2008 Kia Sorento Review

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

five seats and 138 cubic feet of interior space
Automobile

equally adept at shuttling business clients [and] the kids and dog
Kelley Blue Book

interior dimensions are comparatively closer to midsize SUVs
Cars.com

TheCarConnection.com notes generally positive comments on 2008 Kia Sorento's interior materials, but use and arrangement of interior space are less than effective.

The seats offer a reasonable level of comfort in the 2008 Kia Sorento: Edmunds says that "the seats are comfortable and the rear bench is wide enough for three adults, though knee and toe room may be tight for taller folks." Car and Driver notes that the vehicle, in which the rear seats fold down in a 40/60 split, has no third-row seating. Kelley Blue Book says that the "Sorento's rear seats provide good headroom and legroom"--though they also say that in the nominally five-passenger vehicle, "if those passengers are adults, four would be a more comfortable fit."

However, at less than 32 cubic feet, the Kia Sorento's storage capacity is limited; one problem with the Sorento's use of interior space has to do with its exterior styling. Car and Driver points out that its "stylish bobbed tail limits cargo capacity," which could put a damper on extended off-road camping excursions. With the rear seats folded flat, reports Edmunds, "the Sorento can hold approximately 66 cubic feet of cargo, less than most of its competitors." According to ConsumerGuide, however, "interior cubbies and storage compartments abound."

Regarding the fit and finish of the Sorento Kia, ConsumerGuide describes the materials and assembly as "a notch above similarly priced domestic-brand rivals." Kelley Blue Book says that the Kia Sorento's "interior quality is commendably good, with substantial plastic components, rich textures and plush surfaces." Edmunds states that the "quality materials" give the interior an "upscale ambiance." Cars.com points out that "amenities increase with each trim level, topping out with the EX Luxury Package," which features genuine leather seats as well as "front active headrests and a new rear seatback lever for easier reclining adjustment," according to Motor Trend.

When it comes to "silent running," the Kia Sorento isn't the greatest. ConsumerGuide reports that the larger engine puts out more decibels than most rival models, while "wind noise and coarse-surface tire thrum intrude but aren't irksome."

Conclusion

The 2008 Kia Sorento has ample passenger room, but cargo space is smaller than usual.


Read More of this Review:

  1. Styling
  2. Performance
  3. Quality
  4. Safety
  5. Features

Other Choices:

    Traditional SUVs with truck frames and four-wheel drive are becoming scarcer. The Ford Explorer used to be the best seller in the class, but it's fading and will likely be replaced by a crossover vehicle in 2011. The Mercury Mountaineer is nearly identical to the Explorer; both offer three rows of seating and optional V-8 engines. The GMC Envoy is a traditional SUV with good towing capacity and smart styling. The Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen are similar vehicles that offer V-8 engines, four-wheel drive, and coming this fall, a hybrid powertrain.

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See the Kia Sorento in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

Comments (3 total)

  1. krt sudan

    By alli | Posted: Oct 3rd 2008, 02:24:46 AM

    kia SOernto very nice car

  2. krt sudan

    By alli | Posted: Oct 3rd 2008, 02:22:05 AM

    ilike kia sorento

  3. krt sudan

    By alli | Posted: Oct 3rd 2008, 02:19:36 AM

    ilove kia s0rent,and agirl

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