Kia Sorento - Generation 2.1 (2009-2012)

KIA SORENTO (2009-2012)

Moving to a unibody construction (it is considered as a crossover SUV), the second generation Sorento now has a mix of two and four wheel drive and gasoline and diesel engines. The former arrived first in seven seater guise until other variants came in.

See the overview of this Sorento

See the Generation 2.2 model
See the latest model of the Sorento

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	2.2 R EX 4x4	2.4 EX 4x4	2.4 EX 4x2	2.2 R EX (5 Seater)	2.4 EX (5 Seater)
Years Available	May 2010-September 2012	September 2009-September 2012	September 2009-September 2012	May 2010-September 2012	May 2010-September 2012
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	R 2.2 DOHC 16V I4	Theta II 2.4 DOHC 16V I4	Theta II 2.4 DOHC 16V I4	R 2.2 DOHC 16V I4	Theta II 2.4 DOHC 16V I4
Horsepower	197hp @ 3,800rpm	174hp @ 6,000rpm	174hp @ 6,000rpm	197hp @ 3,800rpm	174hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque	435Nm @ 1,800-2,500rpm	225Nm @ 3,750rpm	225Nm @ 3,750rpm	435Nm @ 1,800-2,500rpm	225Nm @ 3,750rpm
Fuel Type	Diesel	Gasoline/93 Octane	Gasoline/93 Octane	Diesel	Gasoline/93 Octane
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct	CVVT Electronic Fuel Injection	CVVT Electronic Fuel Injection	Common Rail Direct	CVVT Electronic Fuel Injection
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity	70 Liters	70 Liters	70 Liters	70 Liters	70 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	4,685mm	4,685mm	4,685mm	4,685mm	4,685mm
Width	1,885mm	1,885mm	1,885mm	1,885mm	1,885mm
Height	1,745mm	1,745mm	1,745mm	1,745mm	1,745mm
Wheelbase	2,700mm	2,700mm	2,700mm	2,700mm	2,700mm
Curb Weight	1,835kg	1,795kg	1,634kg	1,770kg	1,634kg
Body Style	5 Door SUV	5 Door SUV	5 Door SUV	5 Door SUV	5 Door SUV
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/All Wheel Drive	Front Engine/All Wheel Drive	Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive	Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive	Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive
Seating	7	7	5	5	5
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	McPherson Strut	McPherson Strut	McPherson Strut	McPherson Strut	McPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Multi Link	Multi Link	Multi Link	Multi Link	Multi Link
Front Brakes	Vented Disc	Vented Disc	Vented Disc	Vented Disc	Vented Disc
Rear Brakes	Solid Disc	Solid Disc	Solid Disc	Solid Disc	Solid Disc
Tires	235/65 R17	235/65 R17	235/65 R17	235/65 R17	235/65 R17
Wheels	17 Inch Alloy	17 Inch Alloy	17 Inch Alloy	17 Inch Alloy	17 Inch Alloy
SAFETY
Airbags	2	2	2	2	2
Anti-Lock Brakes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Traction/Stability Control	None	None	None	None	None
Other Safety Features	None	None	Adds: Back Up Sensors	None	None
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Front	Front	Front	Front	Front
Other Exterior Features	Adds: None	Adds: None	Adds: None	Adds: None	Side Mirror Signal Repeaters, LED Tail Lamps, Rear Wiper, Roof Rails, Rear Spoiler
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt/Telescopic	Tilt/Telescopic	Tilt/Telescopic	Tilt/Telescopic	Tilt/Telescopic
Steering Wheel Material	Leather	Leather	Leather	Leather	Leather
Seating Adjustment	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual
Seating Material	Leather	Fabric	Fabric	Fabric	Fabric
Other Interior Features	Adds: None	Adds: 50/50 Fold Third Row, On Board Computer	Adds: None	Adds: None	Metallic Accents, 60/40 Fold Second Row, Mood Lighting
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold
Climate Control	Automatic, Dual	Automatic, Dual	Automatic, Dual	Automatic, Dual	Automatic, Dual
Audio System	AM/FM/CD /MP3/AUX/USB	AM/FM/CD /MP3/AUX/USB	AM/FM/CD /MP3/AUX/USB	AM/FM/CD /MP3/AUX/USB	AM/FM/CD /MP3/AUX/USB
Speakers	6	6	6	6	6
Steering Wheel Controls	Yes, Audio and Cruise Control	Yes, Audio and Cruise Control	Yes, Audio	Yes, Audio	Yes, Audio
Alarm	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Keyless Entry	Yes	Yes, SmartKey Keyless Entry Push Button Start	Yes	Yes	Yes
NOTES
RIVALS	Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Everest, Hyundai Santa Fe, Isuzu Alterra, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Toyota Fortuner

