Passenger side airbag switch has issues. Sometimes it is off when there is a passenger in it. You have to raise up for six seconds to get it to reset. Requires a trip into the service department.
Compares favorably to all SUV's in this class. We went from a GMC Jimmy to the Sorento, and we could not be happier.
The EX 4WD with the automatic transmission and 4 wheel disk brakes, drives nicely in the city and on our country roads. The automatic transmission control slides to the right and allows you to select up and down through the gears manually, allowing terrific control on hilly roads.
The four wheel disk brakes are fantastic for quick stops. There is very little diving when applied as an emergency simulation.
The acceleration is quick and smooth, it performs well in city traffic.
It has nicely appointed features, and is easily a luxury type small SUV.
I have driven four wheel drive SUV's for 20 years and my Sorento test drive was on the hairy edge of sanity on a back road. I was anxious to prove to my wife that a Korean SUV wouldn't compare to the other similar SUV's we were considering. I was wrong. I was sold. I might buy another one as the budget allows for it compared to what we were going to buy.
Why don't you wait until you put a few more miles on this one to see how it holds up, before rushing out to buy another one?
You might change your mind as the miles add up.
I bought a 2005 KIA Sorento EX 4WD in November 2005. I have just over 2300 miles on it and it is great. The vehicle looks good and handles well on the highway and in the snow. The interior is well appointed. I never planned on buying leather seats, but with the Sorento they are nice. Even have seat warmers!!!
Had the 4WD going right after buying it and driving in the snow was a blast!!! I recommend it highly.
I have read the other comments on the Sorento, and it seems that they have all done very low mileage. I do like the Sorento, but the service STINKS - local in South Africa as well as backup from Korea. My Sorento's seatbelt reminder chime continues to beep after the engagement of the seatbelt (intermittently) and then I also get this strange sound from my front RH wheel. This was reported immediately to the dealer (+- 1000km) who suggested I drive until the noise gets worse on the wheel and regarding the chime, this will be fixed with the first service. First the seatbelt harness was replaced with no luck. Then the dealer says that ALL Sorento's have this problem and actually it's standard and I need to insert the seatbelt before I start the vehicle. (Why then fit a reminder?) I contacted Korea who suggested replacing the "Electronic Unit', this was done and still the problem continues. From this day forward I get NO response from Kia SA nor from KIA - KOREA. (They probably hope the problem will disappear by itself)
With regards to the wheel problem, still got the same noise and going on 45000km with NO help from the dealer.
Makes you think doesn't it!
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