2003 Kia Sorento: Road Test
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2003 Kia Sorento ▼
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- MSRP: $19,995 -$24,700
- Invoice: $18,895 -$22,900
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Our road test for the 2003 Kia Sorento includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Kia Sorento from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Kia Sorento, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Kia Sorento help you decide if a 2003 Kia Sorento is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX 2WD | EX 4WD w/Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Decent punch off the line. Solid passing power. But transmission hunts between 3rd and 4th gears on rolling terrain and is occasionally reluctant to downshift. No limited-slip rear differential or traction control available on 2WD Sorentos, so 4WD is a must for snowy conditions. We recommend Torque-On-Demand for its all-surface convenience, though any 4WD Sorento has better off-road capability than AWD car-based rivals. Towing capacity is 3500 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX 2WD | EX 4WD w/Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Test EX 4WD averaged 16.6 mpg in city/highway mix--slightly better than typical midsize V6 SUV. Uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX 2WD | EX 4WD w/Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Smothers modest road imperfections, but larger bumps and sharp-edge ruts jolt. Rough surfaces can induce tire pattering, and large humps and dips trigger hobby-horse pitching.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX 2WD | EX 4WD w/Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Test drivers split on steering: some find it vague, with heavy turning effort; others say it's accurate and direct. Handling on par with most other truck-based SUVs, cornering with noticeable body lean and modest tire grip. Standard 4-wheel disc brakes provide good stopping power, but ABS should be standard in this class, and some testers complain of dull pedal action.
QUIETNESS
| LX 2WD | EX 4WD w/Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Engine noisier, less refined than most rivals'. Wind noise and coarse-surface tire thrum intrude, but aren't irksome.
CONTROLS
| LX 2WD | EX 4WD w/Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.1 |
Standard climate system has small, hard-to-decipher dials; optional automatic climate control much better. Gauges, other controls conveniently located, clearly marked, brightly illuminated. Interior materials and assembly a notch above domestic-brand rivals, especially with Luxury Package. Test Sorentos suffered squeaky driver seat and rear-seat rattle.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX 2WD | EX 4WD w/Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Comfortable, supportive seats. Ample head and leg room even for above-average-size adults. Step-in height reasonable for a truck-based SUV, though running boards are not an option.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX 2WD | EX 4WD w/Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Wide doors open to roomy, comfortable seating, with two adults the comfortable limit long-distance. Some competitors offer 3rd-row seating.
CARGO ROOM
| LX 2WD | EX 4WD w/Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.8 |
Kia makes the most of Sorento's relatively large size. Spare tire tucked below frame and, after removing headrests and flipping cushion, rear seatbacks fold easily to provide a flat load floor. Separate-opening hatch window a convenience, as are power points for rear seat and cargo area. Interior cubbies, storage compartments abound. Cupholders placed for easy use.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX 2WD | EX 4WD w/Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
Sorento is priced like a compact SUV yet acts like a midsize, and impresses for interior decor and features-per-dollar. As for long-term value, Sorento is backed by Kia's generous warranty, but South Korean vehicles suffer steep first-year depreciation and haven't proven their long-term durability.
Total Score
| LX 2WD | EX 4WD w/Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | 52 | 51.2 |
Total Score: 52
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