Kia Sorento - Generation 1.1 (2003-2006)

KIA SORENTO (2003-2006)

The first Kia Sorento is based from a truck (body-on-frame), a popular type back then. All models are strictly four wheel drive with either a choice of V6 gasoline or a 4-cylinder diesel.

See the overview of this Sorento

See the Generation 1.2 model

See the latest model of the Sorento

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	3.5 V6 EX	2.5 CRDi EX
Years Available	November 2003-2005	December 2004-July 2006
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	G6AU 3.5 DOHC 24V V6	2.5 DOHC 16V I4
Horsepower	197hp @ 5,500rpm	142hp @ 3,800rpm
Torque	294Nm @ 3,000rpm	324Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel Type	Gasoline/93 Octane	Diesel
Fuel System	Electronic Fuel Injection	Common Rail Direct
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic	5-Speed Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity	80 Liters	80 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	4,570mm	4,570mm
Width	1,865mm	1,865mm
Height	1,435mm	1,435mm
Wheelbase	2,710mm	2,710mm
Curb Weight	1,929kg	2,087kg
Body Style	5 Door SUV	5 Door SUV
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/Four Wheel Drive	Front Engine/Four Wheel Drive
Seating	5	5
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	5-Link	5-Link
Front Brakes	Vented Disc	Vented Disc
Rear Brakes	Vented Disc	Vented Disc
Tires	245/70 R16	245/70 R16
Wheels	16 Inch Alloy	16 Inch Alloy
SAFETY
Airbags	2	1
Anti-Lock Brakes	Yes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution	Yes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Traction/Stability Control	None	None
Other Safety Features	None	None
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Front	Front
Other Exterior Features	Adds: None	Chrome Grille, Two Tone Paint, Body Cladding, Rear Wiper, Roof Rails
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt	Tilt
Steering Wheel Material	Leather	Leather
Seating Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Seating Material	Leather	Fabric
Other Interior Features	Adds: Silver and Leather Accents, Multi Meter	60/40 Fold Rear Seat, Wood Accents
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Heat
Climate Control	Manual	Manual
Audio System	AM/FM/Cassette/CD	AM/FM/Cassette/CD
Speakers	6	6
Steering Wheel Controls	None	None
Alarm	None	None
Keyless Entry	Yes	Yes
NOTES
RIVALS	Ford Everest, Honda CR-V, Isuzu Crosswind, Mazda Tribute, Mitsubishi Adventure, Toyota Innova, Toyota Revo

Kia Sorento - Generation 1.2 (2006-2009)

KIA SORENTO (2006-2009)

The update had the V6 gasoline discontinued (which was no surprise), a new grille, and gave rise to a budget trim TX which was offered for a limited time. The EX was given a third row bench until it was the standard fare later on.

