4x4 Magazine is considered to be Britain's top off-road specialist magazine, which added credibility to the top award. The magazine chose a 2.5 litre CRDi diesel Sorento as the top qualifier, due to diesel engines being more suitable for off-road applications, but the 3.5-L gasoline engine available to North Americans should fair almost as well off-road, while improving regular driving.
 |
| The award was handed out by 4x4 Magazine, considered to be Britain's top off-road specialist magazine. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The Kia not only eliminated Volkswagen and Volvo, but also the Mercedes-Benz ML270, Mitsubishi Shogun Sport and Toyota Land Cruiser to win the 'Large 4x4' category, before going on to beat six additional category winners to win the 'Car of the Year' title.
 |
| The Kia Sorento proves that great products and great value are not mutually exclusive. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
"We are very pleased to have received this award, which demonstrates once again Kia's belief that great products and great value are not mutually exclusive," stated Kia Motors COO, Yong-Hwan Kim. "The Sorento was benchmarked against the best cars in its segment and is the latest in a list of accolades that it has received. We are confident that customers will look at the Kia brand in a new light as a result."