Until I read post #743, I didn't know the CRV has a larger cargo capacity than the Sorento. However, I did test drive both of them, the Sorento first. When I opened the back of the CRV, it struck me immediately and vividly, that it was much smaller than the Sorento...NO CONTEST! Same thing when I sat in the driver's seat and in the back seats. The CRV felt very cramped, width and headroom.
I also don't like where the spare tire is on the CRV and the fact that the CRV's back door opens to the right, instead of straight up.
The CRV is cramped in the rear seats and head/shoulder space. The front passenger space is pathetic. My legs literally got banged a couple of times when getting in and out. The CRV may be by Honda but the space claimed sucks when you put your numbers in person...
The Sorento is much more comfortable, spacious and well laid out inside.
hency... thanks for the info... I'm going to chk with peoplefirst.
Check this out though (quoted from the lease board):
Ragsdale Kia in Shrewsbury, MA has a Sorento in today's Boston Globe with a $26K msrp and $4,500 off! That would be about $2250 under invoice. So there's no reason for you to pay invoice+anything in NJ. You aren't more that 5 hours from Boston.
This whole discussion about cargo space started with daveghh's post #743. My guess is that daveghh hasn't seen or driven either car yet, but simply posted the cubic foot numbers from specs. Everyone else has been responding with the obvious, namely the CRV is smaller, despite the numbers.....'nuff said...
You are right, I have never walked up to the Sorento to see for myself and I am purely going by specs.
Everyone else,
Here is what I have noticed when looking for space in cars. Back in 98 I went shopping for a mini-ute. I ended up looking at the CRV and the Forester. My father, friend and I walked up to the Forester and the cargo space struck us as much smaller. Walked up to a CRV later in the day, we thought the cargo area was much larger, no comparison. I ended up with the CRV for many reasons more then the cargo space.
So a year later my bro's friend picks up a Forester brings over to my place and we ended up parking them next to each other. It was the strangest thing, the Forester cargo space seemed just as big when it was parked next to the CRV.
My point is, you need a side-by-side comparison because the shape of a vehicle can mislead one's perception of size. In addition bias to it being a larger SUV. Someone should park a Sorento next to the 2nd gen. CRV to compare. Specs are usually very accurate so I am not going to believe the Sorento has more Cargo and Storage space until I see it for myself.
BTW, I don't really care which one is larger, I was just surprised the Sorento is considered a mid size when the CRV specs say it bigger. If it is based on weight then I would think SUV's would be categorized mid-weight, mini-weight, etc. Furthermore if is based on weight then the Liberty would be considered a midsize SUV. Hahaha..
went to pinebelt , nj wouldnt even discuss deal said it was too hot an item....i like it, took for a short test drive, currently own a santa fe.the sorento offers a few more inches up front for the driver which is great for taller people. im looking for a ex with the luxury package (loadedmodel.
Sorry daveghh, I wasn't trying to be critical of your posting. I was just replying to diploid's comment about not comparing a Sorento with a CRV.
As for your suggestion about a side-by-side comparison, I agree with you 100%. However, I didn't have the gall to test drive a CRV over to the KIA dealer. For all I know, my impressions about the differences in space may be illusions, just as yours was between the Forester and the CRV. Since you already have a CRV, maybe you could drive it down to the KIA dealer and do your side-by-side. I don't think the KIA dealer would object at all.
BTW, we've had our EX for almost 2 weeks now and it's still perfect in every way. Still have not found anything not working or any flaws in fit-and-finish. Northern CA had our first major rain storm last week. Everything on Sorento worked just fine: front wipers, rear wipers, all defrosters, heaters, etc. Winds were gusting up to 65 mph, but Sorento felt steady as a rock. Good/safe feeling to know I was surrounded by 4200 lbs and air bag curtains! Was surprised to read in owner's manual that front windshield has electric de-icier for wipers and that side mirrors are heated!
bigelm, you wrote, "That would be about $2250 under invoice." If that is true, you ought to rush over and buy a dozen of them right now. For our 4x2 EX, I know for a fact that the spread between invoice and MSRP is only $1,533, which is consistent with what others have reported and with edmunds. Even if a dealer is 'only' selling at $2,250 under MSRP, that would be a terrific bargain. Hard to believe Ragsdale Kia in Shrewsbury, MA can sell at $2,250 under INVOICE!!
