2004 Kia Sorento Review

Guided By Principal

If I didnt know the Kia Sorento was constructed on an assembly line in Korea, I would suspect that it had been carved from a singular block of granite; its just that solid.

Seldom have I driven a test vehicle I can say that about. Such a high degree of integral rigidity eliminates shudders and rattles that reverberate through a vehicle when it encounters a vicious stretch of degenerating roadway. You know the type of road I mean - so beat-up that it causes one question where our Government is spending the all-too-many gasoline tax dollars collected from hapless motorists.

Taxation rant aside, Kias compact entry into the wildly competitive SUV market is a rugged body-on-frame stalwart whose smooth ride over the aforementioned road surface impresses all whove experienced it. And that can be as many as five at a time. There is no third row seat in the Sorento; resulting in generous dimensions afforded those in the front buckets or rear split folding bench seat.

“But whats the history to this upstart out of South Korea,” I can hear you asking. Well, founded in 1944, Kia Motors Corporation began as a bicycle parts manufacturer and evolved over the years into a full-scale automobile manufacturer that now produces passenger cars, vans and cargo trucks. According to Kia, their name has origins in the Chinese language. The first syllable, ki, means to “arise or come up out of.” The second part of the word, a, refers to Asia. Join the two syllables together and suddenly the name “Kia” takes on the very apropos meaning of, “arise or come up out of Asia.” Kia 101 - class dismissed.

Kia has ensured that Sorento owners and passengers enjoy the give-them-more-for-less principle that Kia applies to all of its vehicle lines. Kias guiding principle of providing high-quality, high-value vehicles at prices well below the competition has auto journalists sitting up and taking notice. The 2004 Sorento is an excellent example of how Kia has successfully implemented that principle.

My very well equipped test vehicle was the base LX model, equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox. This handsome SUV is large for its compact size rating, almost identical in size to the new BMW X3 and Hondas 2004 CRV. In addition to being efficiently sized the Sorento is, in my view, one of the best looking compact SUVs in todays marketplace. Slightly stubby in appearance and sporting a “bob-tail” rear end design, the Sorento imparts a larger-than-life rugged image. Unlike the Kia Amanti sedan, the Sorento borrows from no one. It can proudly boast that its design is all its own.

Climbing into the interior of the Sorento is effortless. Step-in height is easily managed regardless of gender or apparel. Once inside, the aforementioned solidity of the Sorento becomes apparent. Nicely designed, but not over-the-top, the cabin has an airy feel to it thanks in part to the large windows that encircle all occupants. The primary gauges are cleanly grouped beneath a single arch along the dash. To the right of the gauges is a prominent center stack, not unlike that used by Cadillac in its CTS as well as its related SRX sport utility.

Unless equipped with the automatic climate control feature, the heater, ventilation and air conditioning controls are easily administered through the use of three large dials set mid-ship on the center stack just below the controls for the standard 8-speaker AM/FM single CD audio head. Although steering wheel mounted audio controls are available in the higher trim levels, cruise control buttons are steering wheel situated on all Sorento trim levels.

As with the exterior, fit-and-finish inside the Sorento is above average, especially for the SUV segment. Add to that, the entry level pricing of the Sorento and “above average” fit-and-finish takes on a whole new meaning - although a wee too much hard plastic is found anchored to the interior planes for my liking. In spite of plastic, the basic cloth interior is quite satisfying, as are the firm and highly supportive front buckets. The rear 60/40 split folding bench seat is more than suitable for children, but not the place I would care to spend a full day of driving.

Of course, with any luck I would be doing the driving, and as experienced during my test week would fully appreciate the SUVs incredibly smooth ride. Sure, a softish spring setup is the key to a smooth ride, however I dont think the meekness of the Sorento suspension would limit or impede its off-road ability. In fact, I find the calibration of the Sorentos suspension to be an ideal balance between comfort and ruggedness, which makes for a fine drive regardless of road surface.

Kias SUV achieves its “suspension nirvana” by incorporating an independent, front double wishbone design using coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. Rearward magic relies upon a multi-link system incorporating coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. The collective-good of these parts results in handling that is predictable, sure-footed and progressive in nature. The counterpoint is body lean when pressed hard through the corners. Being that most people dont by SUVs to improve their road racing skills the comfy suspension setup is a smart choice.

Although Kia is yet to affix a stability control system to the Sorento, a competent driver is hard-pressed to overstep the SUVs handling thresholds. Doing so would require a sizeable dose of Tomfoolery, which doesnt belong on the road at any time as it is.

In LX trim, power to the Sorento “defaults” to the rear wheels, through either a 5-speed manual stick or a 4-speed automatic equipped with electronic overdrive. The rear wheel propulsion eliminates any possibility of torque-steer, allowing only precise, easily managed steering to prevail. But when the going gets tough, the Sorento gets going with its shift-on-the-fly, 4-wheel drive system and electronically controlled 2-speed transfer case.

Yes Virginia, the Sorento is one of the few compact sized, entry-level SUVs to feature a low-range set of gears - and low they are. A turn of the dash-mounted dial engages the 4-wheel drive system in your choice of 4-high or 4-low. Theres nothing to it but traction; mean, gritty in-your-face traction. Rather than the shift on-the-fly, 4-wheel drive in the LX, upgrade models attain the extra traction on a continual basis through an electronically controlled, torque-on-demand all-wheel-drive system.

