2003-2008 Kia Sorento: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2003 Kia Sorento
2008 Kia Sorento
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2003-2008 Kia Sorento ▼

  • Price Range:  $6,200 - $15,500
CG Rating

51

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2003-2008 Kia Sorento and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Cargo room
  • Ride
  • Passenger room

Cons

  • Automatic-transmission performance
  • Fuel economy

Vehicle Highlights

Introduced for 2003, the Sorento was a five-passenger sport-utility vehicle, priced to compete with compact SUVs. Similar in size and weight to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, however, the Sorento offered the size, power, and type of construction more typical of larger, midsize models. With its separate body-on-frame design and heavy-duty four-wheel-drive system, this model bucked the trend toward car-based unibody construction. The sole engine was a 192-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6, also used in Kia's Sedona minivan. A four-speed automatic was the only transmission. Two-wheel drive and a choice of two four-wheel-drive systems were available. Both 4WD systems had a limited-slip rear axle and low-range gearing, but the extra-cost Torque-On-Demand setup could be left engaged on dry pavement. LX and upscale EX trim levels were offered. On both versions, head-protecting curtain side airbags for the front and rear seats were standard, but antilock braking was optional. All Sorentos had 16-inch wheels, a rear liftgate with separate-opening rear window, and a full-size spare tire mounted beneath the rear underbody. Air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, a CD player, and 60/40 split folding rear seatback were standard. Kia was owned by Hyundai, and the South Korean companies shared warranty coverage of 5 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 10/100,000 powertrain, and a 5-year/unlimited-mileage roadside assistance. Competitive vehicles included the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota Highlander.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Sorento EX 4WD w/automatic and Luxury Pkg. Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 6
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 51
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2003-2008 Kia Sorento. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2003-2008 Kia Sorento.

Year to Year Changes


2004 Kia Sorento: A manual transmission and a Sport Package became available for the 2004 model year. The four-speed automatic transmission was joined by a new five-speed manual. Torque-On-Demand 4WD was included in the optional Luxury Package. Also for 2004, LX models offered a Sport Package with the new manual transmission, side steps, alloy wheels, keyless entry, and a roof rack.
2005 Kia Sorento: A five-speed automatic transmission edged aside the four-speed unit this year. A five-speed manual gearbox also remained available.
2006 Kia Sorento: No changes in 2006 for the Sorento.
2007 Kia Sorento: Kia's midsize SUV got more power for 2007, plus standard ABS and traction/antiskid control. It retained a V6 engine, but replaceed a 192-hp 3.5-liter with a 262-hp 3.8-liter. Previously optional, ABS became standard, as did new-for-'07 traction/antiskid control. All '07 Sorentos also got minor appearance changes inside and out.
2008 Kia Sorento: The 2008 Kia Sorento gained a second engine choice. A 262-hp 3.8-liter V6 became available on EX models.

Our road test for the 2003-2008 Kia Sorento includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2003-2008 Kia Sorento and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2003-2008 Kia Sorento is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Automatic-transmission Sorentos have decent punch off the line, plus solid passing power. Unfortunately, the automatic "hunts" between third and fourth gears on rolling terrain, and is occasionally reluctant to downshift. No limited-slip rear differential or traction control has been available on 2WD models, so 4WD is a must for snowy conditions. We recommend Torque-On-Demand for its all-surface convenience, though any 4WD Sorento has better offroad capability than AWD car-based rivals. Towing capacity is 3500 pounds. As for fuel economy, a 2004 EX 4WD model with automatic averaged 16.6 mpg in a city/highway mix, which is on par with other midsize V6 SUVs. Sorentos use regular-grade fuel. Ride quality varies. The Sorento smothers modest road imperfections, but larger bumps and sharp-edged ruts jolt. Rough surfaces can induce tire pattering, while large humps and dips trigger hobby-horse pitching. Steering has produced diverse opinions. Some testers have called it vague, demanding considerable turning effort; others considered it accurate and direct. Handling is comparable to most other truck-based SUVs, cornering with noticeable body lean and modest tire grip. Standard four-wheel disc brakes provide good stopping power, but ABS should have been standard in this class, and some testers have complained of dull pedal action. Kia's engine is noisier and less refined than most rivals'. Wind noise and coarse-surface tire thrum intrude, but aren't irksome. Gauges and controls are conveniently located, clearly marked, and brightly illuminated. The standard climate system has small, hard-to-decipher dials. Optional automatic climate control is much better. Interior materials and assembly are a notch above domestic-brand rivals, especially with the Luxury Package. Front seats are comfortable and supportive, with ample head and leg room even for above-average-size adults. Step-in height is reasonable for a truck-based SUV, though running boards have not been available. Wide rear doors open to roomy, comfortable seating, with two adults the realistic limit for long-distance treks. For cargo-hauling capacity, Kia makes the most of Sorento's relatively large size. The spare tire is tucked below the frame. After removing headrests and flipping the cushion, rear seatbacks fold easily to provide a flat load floor. The separate-opening hatch window is a convenience, as are power points for rear-seat and cargo areas. Interior cubbies and storage compartments abound. Cupholders are positioned for easy use.
Value for the Money
Sorento has been priced like a compact SUV when new, yet it acts like a midsize and impresses for its interior decor and features-per-dollar, as well as Kia's generous warranty. South Korean vehicles tend to suffer from poor resale value, so a Sorento could be quite appealing in price on the used-car market.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Sorento EX 4WD w/automatic and Luxury Pkg. Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 6
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 51