Well, that's the quote I got from someone looking in the Boston Newspaper. I was hoping that someone here who lives in MA can verify this. The all so famous "Too good to be true" phrase is present until it is known for sure that this deal is concrete without any 'hidden' mambo-jambo. Rumor or Riddle, it's what was mentioned... take it for what it's worth....
Like I said about space, it matters how much is USEABLE. I don't want a pile 5 feet high, especially of dogs and camping gear. I need more square footage, not CUBIC footage!
Ragsdale Kia is about 20 minutes from me. They are pretty good. I went in there once. Also look at the Peter's dealer up in Nashua, NH. Tax free NH.
As far as classes, mid weight, mid size, whatever. I'd rather go by price classes (what makes the most sense for final purchasing decisions), and pick the most vehicle that I could get for that money. By "the most", that could mean size, features, or whatever. It sure sounds like the Sorento comes out with high marks in its price class!
The best way to do it is to get a buddy to take out the CRV, and you get the Sorento, meet at the coffee shop with all your buddies and families and look them over.
THEN, take them out to the sandpits or woods and try them out, swapping for comparisons. THEN take them out on the highway, swapping for comparisons.
THEN, compare notes later, back at the coffee shop or whatever.
I used to work for a Hyundai dealership and was seriously considering the Santa Fe until the Sorento came out. I was just wondering how you thought the Sorento compared to the Santa Fe? Thanks for your thoughts.
I am intrigued by the Sorento but concerned about it being in the first year. Is this vehicle based on any existing platform? Does anyone have a sense about how well it will hold up? And, does it really look and seem like a Lexus RX300?
My suggestion is to go see it and if possible test drive it. It's a lot of value for the money. I would stay away from comparing it to the Lexus and Mercedes, although I will admit that it has similarities from each. As for how it will hold up, only time will tell. looks like it's been out in other countries before here, and so far, so good. My buddy has a Sportage, and that's turned out be be a very good small truck. Also, I think Kia knows that they have to put out a good product because of the warranty. I'm taking my chances, mine is on the way.
i have to say 1st the santa fe and kia are the same company or different divisions i bought my santa lx in nov 2000 loaded luv it its solid and rock steady on the highway in wind great bang for the buck and alot of safety features that others in its class didnt offer if your looking for safety for your family look at the santa fe and if you want another step up with all extras then go for the sorento more safety for yourself and the family its a beautiful suv/truck with alot added xtras steering wheel mounted audio controls more room for the slightly taller driver im trying to locate a dealer and sorento ex with the luxury package in blue just 1 more thing when i get my sorento i wont mind getting lost while out joy riding because ill just use the onboard compass to find my way home....
Got my second fill-up last night. As expected, it was a slight improvement over the first time (#701), moving from 17.6 mpg to 19.4 mpg.
Comments for jrdowney, #772:
1. Yes, it does resemble a Lexus RX300, exterior and interior. I never test drove an RX300, since a comparably equipped RX300 would cost approx $40,000 vs. $24,302 for my Sorento.
2. The 2003 Sorento is not really a first year model, since it's been selling in Korea for a year.
3. How well will it hold up? That's difficult to quantify. But I do know that in the 2 weeks we've had ours, I keep discovering little things that KIA included at no extra cost. This leads me to believe KIA's top management gave the engineers, accountants, and marketing people a mandate to build a superior car, which will last the life of the 10 year warranty. What little things?...you may be wondering... When you have time, scroll back to read previous postings. My newest discovery is that the power windows work for 30 seconds after the ignition is off. Not really a big deal, but another convenience for absent minded people like me!
