2006 Kia Sorento: Road Test
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2006 Kia Sorento ▼
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- MSRP: $19,195 -$26,895
- Invoice: $18,200 -$25,020
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Our road test for the 2006 Kia Sorento includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Kia Sorento from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Kia Sorento, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Kia Sorento help you decide if a 2006 Kia Sorento is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX w/Luxury Pkg., auto | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
Manual-transmission Sorento not made available for test. Automatic versions have decent punch off the line and adequate passing power. 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. Towing capacity is 3500 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX w/Luxury Pkg., auto | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Test 4WD averaged 19.4 mpg in mostly highway driving. Kia recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX w/Luxury Pkg., auto | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Generally comfortable and composed, but stiff and jiggly over modest road imperfections; larger bumps and sharp-edge ruts can jolt. Rough surfaces can induce tire pattering, and large humps and dips trigger hobby-horse pitching.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX w/Luxury Pkg., auto | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Editors split on steering: some find it vague, with lots of turning effort; others say it's accurate and direct. Handling on par with most other truck-type 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
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX w/Luxury Pkg., auto | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Engine noisier than most rivals'. Wind noise and coarse-surface tire thrum intrude, but aren't irksome.
CONTROLS
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX w/Luxury Pkg., auto | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.3 |
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)
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX w/Luxury Pkg., auto | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Comfortable, supportive seats. Ample head and leg room even for above-average-size adults. Step-in height reasonable for a truck-type SUV.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX w/Luxury Pkg., auto | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Wide doors open to roomy, comfortable seating, with two adults the comfortable long-distance limit. Some competitors offer 3rd-row seating.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX w/Luxury Pkg., auto | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8.3 |
Kia makes the most of Sorento's relatively large size. Spare tire tucked below body. 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
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX w/Luxury Pkg., auto | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5.7 |
Sorento is priced like a compact SUV yet acts like a midsize, and impresses for interior decor and features per dollar. Resale values haven't matched those of top Japanese rivals, but those rivals can't match Kia's generous warranty.
Total Score
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX w/Luxury Pkg., auto | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 49 | 51 | 56.7 |
Total Score: 50
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