I have not had the opportunity to test the all-wheel drive version of the Sorento, but given Kias noteworthy attention to detail, I would venture a guess that it performs most effectively. I did however have occasion to take my Sorento to the local ski hill on a very snowy evening. Plowing through the slippery white stuff easily over-challenged the limited slip differential, which left us going no where but sideways! Shazaam, a twist of the dial directed the torque of the 3.5 liter V6 to all four wheels, following which we lunged into the white depths with nary a hint of hesitation or slip. Life doesnt get much better when you are one of the few to actually make it to the freshly blanketed ski hill. Thank you Sorento!

The 3.5-liter DOHC, 24-valve V6 that got us there is the only engine available in the Sorento, and does a worthy job of hill climbing and highway passing. Here again, my hat gets doffed to Kia. While many of the competing SUVs in the compact class are equipped with 4-cylinder powerplants, the Sorento shows up with six cylinders firing life into its 1,930 to 1,971 kg (4,255 to 4,345 lb) curb weight. This group of six develops 192-horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque. As commendable as this engine is, with a magic wand I would wave a little more refinement and a few more ponies into its operation. Theres nothing unduly harsh anywhere throughout its powerband, but its a little coarse when pushed hard. If the Sorentos level of engine refinement was commensurate with its solid, drum-tight chassis, the combination would be flawless, leaving the competition begging for mercy.

Curiously, Kia has not equipped the Sorento with the 5-speed automatic transmission that does the shifting in their upscale Amanti sedan, and their Honda chasing Sedona minivan. The 4-speed auto found in the Sorento does a fine job no doubt, but the additional gear would contribute to better acceleration and hill climbing. Of course, if five gears are mandatory to a Sorento purchaser, the manual transmission may be just what the off-roader ordered. The mixing stick in my test unit shifted easily, although the throws were a little long by todays standards. That being said, the stick has a definitive “notchy” feel that stirs the sporting senses. Clutch actuation is light and easily modulated. In short, its quite pleasing to work the five gears of the Sorentos manual box.

Of course, theres a third pedal to discuss in the 5-speed Sorento, and thats the middle guy. This is the pedal that operates the way ones conscience might; use it wisely and youll remain safe, defy it and your world may come crashing in, literally. The Sorento employs optional 4-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes. There are no drums to be found aboard any Sorentos, unless youre fortunate enough to be driving Charlie Watts to a Rolling Stones gig. That cant be said for many of the Sorento competitors in the entry level, compact SUV market that continue the use of rear drums.

The vented discs utilized by the Sorento do an admirable job of averting danger. They are progressive in the application of braking force and they dont require the thighs of an NFL running back to bring the wheels to the point of lock-up. The ABS in my tester worked predictably, engaging itself at the correct point in emergency braking maneuvers. But while it slowed quickly and controllably, I did notice a little more nose dive, or forward pitch, than I have in premium SUV brands; once again this has to be expected, given the entry level Sorento pricing and the smooth-ride suspension calibration.

Kia has always touted safety as one of its ideals. In the Sorento, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters are installed, as is an energy-absorbing steering column. But most importantly, Kia has equipped the Sorento with plenty of airbags as standard equipment, again eclipsing that of its many competitors. Occupants will find comfort in knowing that in the event of a crash, they are protected by front driver and passenger airbags, as well as curtain type side-impact airbags applicable to all seating positions.

The Sorento is available in two-wheel drive, shift on-they-fly 4-wheel drive or Torque-on-Demand all-wheel drive. The 4×2 LX begins at a very stingy $18,995. Request 4-wheel drive capability and the sticker jumps to a modest $20,800. The LX trim level is very well appointed and includes an 8-way adjustable driver seat with lumbar, cargo net, power windows, power heated mirrors, power locks, 60/40 split folding rear seat, 4 - 12-volt power outlets, air conditioning, privacy glass and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The 4×2 EX will set you back $23,400 and the 4×4 EX will demand $25,200 to be liberated from a showroom floor. In doing so, Kia will add the following to the Sorento: premium audio, leather wrapped steering wheel, stainless steel scuff plates, woodgrain accents, trip computer, tilt front headrests, homelink, keyless entry, power sunroof. A luxury package can also be added which will put leather on the heated seats. It will also add climate control, automatic headlights, chrome door handles, a 6-disc in-dash CD player and the Torque-on-Command, all-wheel drive system. The addition of the luxury package and all available options will shoot the price up to a high of $29,905, which compared against what the other guys in the SUV market are willing to provide for a similar price, is quite a deal.

By examining the equipment affixed to the entry level Sorento LX and comparing it to the competition, one begins to appreciate the wisdom of Kias guiding principle. Raise the content bar to that set by the EX Sorento and the contrast between this highly capable compact SUV and the others becomes even more glaring. Go straight to the top by adding the Luxury package and see who else is willing to offer so much for so little. I think it may be a lonely journey.

But journey ye shall in a Sorento. This is a vehicle built to withstand the daily rigors of commuting, hauling and recreating, all the while treating its occupants to comfort and convenience well beyond its entry-level means. And for that, the highly principled Kia Motors Corporation should be honored.