FAMILY MATTERS
The roomy, well-equipped Sorento made inroads as a value seven-seater S
pare a thought for parents with enough kids to require a seven-seater. Few can afford three rows of luxury leatherlined seats provided by Audi, Volvo or BMW, so we have the likes of Kia and its large Sorento SUV to satisfy the masses.
That’s no bad thing. The second-generation Sorento, on sale between 2009 and 2015, was a big improvement on the previous model, with more car-like driving characteristics and generous standard inclusions.
Owners heap praise on these big SUVs, pinpointing the diesel version’s fuel economy, relatively low cost of ownership, practicality, comfort and kit, while 4WD versions are competent enough on the rough stuff.
There are few complaints about Sorento reliability and no common faults buyers need to be wary of. Most in the classifieds are diesels with automatic gearboxes and all-wheel-drive. Petrol engines are available, but for economy, torque and driveability, the diesels are the pick.
From launch in late 2009 Sorentos came in three grades — Si, SLi and Platinum. Engine choices were the 145kW four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, with a whopping 436Nm of torque, or a rather underpowered 128kW fourcylinder petrol.
In 2011 a 204kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol joined the party, which gave decent shove but liked a drink. Both petrol models came with 2WD only.
The 4WD diesels (high-range only) sent all their power to the front wheels during normal driving, then would automatically send a percentage of torque to the rear wheels if a front wheel lost grip.
These Sorentos were no rock climbers, but did have Downhill Brake Control for steep descents, plus a “Lock Mode” to split the torque 50/50 between the axles up to 30km/h. Across the range you scored five-star safety, thanks in part to full-length side curtain airbags.
Cabins were well finished with only a few panels of hard plastics letting the side down.
From entry level you scored alloy wheels, fog lights, dual-zone climate control, air vents for all rows of seats, and USB and MP3 connectivity.
The SLi added power leather seats, rear camera and park sensors, electrochromic rear view mirror, more informative instrument cluster and classier cabin accents.
Top-spec Platinum versions added HID lights, a panoramic sunroof and a boomier sound system with six-CD changer. If you need seven seats be aware that 2WD petrol models came as standard with five seats, the extra two chairs being a cost option. The 4WD diesels all came with three rows of seats.
MY2011 Sorentos, available from November 2010, brought a couple of upgrades, including Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.
In October 2012 the MY2013 cars arrived with slight revisions to the body and interior, plus an improved ride and handling to better suit Australian roads. The four-cylinder petrol model was quietly withdrawn too. These Sorentos are big. Have a good test drive around town to check you can live with such bulky dimensions, while on the road don’t be alarmed if they roll around a bit in the turns.
Have a crawl into the rear two seats to check they’re big enough for your intended use: they’re fine for children, but adults may struggle.
Favour examples that haven’t been used offroad as even the 4WD versions were only really designed for occasional non-sealed roads.
Owners report V6 petrols can use a lot more fuel than Kia’s claimed 9.8L/100km, making the diesel models look even more appealing.
Four-cylinder petrol models were recalled in June 2017 for potential con-rod bearing knocking due to engine machining errors. Make sure that work has been done. Check for illuminated warning lights on the dash, or knocking sounds coming from under the bonnet. Walk away if so as this could mean the end of the engine. Very early XM Sorentos were recalled in September 2010 for a door trim wiring fix, then in August 2017 for a replacement fuel feed hose.
For peace of mind chase used models with some balance of Kia’s long warranty remaining. The brand gave a five year unlimited kilometre warranty until October 2014, then upped it to seven years after that. Stylish, well-equipped and roomy the Sorento makes an excellent large family car if you aren’t daunted by the size. The sensible money is on the more economical and zestier diesel versions. I traded in a Ford Territory for a new Kia Sorento in 2011. I had no trouble with it and did a lot of trips. My wife thought it was too bumpy around town but it was a delight out on the highway. I had the radio aerial replaced a few times, always under warranty. I originally bought the Sorento because I needed the seven seats and I wanted the economy of diesel. When I put 70 litres into my Ford Territory it told me I could do 420, maybe 450km. With my Sorento the same 70 litres would give me 820-840km.
I have a diesel Kia Sorento, CRDI. It has been very reliable and the diesel is smooth with economy of about 10L/100km around town and 6-7L/100km on a trip. The diesel noise is more noticeable — but reasonable — when cold and at low speeds around town but quite silent on a trip, with plenty of torque for overtaking, very pleasant to cruise in. It’s been comfortable, powerful and economical.