* Click HERE to see a video on the Kia Sorento *
A surprising winner
SUVs. There are those that pretend and there are those that are real. In a market where the word compromise is not in most people's vocabulary, car manufacturer's are hustling to get the most complete and ideal vehicle on the road. What it should be is smooth, quiet, easy on gas, roomy, easy to manoeuvre, have 300 hp, cost no more than $30,000, be luxurious and be able to climb Mount Everest in reverse gear. Unfortunately, there is no such vehicle. What we do have are vehicles that can do a little of this and a little of that. These cars and trucks are called crossovers. What we also have are means of transport that are purpose-built like the Mazda Miata, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Duramax diesel and the Jeep TJ.
The Kia Sorento, introduced in 2003, is an example of an aptly named truck that has been mildly toned down for the mass market. It can do a few things well such as off-roading and carry loads of gear, however it accomplishes most things in a no better than average fashion.
The 2005 Sorento's price starts at $29,995 for a base LX. It will go up to $37,595 for a very well equipped EX-Luxury. Our tester of the week was an EX-Luxury.
Exterior styling
The design of the Sorento is generally pleasing. It is unmistakably a truck
but it is not an in-your-face type of look. The simplicity of the lines and exterior design of the Sorento is what makes it most attractive. It does not have any odd looking styling; it has a classic SUV body. The fender flares are a necessary good-looking attribute to cover the wide P245/70R16 tires. Its 8.2 inches of ground clearance give the Sorento a proper stance, however it does complicate ingress and egress especially through the narrower rear doors. I do applaud the fact that the running boards are an individual option and not included in a package.
The only way that the LX can be distinguished from the EX is by the paint scheme. The LX has a monochromatic paint treatment while the EXs get more upscale-looking 2-tone body side cladding. Otherwise, they both share the same 16" alloy wheels, front fog lights and front grille styling. Speaking of the front fascia, something I do find distasteful are the faux-BMW grilles that many owners are installing over the stock one. Paint application of our Ivy green/Sand dune example was properly executed and panel alignment was also good.
Interior styling
The dash is quite nice. It is an example of simplicity and functionality. The materials used are in good taste however, the faux-wood trim really ruins the overall look of the dashboard. The radio is a prime example of minimalism: there are few buttonsunadorned and they are all of a decent size. The LX's HVAC commands consist of three plain rotary knobs. The EX versions have an automatic climate control system guided by a series of simple buttons. The gauges are large, and easily consulted.
A surprising winner
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The Kia Sorento, introduced in 2003, is an example of an aptly named truck that has been mildly toned down for the mass market. It can do a few things well such as off-roading and carry loads of gear, however it accomplishes most things in a no better than average fashion.
The 2005 Sorento's price starts at $29,995 for a base LX. It will go up to $37,595 for a very well equipped EX-Luxury. Our tester of the week was an EX-Luxury.
Exterior styling
The design of the Sorento is generally pleasing. It is unmistakably a truck
 |
The only way that the LX can be distinguished from the EX is by the paint scheme. The LX has a monochromatic paint treatment while the EXs get more upscale-looking 2-tone body side cladding. Otherwise, they both share the same 16" alloy wheels, front fog lights and front grille styling. Speaking of the front fascia, something I do find distasteful are the faux-BMW grilles that many owners are installing over the stock one. Paint application of our Ivy green/Sand dune example was properly executed and panel alignment was also good.
Interior styling
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