Looking under the hood gives me the impression that a lot of thought and care went into designing this SUV. Why? There are no loose wires. Everything is wrapped in plastic tubes and clamped down. The inside of the fuse box looks like a mechanic's version of a jewelry box....lots of room between fuses, all clearly labeled, a fuse puller included as well as extra fuses.
Having driven a CR-V for 2 years before moving to the Sorento I have to say that the comparison is like comparing tangerines to oranges. Both are similar but not quite the same. I find the rear cargo area to be a bit larger on the CR-V than on the Sorento since I carry all my cleaning/maintenance products in a large plastic bin in the back (the same I used in the V) and noticed there was a little less depth to the Sorento's storage area. However, the interior cabin space (especially the front) is larger on the Sorento. I too banged up my knees plenty of times in the V (heck, I wasn't even able to fully extend my legs when driving the V and I'm only 5'10"). Engine power between the two doesn't even compare with the Sorento having plenty of power to spare whereas the V (even the new one) has just enough but no more. Noise levels in the Sorento are MUCH lower when compared to the V. Fit and finish is very similar between the two models. I was thinking of trading up my 2001 V for one of the newer models and test drove the 2002 model on several occasions (but alwys left undecided). In the case of the Sorento all it took was one test drive and I was hooked.
Good to read a new post from you! Have you been out on maneuvers again? Or simply out enjoying your new Sorento? Did you ever have a chance to show your Sorento to your friend who either owns a BMW dealership or sells BMW's? If yes, his comments?
Just test drove the Sorento. Like it very much. The dealer (Quincy, MA) has only one LX 4WD for test drive and one LX with some add-ons (ABS, roof racks, 16" wheels from EX and mats) in the showroom. They sold all the EXs as soon as they unload from the truck. Anyway, I drove this LX with 4WD. There are more interior space like ML-320 or MDX. It was hard for me to figure out how to use the seat belt to secure the car seat in the middle of the back seat. I was able to use the seat belt and put it near the door. The controls are easy to use and find, except the 4WD control. It is better to mounted somewhere on the dash or the shifter panel. The acceleration of this 192 hp V6 engine is very well. But more power will be appreciated (like more mid-size SUV with 220 plus hp). It will be nice when there is a full of passengers and driving uphill. I drove on the dirt road in slow speed with huge pothole and couldn't tell the different. It rides like a car. However, I feel the bumps when hitting the potholes on the paved road. Can anyone tell what kind of suspension the Sorento use? I will test drive the EX to see how it looks and controls. BTW, the dealer quoted $23600 (MSRP $24500) for the fully loaded EX 4WD except leather.
schip1 - Isn't true that Ragsdale Kia can sell at $2250 under invoice? Do you know which model. The Quick Kia quoted me $23600 for EX 4WD without leather or luxury package. They didn't tell the price on fully loaded EX. I am looking for EX 4WD with luxury package. They also added that they can't really order (or no control) what they want. They just get whatever Sorentos in the shipment and then distribute to the dealers in the region. Is anyway that I can find out the invoice price? I couldn't find it from edmunds.
I was going to download the Kia Warranty Coverage from the Kia web site. I couldn't do it because it is over 100 pages long. I still want to know more about it. I believe Kia doesn't have rental or loaners for any repair under the warranty. What about the dealers?
I didn't look thought all 114 pages of Kia Warranty Coverage. I just looked the first 10 pages about what's cover and what's not. I guess not many people read those. And I just want to know if there is no rentals or loaners from Kia and I need a repair which requires more than a day. I know some dealers offers free rental for any major paid repair (like over $xxx.xx).
One dealer told it is based on case by case situation. They provide rental if the car is in the shop more than 6 labor hours. By the way, do other automobile manufacturers beside Lexus, MB etc provide rentals/loaners?