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Kia Sorento includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Kia Sorento .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: A knocking noise from the A/C compressor is corrected by installing an improved clutch assembly. (2007)

Airbags: The airbag warning light may come on, but no problems exist and replacing the airbag diagnostic unit eliminates these false alarms. (2002-05)

Cold-starting problems: The engine may hesitate after a cold start on vehicles equipped with a manual transmission requiring reprogramming of the engine control computer (PCM). (2004)

Engine mounts: A few vehicles have had problems with head gaskets leaking on the 3.5L V6 due to a damaged block. (2004)

Hard starting: A campaign was conducted for a hard- or no-starting problem due to crankshaft pulley bolt coming loose. (2003-04)

None: Chatter and eventual damage to the front differential may be caused by lack of tire rotation (or mismatched tires) on four-wheel-drive systems

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $560
Alternator $320
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $2,655
Brakes $490
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $0
Constant Velocity Joints $800
Exhaust System $525
Radiator $570
Shocks and/or Struts $1,340
Timing Chain or Belt $320
Our price chart for this generation Kia Sorento details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
Sorento EX $15,000-17,000 $13,700-15,500 $9,500-10,700
Sorento, LX $13,500-15,500 $12,300-14,100 $8,000-9,100
2007
Sorento EX $13,000-14,500 $11,800-13,200 $7,500-8,400
Sorento, LX $11,800-13,500 $10,600-12,200 $6,600-7,600
2006
Sorento EX $11,700-12,900 $10,500-11,600 $6,400-7,100
Sorento LX $10,500-11,700 $9,500-10,500 $5,600-6,200
2005
Sorento EX $10,100-11,300 $9,100-10,200 $5,300-5,900
Sorento LX $9,200-10,200 $8,300-9,200 $4,800-5,300
2004
Sorento EX $8,700-9,800 $7,800-8,800 $4,500-5,100
Sorento LX $8,000-9,000 $7,200-8,100 $4,100-4,600
2003
Sorento EX $7,700-8,700 $6,900-7,800 $3,900-4,400
Sorento LX $7,000-8,000 $6,200-7,100 $3,300-3,800
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Kia Sorento include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 106.7
Overall Length, in. 179.8
Overall Width, in. 73.3
Overall Height, in. 68.1
Curb Weight, lbs. 4522
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 66.4
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.1
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.6
Rear Head Room, in. 39.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.1

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Kia's 3.5-liter, dual-overhead-cam V6 engine, rated at 192 horsepower, mates with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Sorentos may have either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with low-range gearing. For 2005, a five-speed automatic replaced the four-speed. For 2007, Kia's midsize SUV got more power. It retained a V6 engine, but replaceed a 192-hp 3.5-liter with a 262-hp 3.8-liter.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V6 3.5 / 213 192 217 5-speed manual: 15/19
4-speed automatic: 15/18
5-speed automatic: 15/20		 5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: 16.6
5-speed automatic: --
dohc V6 3.8 / 231 262 260 5-speed automatic: 17/22 5-speed automatic: --

EPA rating of manual-shift model with 2WD is 15/19 mpg; four-speed automatic with 2WD is 15/20 mpg; five-speed automatic with 2WD is 16/22 mpg.

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  South Korea
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Kia Sorento include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2004 Sorento EX 4WD w/automatic and Luxury Pkg.
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2003-2008 Kia Sorento directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2003: Fuel leakage may occur from tubes near the fuel tank.

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