cruise control.

Price: $4,491 (2003/53, 106,565 miles)

This dealer-offered XE could be a good purchase thanks to its diesel engine, manual gearbox and decent kit levels. You’ll need to check for service history, though.

Price: $8,232 (2004/04, 71,255 miles)

Ideal for those on a tighter budget, this manual diesel XE is well priced. It features niceties such as air-con and alloys. It’s HPI clear and comes with a year’s MOT.

Price: $11,995 (2006/06, 60,000 miles)

A franchised dealer is offering this 2.5-liter diesel automatic XS, so it should be a trouble-free purchase. It's well equipped and it looks practically unmarked, even inside.

Price: $16,495 (2006/56, 46,690 miles)

This XE appears in good condition and has covered a modest mileage. With the 2.5-liter diesel lump and a manual gearbox, it’s a good option for those seeking an economical Sorento.

Price: $1,249 (2009/09, 35,100 miles)