Did anyone find any difficulty when seeking the Kia warranty coverage? I think the Kia's 10yr/100000 miles powertrain warranty exists since July 2000. I heard some posting from some unhappy 2000/01 Kia Sportage owners. Are they happy about this Kia Warranty?
Ford and Honda no rental car coverage unless you buy their extended warranty and its reimbursement basis based on how long the vehicle is in the shop.
If you look in the back of the sorento brochure towards the bottom in fine print, I think it mentions something about getting a loaner if the vehicle is being repaired. It also mentions if vehicle breaks down during basic warranty period and owner is more than 100 or 125 miles from the primary residence, than kia will reimburse you up to $300 to cover food, lodging, and any alternate transportation you may need. This kind of Emergency Travel expenses benefit is usually offerd as a standard on high end luxury models only. I know we have this benefit on our o2 cr-v, but thats only because we purchased the extended warranty.
I compared the cargo space between 02-crv and sorento and there is not much difference between the two. The sorento is definately bigger in the passenger area though. I think the size of the sorento is somewhere in middle between compact and midsize suv. According to the brochure, the sorento is full foot shorter than ford explorer but longer and wider than a cr-v.
I just bought an EX 4x4 w/lux package, ABS & spoiler for $25,900 at Ragsdale. Does this sound like a good price? I thought it was fair. It's still on the boat, but was told I should have it maybe end of next week. We'll see!
Just read back a few posts. Ragsdale actually has an lx that was in the add with $4500 cash/trade and matching $4500 so the price is $16667. I think they tacked on their "market adjustment" of $3500 first. MSRP is listed at $25667, which is high for an LX.
Good to be back. I've actually been doing a bit of both, maneuvers and driving the Sorento (like going for a cup of coffee 60 miles away from home). I showed the Sorento to my close friend who owns the BMW dealership. I made sure my Diamond Silver was nice and shiny both inside and out. I think he was a little disappointed that I didn't get a used X5 (I was contemplating doing it but found that my budget would be strecthed to the breaking point). However, he did seem impressed with the overall fit, finish and look of the SUV. I did notice him looking at a couple of the plastic parts (the panel where the window buttons are) but he did seem impressed with the quality (the mags really help out with the Sorento's pricey look). In fact he's going to help me install some body-side moulding from the X5 on my LX's doors. I dread getting dinged and right now there is no protection whatsoever. I did some mock-ups in Paintshop and I think I'll get a distinctive look. I'll post some pics once completed.
Mike, looking forward to see more of your pictures! If you hurry, you may grab the title of being the first one from this forum to customize his Sorento. I know what you mean about dreading being dinged. One of the drawbacks of owning a new car, I suppose. The bumpers on the EX are made from some sort of composite material, with color all the way through. So I hope the inevitable parallel parking scratches won't be too ugly.
I've flipped through the 112 page KIA Warranty Manual. It's not really that long, because pages 47 through 112 consist of nothing but State specific disclaimers, for all 50 States. I couldn't find any references to free rentals or to free lodging in the warranty manual. However, there is a separate small brochure explaining the features of the 5-year unlimited miles roadside assistance program. Under "Trip Interruption Policy", it does say warranty related breakdowns 150 miles from home are eligible for reimbursements for food, lodging, and transportation, up to $300, if repairs take more than 24 hours.
brebh......so is Ragsdale selling an LX for $16,667 or $16,667 PLUS $3,500? Your EX 4x4 looks like it lists for $27,125, which means you're paying $1,225 under MSRP. Seems like a very good deal.....congrats!
lok88: I don't know if Ragsdale can sell at $2,250 under invoice. Someone posted that and all I did was ask if that's a typo or the deal of the decade. Your info on 'ordering' is the same as mine...that dealers can't order from Korea, but 'order' from Regional offices, after the cars are unloaded at the docks.
