Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia Sorento (2003-2009) review

Kia might not immediately spring to mind when it comes to looking for a 4x4, but with the Sorento the Korean firm hopes to repeat the success it's had in the MPV market with its Sedona.

Kia Sorento
Overall Auto Express rating

2.0

How we review cars
RRP
£41,995 £51,295
Avg. savings
£2,850 off RRP*
Find your Kia Sorento
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Kia might not immediately spring to mind when it comes to looking for a 4x4, but with the Sorento the Korean firm hopes to repeat the success it's had in the MPV market with its Sedona. In typical style the Sedona is priced in a category below its size, which means you get a lot of 4x4 for your money. It's not bad looking either, with more than a hint of the Lexus RX300 about its styling. The smart exterior lines are complemented by an interior that is a vast improvement over Kia model's of old. All apart from the tacky wooden trim that is, but that aside it's pleasant enough, and, rather unsurprisingly, very well equipped too.

Power comes from either a 2.5-litre common-rail turbodiesel or a 3.5-litre V6. By far the most important engine in the UK is the diesel - it's expected to account for around 90% of sales. Noisy when cold, on the move once it's warmed up, it proves more refined, offering pace at odds with the quoted 14.3 second 0-62mph time. The gear lever travels quite some distance across the gate, but it's precise enough to not bother ticking the expensive option box for the automatic. On the road the Sorento resists roll well, but it's at the expense of some ride comfort, bigger ridges and road bumps transmitted through to the cabin, upsetting its composure. Great value, spacious and well equipped, the Sorento is sure to be attractive for those wanting big SUV looks, style and space, for half the cost of premium rivals.

Engines, performance and drive

0

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

0

Interior, design and technology

0

Practicality, comfort and boot space

0

Reliability and Safety

0
Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    2.2 CRDi 2 5dr DCT
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £41,995
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    2.2 CRDi 2 5dr DCT
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £41,995
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    2.2 CRDi 2 5dr DCT
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £41,995
Select car

New & used car deals

KIA Sorento

KIA Sorento

RRP £41,375Avg. savings £2,850 off RRP*Used from £26,388
Hyundai Santa FE

Hyundai Santa FE

RRP £47,890Avg. savings £5,751 off RRP*Used from £21,300
Peugeot 5008

Peugeot 5008

RRP £38,590Avg. savings £5,875 off RRP*Used from £16,357
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025