2009 Kia Sorento

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Kia Sorento excels in acceleration and maneuverability. However, its Achilles heel is an overly rough ride, especially in comparison to top rivals.

• "A brief stint across the fire roads outside Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, proved that the Sorento is nimble and sure-footed." -- Automobile Magazine
• "The ride is generally comfortable and composed, but it is stiff and jiggly over modest road imperfections, and larger bumps and sharp-edge ruts can be jolting. Large humps and dips trigger hobby-horse pitching." -- Consumer Guide
• "Let's just get to the point here: The 2007 Kia Sorento is a great choice if you're shopping for a midsize SUV with available four-wheel drive and towing capabilities." -- Edmunds
• "The Sorento offers good off-road and towing performance for the money; however, its on-road performance is unremarkable-especially when compared to the newer crossover utility vehicle designs." -- The Car Connection

Acceleration and Power

The base Sorento comes with a 3.3-liter 242-horsepower V6 engine, while the EX gets a more powerful 3.8-liter 262-horsepower V6. This boosts the Sorento's towing capacity from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds. While acceleration from both powertrains is a plus, fuel economy is a downside and falls near the bottom of the class. According to the EPA, 2WD models achieve 16/22 mpg city/highway with the 3.3-liter engine and 15/21 with the 3.8-liter.

• "The 3.8-liter V6 is strong from a stop and has adequate passing power. The transmission is generally smooth, though full-throttle downshifts can be abrupt." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Sorento's V-6 is smooth and civil all the way to its 5500-rpm power peak. Gear changes are as clean as an Irish spring, and the gearing masks most of the Sorento's power deficit." -- Automobile Magazine
• "With either V6 under the hood, the 2009 Kia Sorento has plenty of power for both city traffic and swift highway cruising." -- Edmunds

Handling and Braking

Overall, reviewers praise the 2009 Kia Sorento's handling, although it takes hits on comfort and steering. The Sorento offers available Torque-On-Demand 4WD in the EX model with luxury package.

• "Steering is more linear and has a better feel than the [Jeep Grand Cherokee's]. Finally, the Sorento's suspension is far more civilized, stifling impacts and controlling body roll." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Handling is on par with most other midsize truck-type SUVs. Sorento corners with noticeable body lean and modest tire grip. The brakes provide good stopping control." -- Consumer Guide
• "I found the steering too loose for a vehicle this quick and sporty." -- BusinessWeek
• "The suspension provides a pleasant ride and adequate handling on smooth pavement, but when the road gets rough, the ride gets bouncy, with a good deal of the bumps transmitted directly into the cabin. The Sorento's brakes might also be a cause for concern; in previous testing, we noticed significant brake fade after just two panic stops from 60 mph. Drivers who plan on any traversing of mountainous roads should keep this in mind." -- Edmunds