I compare the cargo and luggage capacity of this Kia Sorento among with several mid-size SUVs like MDX, X5, ML320, Discovery, RX300 and CR-V (Mini SUV). It is true that CR-V has more cargo (72 cu ft) and luggage (33.5 cu ft). Kia has (66 and 31.4) and slightly better than X5 (54 and 16.1). The MDX has 82 cu ft when the 2nd and the 3rd seats down. But it leaves only 14.8 when all seats are up. The Sorento rear bumper is relatively high when compare to CR-V (CR-V has no rear bumper!?) and others. It is difficult when you are trying loading a heavy stuffs. There is not much cargo space even the spare tire is mounted under the chassis. For the price and warranty coverage, Kia is not a bad choice.
Don't go strickly by the #s. Make sure items you plan on carrying can actually fit in there. I found that my Trooper with it's boxy design was far more useful than the MDX both have similar storage on paper, but try putting boxes in the curvy MDX...
Comments
To the space issue: How much is USEABLE space? I don't want to have to pile dogs on top of each other to take advantage of vertical space.
I also don't like where the spare tire is on the CRV and the fact that the CRV's back door opens to the right, instead of straight up.
The Sorento is much more comfortable, spacious and well laid out inside.
hency... thanks for the info... I'm going to chk with peoplefirst.
Check this out though (quoted from the lease board):
Ragsdale Kia in Shrewsbury, MA has a Sorento in today's Boston Globe with a $26K msrp and $4,500 off! That would be about $2250 under invoice. So there's no reason for you to pay invoice+anything in NJ. You aren't more that 5 hours from Boston.
It's like comparing the Sorento to a Chevy Tahoe and calling the Sorento cramped.
You are right, I have never walked up to the Sorento to see for myself and I am purely going by specs.
Everyone else,
Here is what I have noticed when looking for space in cars. Back in 98 I went shopping for a mini-ute. I ended up looking at the CRV and the Forester. My father, friend and I walked up to the Forester and the cargo space struck us as much smaller. Walked up to a CRV later in the day, we thought the cargo area was much larger, no comparison. I ended up with the CRV for many reasons more then the cargo space.
So a year later my bro's friend picks up a Forester brings over to my place and we ended up parking them next to each other. It was the strangest thing, the Forester cargo space seemed just as big when it was parked next to the CRV.
My point is, you need a side-by-side comparison because the shape of a vehicle can mislead one's perception of size. In addition bias to it being a larger SUV. Someone should park a Sorento next to the 2nd gen. CRV to compare. Specs are usually very accurate so I am not going to believe the Sorento has more Cargo and Storage space until I see it for myself.
BTW, I don't really care which one is larger, I was just surprised the Sorento is considered a mid size when the CRV specs say it bigger. If it is based on weight then I would think SUV's would be categorized mid-weight, mini-weight, etc.
Two dollars over invoice is unheard of. If it's a real quote with no hidden charges, jump on it!!!
Before I take a 5 hr trip, I'd like to play my cards here in NJ... we'll see. Still buying interest is in Dec. ;-)
As for your suggestion about a side-by-side comparison, I agree with you 100%. However, I didn't have the gall to test drive a CRV over to the KIA dealer. For all I know, my impressions about the differences in space may be illusions, just as yours was between the Forester and the CRV. Since you already have a CRV, maybe you could drive it down to the KIA dealer and do your side-by-side. I don't think the KIA dealer would object at all.
BTW, we've had our EX for almost 2 weeks now and it's still perfect in every way. Still have not found anything not working or any flaws in fit-and-finish. Northern CA had our first major rain storm last week. Everything on Sorento worked just fine: front wipers, rear wipers, all defrosters, heaters, etc. Winds were gusting up to 65 mph, but Sorento felt steady as a rock. Good/safe feeling to know I was surrounded by 4200 lbs and air bag curtains! Was surprised to read in owner's manual that front windshield has electric de-icier for wipers and that side mirrors are heated!
The all so famous "Too good to be true" phrase is present until it is known for sure that this deal is concrete without any 'hidden' mambo-jambo.
