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2009 Kia Sorento Safety Review

February 23, 2009

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

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

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

Safety is another area where the Sorento shines
Kelley Blue Book

The 2009 Kia Sorento comes with a wide range of standard safety features, some of which are optional on other vehicles in its price range. Crash-test results are generally good, too, and most sources give the 2009 Kia Sorento excellent marks for safety.

TheCarConnection.com notes mixed reviews in this area, however. While most sources report that the Kia Sorento receives 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 are "disappointing." The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also states that side impact results are less than stellar, giving the Kia Sorento a rating of "poor" in this area.

Beyond these issues, the list of the 2009 Kia Sorento's standard safety equipment is impressive: Cars.com says these include a full complement of airbags (including 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 is often an issue in vehicles of this type, but it doesn’t seem to be a problem on the Kia Sorento; 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 2009 Kia Sorento's safety features and scores for frontal impact are impressive, but side impact protection is a concern.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:in side-impact crash-testing... performance was deemed 'PoorEdmundsSorento earns double 5-star ratingsJ.D. PowerSafety is another area where the Sorento shinesKelley Blue Book The 2009 Kia Sorento comes with a wide range of standard safety features, some of which are optional on other vehicles in its price range. Crash-test results are generally good, too, and most sources give the 2009 Kia Sorento excellent marks for safety. TheCarConnection.com notes mixed reviews in this area, however. While most sources report that the Kia Sorento receives 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 are "disappointing." The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also states that side impact results are less than stellar, giving the Kia Sorento a rating of "poor" in this area. Beyond these issues, the list of the 2009 Kia Sorento's standard safety equipment is impressive: Cars.com says these include a full complement of airbags (including 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 is often an issue in vehicles of this type, but it doesn’t seem to be a problem on the Kia Sorento; 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 2009 Kia Sorento's safety features and scores for frontal impact are impressive, but side impact protection is a concern. 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:

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

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