2006 Kia Sorento Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Kia's midsize SUV is built on a truck-type platform, seats five, and has a liftgate with opening glass. Sorento comes in LX and EX trim levels. The sole engine is a 192-hp V6, offered with either a 5-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive and two 4-wheel-drive systems are available. Both 4WD systems have a limited-slip rear axle and low-range gearing, but Kia's Torque-On-Demand setup, included in the optional Luxury Package, can be left engaged on dry pavement. Curtain side airbags are standard. ABS and load-leveling suspension are optional. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and automatic climate control are optional on EX.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.

New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.

News

Word is that Sorento will be redesigned for 2008, possibly '09. Size will stay roughly the same, but Kia may try to squeeze in a third row of seats, in which case the Hyundai/Kia 3.8-liter V6 would likely replace today's 3.5 unit. Rumored for the same timeframe is a large body-on-frame SUV with three-row seating, probable V8 power, and Ford Expedition size. It would be patterned on the muscular-looking 2005 Mesa concept, whose styling cues might also show up on the next Sorento. Kia is also eyeing a large U.S.-built pickup, as is parent Hyundai, but timing is uncertain now that Kia has delayed the start of construction on its western Georgia plant, where both the pickup and big SUV would be built.

2006 Kia Sorento Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

	Automatic-transmission performance

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		43
Average Score		56
High Score		66

2006 Kia Sorento Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 07/14/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD LX 4-door wagon, manual	$19,195	$18,200	$670

2WD LX 4-door wagon, automatic	$22,595	$21,420	$670

4WD LX 4-door wagon, manual	$21,795	$20,630	$670

4WD LX 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,595	$23,270	$670

2WD EX 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,995	$23,270	$670

4WD EX 4-door wagon, automatic	$26,895	$25,020	$670

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry (automatic), AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers w/deicer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear privacy glass, roof rails (automatic).

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, full-size spare tire (automatic), 245/70R16 tires, alloy wheels (automatic), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential.

EX adds to LX:

Powertrain

5-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, altimeter, barometer, universal garage door opener, wiper deicer, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rails, fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Sport Pkg.
LX automatic	$900	$805
AM/FM/cassette/CD player, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, metallic interior trim, fog lights, side steps, rear spoiler.

Luxury Pkg.
2WD EX	$1,600	$1,440
4WD EX	$2,100	$1,885
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, Torque-On-Demand AWD (4WD), automatic headlights, chrome exterior trim.

Safety
Antilock brakes
EX, LX	$595	$531


Comfort and Convenience Features
Cargo tray
EX, LX	$90	$70


Floormats
LX	$75	$57


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Side steps
EX, LX	$345	$265


Rear spoiler
EX	$200	$154


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Tow hitch
EX, LX	$340	$262


Load-leveling suspension
EX, LX	$250	$220

2006 Kia Sorento Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Kia Sorento 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.	4387

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.

Engines

	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /213

Horsepower @ rpm.	192 @ 5500

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	217 @ 3000

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	16/20

5-speed automatic	15/20

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Kia Sorento 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	3

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	10/100,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	5/60,000	--

Corrosion	5/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	5/60,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: South Korea

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2006 Kia Sorento Photos

Also in the 2006 Kia Sorento Review:

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Kia Sorento Road Test

Kia Sorento Prices & Equipment

Kia Sorento Specs & Safety

Kia Sorento Photos

Kia Sorento Full Review

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