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2008 Kia Sorento Safety Review

June 14, 2008

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Sorento earns double 5-star ratings
J.D. Power

in side-impact crash-testing... performance was deemed 'Poor
Edmunds

Safety is another area where the Sorento shines
Kelley Blue Book

Most sources give the 2008 Kia Sorento excellent marks for safety; in addition, the Kia Sorento offers a number of standard supplemental safety devices.

TheCarConnection.com has noted some mixed reviews in this area, however. While most sources report that the Sorento Kia received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for frontal impacts, Edmunds contends that when it comes to side impacts, occupants of the Kia Sorento would not fare so well; results of these tests were "disappointing." The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also reports that side impact results were less than stellar, giving the Sorento Kia a rating of "poor" in this area.

Beyond these issues, the list of the 2008 Kia Sorento's standard safety equipment is impressive: Cars.com says these include a full complement of airbags (including ones for the front passengers' knees), electronic stability and traction control, an "energy-absorbing steering column," and rear child door locks, among other features. Kelley Blue Book reports that the "full-length side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control and traction control" are all standard equipment on the Kia Sorento.

Visibility does not seem to be a problem on the Kia Sorrento; TheCarConnection.com could not find a single complaint in this area. Canadian Auto Press says it provides a "commanding view of the road" and "excellent visibility from all angles."

Conclusion

The 2008 Kia Sorento's safety features are impressive, but side impact protection is a concern.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Sorento earns double 5-star ratingsJ.D. Powerin side-impact crash-testing... performance was deemed 'PoorEdmundsSafety is another area where the Sorento shinesKelley Blue Book Most sources give the 2008 Kia Sorento excellent marks for safety; in addition, the Kia Sorento offers a number of standard supplemental safety devices. TheCarConnection.com has noted some mixed reviews in this area, however. While most sources report that the Sorento Kia received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for frontal impacts, Edmunds contends that when it comes to side impacts, occupants of the Kia Sorento would not fare so well; results of these tests were "disappointing." The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also reports that side impact results were less than stellar, giving the Sorento Kia a rating of "poor" in this area. Beyond these issues, the list of the 2008 Kia Sorento's standard safety equipment is impressive: Cars.com says these include a full complement of airbags (including ones for the front passengers' knees), electronic stability and traction control, an "energy-absorbing steering column," and rear child door locks, among other features. Kelley Blue Book reports that the "full-length side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control and traction control" are all standard equipment on the Kia Sorento. Visibility does not seem to be a problem on the Kia Sorrento; TheCarConnection.com could not find a single complaint in this area. Canadian Auto Press says it provides a "commanding view of the road" and "excellent visibility from all angles." ConclusionThe 2008 Kia Sorento's safety features are impressive, but side impact protection is a concern.  2008 KIA SORENTO STYLING | [6 out of 10] Car and Driver: "Stylish bobbed tail" Kelley Blue Book: "could easily be mistaken for a high-end Japanese SUV" Automobile: "remarkably similar to the Grand Cherokee " Jalopnik: "stunning curves" The 2008 Kia Sorento has a pleasantly ...

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:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

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