Monday, July 29, 2013
Car Review Kia Sorento EX
Several changes accompany the Kia Sorento into 2005: The Sport package gains blacked-out headlamps, and the LX with the Sport package also adds a premium audio system. A five-speed automatic replaces last years four-speed transmission and the 3.5-liter V6 adopts LEV-II emission standards. Fresh colors for the 2005 Kia Sorento include Spark Blue, Clear Silver and Radiant Red.Somewhere along the automotive timeline traditional family wagons morphed into SUV’s and it seems we can’t get enough of them. With plenty of room for mum, kids and supplies through the week, they can be pressed into service for dad’s adventurous weekend plans – real or imagined. It looks like traditional car based wagons are fast becoming museum pieces.
But for budget conscious families “real” 4WD’s can be a pricey step up from the family sized “soft-roaders”. Enter the Kia Sorento. First seen here in 2003, it offers a high-low range drivetrain, loads of space and equipment, all at an attractive price. For 2005 the big Kia gains a five-speed “tiptronic” auto, replacing the previous model’s four speed unit.
Pricing
There is only one equipment level, so you only need to choose between the five-speed manual - $35,950 or five-speed auto - $37,950.
Standard features
For their money buyers receive - airconditioning, power windows, cruise control, 16” alloy wheels, remote central locking, 8 speaker CD and roof racks (rated to carry 45kg).
Options
Metallic paint - $190, power sunroof - $1,000 and leather upholstery - $1,800.
Advantages of the 2005 Kia Sorento:
> Excellent powertrain warranty
> Comfortable seating
> True off-road capability
> Impressive braking performance
> Bargain price tag
Objections to the 2005 Kia Sorento:
> Poor fuel economy
> Cheap-feeling upholstery
> Drives more like a truck than a car
> Lacks mid-range power
> Weak 3,500-pound tow rating
Auto-Trex Advice:
In our opinion, the 2005 Kia Sorento is the most appealing Korean vehicle on the road today. It is sized right, equipped right, and priced right. Furthermore, it is styled right, proving (along with the Hyundai Tiburon) that Korea can, indeed, produce appealing sheetmetal. Competing with a large number of crossover and traditional SUVs that cost between $20,000 and $25,000, the 2005 Kia Sorento holds its own despite a few shortcomings. Because its a truck underneath the bodywork, its capable of true off-road excursions, but the downside is that it rides and handles like a truck, too. And though its equipped with a 192-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine, it quaffs fuel like a V8. Still, considering how comfortable it is, how inexpensive it is, and how the powertrain is covered by a warranty for ten years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, the 2005 Kia Sorento makes a compelling case for itself.
In terms of value for money the Sorento has a lot to offer. Practical, roomy and well equipped it is a family 4WD for a sedan price. Only the unrefined suspension spoils an otherwise good package.
