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2009 Kia Sorento Performance Review

February 23, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

somewhat soft suspension
Kelley Blue Book

strong from a stop and has adequate passing power
Consumer Guide

the right stuff for real rock crawling
Car and Driver

decent off-road capability
Edmunds

The 2009 Kia Sorento offers good off-road and towing performance for the money; however, its on-road performance is unremarkable—especially when compared to the newer crossover utility vehicle designs.

The Sorento "retains the rugged body-on-frame construction preferred by off-road enthusiasts and those who need to tow heavier trailers." says Kelley Blue Book. Four-wheel drive is an option as well, giving it moderate off-roading prowess.

Kia added a new 3.3-liter V-6 in 2008 as the engine in the base Sorento LX, Edmunds reports; it makes 242 hp and 228 pound-feet of torque, and it comes with a five-speed automatic. So equipped, the Sorento is capable of towing 3,500 pounds. Cars.com says a larger 3.8-liter V-6 remains the standard engine on the EX models. It's also teamed to a five-speed automatic, and it gives the Sorento a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

ConsumerGuide did not have the opportunity to test the smaller engines, but they report that the 3.8-liter engine "is strong from a stop and has adequate passing power."

Neither engine is unhappy on the go, but they produce strictly average—or below average—performance, especially if you count the unimpressive EPA fuel economy figures of 15/20 mpg (city/highway) with the larger engine and 16/22 mpg with the smaller V-6.

Cars.com reports that the five-speed manual transmission has been "discontinued," leaving the "five-speed automatic as the sole transmission," which "offers a sequential-shifting mode." TheCarConnection.com finds generally positive comments regarding the transmission, which ConsumerGuide considers "generally smooth," noting, however, that "full-throttle downshifts can be abrupt."

“Handling is on par with most other midsize truck-type SUVs,” reports Consumer Guide. “Sorento corners with noticeable body lean and modest tire grip." As for braking, reviews are mixed. Edmunds remarks that the Sorento suffers from "mediocre braking performance in demanding situations." ConsumerGuide, on the other hand, says "the brakes provide good stopping control."

Conclusion

The 2009 Kia Sorento is just adequate on the road, but its hardier underpinnings make it a decent performer off-road or when towing.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:somewhat soft suspensionKelley Blue Bookstrong from a stop and has adequate passing powerConsumer Guidethe right stuff for real rock crawlingCar and Driverdecent off-road capabilityEdmunds The 2009 Kia Sorento offers good off-road and towing performance for the money; however, its on-road performance is unremarkable—especially when compared to the newer crossover utility vehicle designs. The Sorento "retains the rugged body-on-frame construction preferred by off-road enthusiasts and those who need to tow heavier trailers." says Kelley Blue Book. Four-wheel drive is an option as well, giving it moderate off-roading prowess. Kia added a new 3.3-liter V-6 in 2008 as the engine in the base Sorento LX, Edmunds reports; it makes 242 hp and 228 pound-feet of torque, and it comes with a five-speed automatic. So equipped, the Sorento is capable of towing 3,500 pounds. Cars.com says a larger 3.8-liter V-6 remains the standard engine on the EX models. It's also teamed to a five-speed automatic, and it gives the Sorento a 5,000-pound towing capacity. ConsumerGuide did not have the opportunity to test the smaller engines, but they report that the 3.8-liter engine "is strong from a stop and has adequate passing power." Neither engine is unhappy on the go, but they produce strictly average—or below average—performance, especially if you count the unimpressive EPA fuel economy figures of 15/20 mpg (city/highway) with the larger engine and 16/22 mpg with the smaller V-6. Cars.com reports that the five-speed manual transmission has been "discontinued," leaving the "five-speed automatic as the sole transmission," which "offers a sequential-shifting mode." TheCarConnection.com finds generally positive comments regarding the transmission, which ConsumerGuide considers "generally smooth," noting, however, that "full-throttle downshifts can be abrupt." “Handling is on par with most other midsize truck-type SUVs,” reports Consumer Guide. “Sorento corners with noticeable body lean and modest tire grip." As for braking, reviews are mixed. Edmunds remarks that the Sorento suffers from "mediocre braking performance in demanding situations." ConsumerGuide, on the other hand, says "the brakes provide good stopping control." ConclusionThe 2009 Kia Sorento is just adequate on the road, but its hardier underpinnings make it a decent performer off-road or when towing. 2009 KIA SORENTO STYLING | [6 out of 10] Motor Trend: "refined" Car and Driver: "Stylish bobbed tail" Kelley Blue Book: "could easily be mistaken for a high-end Japanese SUV" Automobile Magazine: "remarkably similar to the Grand Cherokee " With a shape that’s somewhat rugged ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Sorento, which soldiers on for 2009, is part of a seemingly dying class of trucklike mid-size sport-utility vehicles. The Ford Explorer used to be the best seller in the class, but its popularity is fading and it’s slated to soon be replaced with a more carlike vehicle. The Mercury Mountaineer is nearly identical to the Explorer; both offer three rows of seating and optional V-8 engines. The GMC Envoy and its Chevrolet TrailBlazer twin are both very outdated and will soon be discontinued. The Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen are similar vehicles that offer V-8 engines and four-wheel drive. However there’s a wild card: Kia’s own Borrego, which is even burlier and more trucklike than the Sorento, yet brings better standards of refinement. However, the Borrego’s (lower) fuel economy and (larger) size are likely a step in the opposite direction for those who might consider the Sorento.

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See the Kia Sorento in Other Years:

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