See the overview of this Sorento

See the Generation 1.1 model

See the latest model of the Sorento

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	2.5 EX	2.5 TX
Years Available	July 2006-September 2009	May 2007-October 2007
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	2.5 DOHC 16V I4	2.5 DOHC 16V I4
Horsepower	142hp @ 3,800rpm	142hp @ 3,800rpm
Torque	324Nm @ 2,000rpm	324Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel Type	Diesel	Diesel
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct	Common Rail Direct
Transmission	5-Speed Automatic	5-Speed Manual, 5-Speed Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity	80 Liters	80 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	4,590mm	4,590mm
Width	1,885mm	1,885mm
Height	1,515mm	1,515mm
Wheelbase	2,710mm	2,710mm
Curb Weight	2,087kg	2,087kg
Body Style	5 Door SUV	5 Door SUV
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/Four Wheel Drive	Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive
Seating	5 or 7	5
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	5-Link	5-Link
Front Brakes	Vented Disc	Vented Disc
Rear Brakes	Solid Disc	Solid Disc
Tires	245/70 R16 or 245/65 R17	225/75 R16
Wheels	16 or 17 Inch Alloy	16 Inch Alloy
SAFETY
Airbags	1	1
Anti-Lock Brakes	Yes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution	None
Traction/Stability Control	None	None
Other Safety Features	Adds: Back Up Sensors	None
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Front	None
Other Exterior Features	Adds: Two Tone Paint, Overfender, Roof Rails	Rear Wiper
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt	Tilt
Steering Wheel Material	Leather	Leather
Seating Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Seating Material	Fabric	Fabric
Other Interior Features	Adds: Wood Accents, Multi Information Display	60/40 Fold Rear Seat
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Heat	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors
Climate Control	Manual	Manual
Audio System	AM/FM/CD/MP3 or AM/FM/DVD/MP3/WMA/AUX with Front LCD Monitor	AM/FM/CD
Speakers	6	4
Steering Wheel Controls	None	None
Alarm	Yes	None
Keyless Entry	Yes	None
NOTES	Seven seater option added in October 2007 with the five seater option discontinued in October 2008. MP3 function added in October 2008. Back up sensors, and DVD/WMA/AUX with touchscreen monitor added and upgraded to 17 inch wheels in January 2009.
RIVALS	Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Everest, Hyundai Santa Fe, Isuzu Alterra, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Toyota Fortuner

Kia Sorento - Generation 2.2 (2012-2015)

KIA SORENTO

For 2012, the Sorento was treated to an update with several changes. Unlike the older model, only the top end gets a third row bench which is a deal breaker for a family oriented market.

See the overview of this Sorento
See the Generation 2.1 model
See the latest model of the Sorento

