2004 Kia Sorento Review

Living Up to Its Many Awards

I recall writing numerous news stories on the success of the Kia Sorento in the North American automotive market. To name a few, last year it held the highest consumer rating voted by new car buyers in the 2003 Strategic Vision Total Quality Index (TQI) (June 13, 2003: Kia Sorento Receives Top Award for Quality), it was voted winner of the “Official Winter Vehicle of New England” competition by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) and won the prestigious 2003 “Drivers Choice” Award for Best Mid-Size SUV (April 2, 2003: Kia Taking Its Sorento SUV to the Top).

But it is not just in North America that the Korean car manufacturers off-roader is leaving tread marks. This year was named Best Off-Roading Vehicle by 4×4 Magazine in the UK (August 18, 2003: Kia Sorento Wins 4×4 of the Year Award in U.K.), and Im only scratching the surface of the many awards the Korean SUV has garnered.

During a recent test of the base LX model I decided to award it a prize of my own; “The Most Deceptive SUV Ive Driven” award! I dont mean this in a negative way. Exterior styling is attractive, with beefy but refined curves like many SUVs on the market today, but when I sat inside, engaged the clutch and put the standard 5-speed manual gearbox (a 4-speed automatic is also available) into first gear, I knew it was going to be different.

After all the crossover-type sport utilities Ive tested, I guess Im conditioned to assume that any compact SUV on the market drives more like a raised car. The Kia however, drove more like a truck and that is why I felt a little deceived. But why was I so surprised? I knew about its numerous awards, I knew about the constant recognition for its off-roading capabilities, but perhaps all that I knew had escaped me when I initially sat in the Sorento and discovered that its not a typical SUV. Its different, its a Kia.

The first difference I noted, as already mentioned, was the clutch and gearbox. The clutch pedal travel was longer than Im used to, the shifting a bit on the springy side, giving it the truck feeling. Next I took note of the brakes. Unlike the Sorentos competitors, the base model LX comes standard with 4-wheel discs and ABS, a hard find when looking for an entry level compact SUV because most come standard with rear drums.

The ride also reflected that of a true off-roading sport ute. I felt all the bumps and jumps on the road due its firm suspension. Still, handling is commendable because Kia has equipped it with a fully independent suspension featuring a double wishbone design up front and multi-link setup in the rear. Its not as precise as its car-based competitors, such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute or Toyota RAV4, but in all fairness none of these can do much more than get you home in a snow storm.

Instead I engaged the shift-on-the-fly, electronically-controlled 2-speed transfer case on of the 4-wheel drive system (a 2WD system is standard by the way), and pulled into an especially bad, pot-holed gravel parking lot near my home. Sure it wasnt exactly a true off-road course, but it allowed me to test out the 4-wheel drive system with conditions that somewhat mimicked what I would have faced if I was driving along back country roads. Hey, I do what I can.

The LX comes with the standard engine found in all Sorento trims levels, a 3.5-liter, DOHC, V6 producing 192 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque. The engine supplied ample power for everyday use. It was nice to know that I had enough power to pass other vehicles while I ascended up a hill, and enough torque to make use of engine braking when descending the other side.

I also appreciated Sorentos generous helping of standard safety features. Kia did an impressive job of covering the bases with front and rear side-impact door bars, front driver and passenger de-powered airbags, curtain-type side-impact airbags, plus the 4-wheel, power-assisted ventilated disc brakes with optional ABS I mentioned previously. Remote keyless entry and an anti-theft electronic immobilizer are also standard.

In addition, the Sorento is loaded with interior and exterior features. In LX trim its not that exciting to look at, but nevertheless still functional. The 8-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system delivered good quality sound but nothing to boast about. It played my CDs without a fuss, mind you, and considering some rivals dont even offer standard CD changers I really cant complain.

Other standard features included air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted cruise control, power windows, power door locks, in-dash digital clock, an under-floor storage compartment, cupholders, locking glove box, front cloth bucket seats (very comfortable for the bumpy ride), tilt steering, illuminated vanity mirrors located within the sunvisors and the list goes on.

On the exterior, I found the P245/70R16 all-season tires and 16-inch alloy wheels to be an asset. They are clean looking and added to its styling. In dry conditions, the tires gripped the road quite well, but in wet conditions they were not as sticky as I wanted them to be. I had to keep in mind that they are all-season tires and the grip will never be as potent as winter or specific off-roading tires - depending on application. Even so, they are good city tires. A full-size spare is also standard.

A roof rack, power remote heated mirrors, clear halogen lights, front fog lamps, body-colored bumpers and door handles, skid plates and mudguards are among the list of exterior standard features.

I enjoyed my time in the award-winning sport ute but the novelty did wear off. Despite its comfortable and roomy interior, decent visibility, powerful and torquey engine, and its long list of standard features, it seemed impractical to me. Fuel consumption in the city is 14 mpg and 20 mpg on the highway, which made a significant dent in my pocketbook. In addition, I like driving a car in the environment it is suited for. There are some great off-roading trails on the West Coast but I do not have a circle of friends that I could enjoy such an activity with, nor do I have enough experience under my belt to fully appreciate the capabilities of the Sorento on my own. Nevertheless, it is a safe, sturdy and saucy piece of Korean machinery, ideal for those who want a good mix of roomy functionality and outdoor adventure.