The Bottom Line
What sets it apart is its price: $5,000-$6,000 less than comparable SUVs. Yet it's loaded with standards. It's priced to compete with compact SUVs, but competes more closely with midsize SUVs.
Pros
- Smooth, quiet ride with exceptional handling
- Many standard options to satisfy most drivers
- Lots of passenger room and cargo room
Cons
- Poor fuel economy for a V6
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Lacks the 3rd-row seat offered by many rivals
Description
- Sorento bucks the trend of car-based uni-body construction SUVs, with body-on-frame design
- Four-door, 5 passenger SUV with two trim levels:(LX and EX)--both are available in either 2wd or 4wd
- 3.5 liter V6 engine producing 192 horsepower
- Priced from just under $20,000 (for the 2WD LX model) to just over $24,000 (for the 4WD EX model)
- LX model: four power outlets, storage bins, sunglasses holder, compartments under rear floor
- EX model: CD player plays .mp3s, has electronic rearview mirror with garage door opener, much more
- ABS available as an option, rather than a standard feature
- More capable off-road than its car-based SUV competition
- Relatively tight 36.4-foot turning circle enhances maneuverability in tight places
- Step-in height is quiet reasonable, yet running boards are not an option for this truck-based SUV
Guide Review - 2003 Kia Sorento: A Compact SUV With Lots Of Great Options
All-new for 2003, Kia brings us the Sorento midsize SUV. It's larger than the Sportage, Kia's entry-level SUV. According to Kia, no Sportages will be sold in the U.S. during the 2003 model year, so the Sorento will be Kia's only SUV on the market this year.Sorento's closest competitors are: Buick Rendezvous, Mazda Tribute, and Toyota RAV4. But at 4,255 lbs (4WD), Sorento is similar in size to the Ford Explorer and Chevy Trailblazer, so it's no pint-sized runabout.
- Great power,great interior,great value for your money
- For the price, the quality, standard convenience and safety features, the Sorento is absolutely unbeatable. It's like getting a Lexus - for half the price!