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	2.2 EX 4x4	2.2 LX 4x4	2.2 LX 4x2	2.4 LX 4x2
Years Offered	September 2012-March 2015	September 2012-March 2015	September 2012-March 2015	September 2012-March 2015
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	R 2.2 DOHC 16V I4 with e-VGT and Intercooler	R 2.2 DOHC 16V I4 with e-VGT and Intercooler	R 2.2 DOHC 16V I4 with e-VGT and Intercooler	2.4 DOHC 16V I4 gasoline
Horsepower	194hp @ 3,800rpm	194hp @ 3,800rpm	194hp @ 3,800rpm	174hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque	436Nm @ 2,500rpm	436Nm @ 2,500rpm	436Nm @ 2,500rpm	227Nm @ 3,750rpm
Fuel Type	Diesel	Diesel	Diesel	Gasoline/93 Octane
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Common Rail Direct Injection	Common Rail Direct Injection	Multi-Point Injection
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity	70 Liters	70 Liters	70 Liters	70 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	4,685mm	4,685mm	4,685mm	4,685mm
Width	1,885mm	1,885mm	1,885mm	1,885mm
Height	1,745mm	1,700mm	1,700mm	1,700mm
Wheelbase	2,700mm	2,700mm	2,700mm	2,700mm
Curb Weight	1,801kg	1,733kg	1,706kg (MT), 1,733kg (AT)	1,623kg
Body Style	5 Door SUV	5 Door SUV	5 Door SUV	5 Door SUV
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/All Wheel Drive	Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive	Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive	Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive
Seating	7	5	5	5
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	McPherson Strut with Coil Springs and Stabilizer Bar	McPherson Strut with Coil Springs and Stabilizer Bar	McPherson Strut with Coil Springs and Stabilizer Bar	McPherson Strut with Coil Springs and Stabilizer Bar
Rear Suspension	Multi-Link with Coil Springs	Multi-Link with Coil Springs	Multi-Link with Coil Springs	Multi-Link with Coil Springs
Front Brakes	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes	Disc	Disc	Disc	Disc
Tires	235/60 R18	235/60 R18	235/65 R17	235/65 R17
Wheels	18 Inch Alloy	18 Inch Alloy	17 Inch Alloy	17 Inch Alloy
SAFETY
Airbags	2	2	2	2
Anti-Lock Brakes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Traction/Stability Control	None	None	None	None
Other Safety Features	None	None	None	None
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Yes	None	None	None
Other Exterior Features	Adds: Chrome Door Handles, Rear Spoiler, Roof Rail, Sunroof	Adds: None	Adds: None	Body Color Side Mirrors and Door Handles, High Mount Stop Lamp, Rear Defogger
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Steering Wheel Material	Leather	Leather	Urethane	Urethane
Seating Adjustment	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual
Seating Material	Leather	Leather	Fabric	Fabric
Other Interior Features	Adds: Supervision Cluster, Mood Lamp, 50/50 Fold Rear Seat. Deletes: Luggage Underfloor Box	Adds: None	Adds: None	Adds: Day and Night Inside Rear View Mirror, Wood and Leather Accents, Power Outlet, Trip Computer, Luggage Underfloor Box
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold and Heat, Trunk	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors, Trunk	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors, Trunk	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors, Trunk
Climate Control	Automatic, Dual	Manual	Manual	Manual
Audio System	Integrated AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX/USB/IPOD with Bluetooth	Integrated AM/FM/CD/MP3 /AUX/USB/IPOD	Integrated AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX/USB/IPOD	Integrated AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX/USB/IPOD
Speakers	6	6	6	6
Steering Wheel Controls	None	None	None	None
Alarm	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Keyless Entry	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
NOTES			Manual transmission removed in November 2014.
RIVALS	Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Everest, Hyundai Santa Fe, Isuzu Alterra, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Toyota Fortuner

Used Car Review - Kia Sorento (2003-2009)

Searching for a cheap SUV that can take you anywhere is no difficult task, with Myk Belmonte finding one just for you.

2003-2009 Kia Sorento

History
Kia, used to manufacture bicycles and steel tubes by hand previously, had ventured out in car manufacturing in 1974 with the Brisa range of vehicles until an industry consolidation, enforced in 1981, had the manufacturer focus on light trucks. A partnership with Ford occurred in 1986 as their comeback in the industry, with the Kia Avella and Kia Pride being assembled and sold worldwide.

While the Sportage and the Retona are their first attempts on the SUV market, the Sorento was a serious attempt on making Kia known more than cheap prices and long warranties. The first model (launched in 2002 in their home country) that we are reviewing here is truck based, which results to a rugged exterior and has the capability to go off-road. In fact, Kia took serious steps on becoming a competent automobile maker. 2009 was the last year for this vehicle.

Columbian Autocar Corporation brought this vehicle in our shores to enter the increasingly competitive SUV market (thanks to the removal of taxes based on engine displacement) back in 2003. It started with just a sole gasoline V6 engine, with a diesel joining the line-up the following year. It may never sold as much as the Fortuner, but it had a market and thus, served as an alternative to the common picks whose waiting lines disappointed potential buyers. Trim lines included the EX and the TX, sold briefly from 2005-2007.

Value and Costs
Seeking for an affordable mid-size SUV that can be an all-around vehicle? With units below 600k, the Sorento is a great choice, that's if you remove your doubts and biases towards Korean vehicles. In your shopping, you'll encounter a mix of local and Korean surplus units. Just make sure they run well since various reliability issues abound.

For low maintenance costs, best to go with the diesel models; not it is fuel efficient but due to the fact that this engine is the majority of all Sorentos in the country. The CRDi engine has running expenses that is on par with other rivals having that technology under their hood. Numerous parts shops specializing on Korean vehicles are increasing, so better start your parts hunting there.

Exterior and Interior
The exterior dimensions can be mistaken for a Lexus RX, due to the fact that this generation has a short wheelbase. If the Lexus sports elegant curves, the Sorento possess aggressive side profiles. So, despite having a generic grille, the silhouette remains butch badge notwithstanding.

Surprisingly, the interior is devoid of cheap materials that plagued cars from the land of Kimchi. Rather than the common fake wood panels in color of lumber prevalent in million-peso vehicles, a piano-black wood panel is spread across and thus, does not give an awkward look. Just remember that this vehicle seats five bodies, and buyers who usually travel with more than that given number would have to look elsewhere. Three in the back is fine but stuffing your relatives at the cargo compartment is a different can of worms.

Engine
Two engines were made available during the first generation Sorento's lifespan. First available from 2003-2005 models is the Sigma 3,497cc V6 gasoline that has 192hp at 5,500rpm and 294Nm at 3,000rpm. From 2004 until expiration date you can have a 2,497cc I4 diesel which carries 142hp at 3,800rpm and 324Nm at 2,000rpm. The 3.5 V6 runs smoothly and refined but fuel efficiency is not a forte of this engine. For econo-freaks, the 2.5 diesel accelerates well and a great all around performer.

Driving Impressions
When cornering, expect some body lean (although not to the level of danger) and steering can be dull. But it behaves well when driven on smooth and straight pavements as well as the dirt trails. The ride can get a bit bouncy but not that as the level of the Fortuner. A switch on the dash is standard but the low height can be wanting on serious off-road trails.

Verdict
Test driving the first generation Sorento would make you convince to purchase this one. Forgive the somewhat bouncy ride and the badge but if all you need is a cheap SUV that delivers the goods, include this Kia on your shopping list.



The Good:

• Body on frame can bring you anywhere
• Punchy diesel engine
• Not matagtag like the Fortuner

The Bad: 

• Body on frame can mean a bumpy ride on potholes
• Thirsty V6
• Only seats five

The Pick: Just pick the diesel variants

THE SPECS
Engines: 2,497 I4 diesel and 3,497cc Sigma V6 gasoline
Power: 142hp @ 3,800rpm (2.5 diesel), 192hp @ 5,500rpm (3.5 V6)
Torque: 324Nm @ 2,000rpm (2.5 diesel), 294Nm @ 3,000rpm (3.5 V6)
Fuel Consumption: 5-9km/L (city), 9-12km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic (2003-2005), 5-speed automatic (2005-2009), 5-speed manual
Suspension: Front independent double wishbone, rear rigid axle 5 link with coil spring

MORE INFO
Price (New): P1,050,000-P1,780,000
Price (Now): P310,000-P890,000
Rivals: Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Isuzu Alterra, Ford Everest
On Sale: 2003-2009
Resources:
http://www.kia-forums.com/kia-sorento-forum/
http://www.sorentosite.com/forum/

Contacts:
Kia Manila Bay - (02) 721-4589
Kia Pasay - (02) 852-1490
Kia Quirino Avenue - (02) 564-7872

Photos courtesy of http://makati.olx.com.ph/kia-sorento-a-t-for-sale-buyacar-iid-495693143

Car Profiles - Kia Sorento (2003-2009)

2003-2009 Kia Sorento

The Good: Impressive diesel engine, not punishing to ride in despite body on frame construction

The Bad: Bouncy ride on rough roads, V6 engine drinks gas like there's no tomorrow

The Say: For a lower price, this can satisfy your SUV requirements.

Go For: 2.5 diesel EX
Avoid: 3.5 V6

Price Range: P310,000-P890,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: Used Car Review - Kia Sorento (2003-2009)
Latest vehicle profile: Kia Sorento

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2003-2006
2006-2009