Rumor or Riddle, it's what was mentioned... take it for what it's worth....
Ragsdale Kia is about 20 minutes from me. They are pretty good. I went in there once. Also look at the Peter's dealer up in Nashua, NH. Tax free NH.
As far as classes, mid weight, mid size, whatever. I'd rather go by price classes (what makes the most sense for final purchasing decisions), and pick the most vehicle that I could get for that money. By "the most", that could mean size, features, or whatever. It sure sounds like the Sorento comes out with high marks in its price class!
THEN, take them out to the sandpits or woods and try them out, swapping for comparisons. THEN take them out on the highway, swapping for comparisons.
THEN, compare notes later, back at the coffee shop or whatever.
-mike
That is a good idea.
Since I am not in the market for a new car I am waiting to see a Sorento around town. When I do I will park next to it and take a look!
Mark ordered my EX 4X4 in Diamond Silver. He treated me and my family very good. He is a stand up guy. Others will enjoy working with him.
-mike
Thanks,
Jim d.
I'm going to Loman Kia tomorrow... I'll let you guys know about the price boxing then ;-)
Comments for jrdowney, #772:
1. Yes, it does resemble a Lexus RX300, exterior and interior. I never test drove an RX300, since a comparably equipped RX300 would cost approx $40,000 vs. $24,302 for my Sorento.
2. The 2003 Sorento is not really a first year model, since it's been selling in Korea for a year.
3. How well will it hold up? That's difficult to quantify. But I do know that in the 2 weeks we've had ours, I keep discovering little things that KIA included at no extra cost. This leads me to believe KIA's top management gave the engineers, accountants, and marketing people a mandate to build a superior car, which will last the life of the 10 year warranty. What little things?...you may be wondering... When you have time, scroll back to read previous postings. My newest discovery is that the power windows work for 30 seconds after the ignition is off. Not really a big deal, but another convenience for absent minded people like me!
Looking under the hood gives me the impression that a lot of thought and care went into designing this SUV. Why? There are no loose wires. Everything is wrapped in plastic tubes and clamped down. The inside of the fuse box looks like a mechanic's version of a jewelry box....lots of room between fuses, all clearly labeled, a fuse puller included as well as extra fuses.
Hope this helps, Jim D!
Engine power between the two doesn't even compare with the Sorento having plenty of power to spare whereas the V (even the new one) has just enough but no more.
Noise levels in the Sorento are MUCH lower when compared to the V.
Fit and finish is very similar between the two models.
I was thinking of trading up my 2001 V for one of the newer models and test drove the 2002 model on several occasions (but alwys left undecided). In the case of the Sorento all it took was one test drive and I was hooked.
Cheers!
Cheers from rainy California!
2003 Kia Sorento Midsize SUV EX 4WD 4dr SUV
Steve, Host
warranty: 100 pages of fine print? No thank you!
-mike
If you look in the back of the sorento brochure towards the bottom in fine print, I think it mentions something about getting a loaner if the vehicle is being repaired. It also mentions if vehicle breaks down during basic warranty period and owner is more than 100 or 125 miles from the primary residence, than kia will reimburse you up to $300 to cover food, lodging, and any alternate transportation you may need. This kind of Emergency Travel expenses benefit is usually offerd as a standard on high end luxury models only. I know we have this benefit on our o2 cr-v, but thats only because we purchased the extended warranty.
Good to be back. I've actually been doing a bit of both, maneuvers and driving the Sorento (like going for a cup of coffee 60 miles away from home).
I showed the Sorento to my close friend who owns the BMW dealership. I made sure my Diamond Silver was nice and shiny both inside and out. I think he was a little disappointed that I didn't get a used X5 (I was contemplating doing it but found that my budget would be strecthed to the breaking point). However, he did seem impressed with the overall fit, finish and look of the SUV. I did notice him looking at a couple of the plastic parts (the panel where the window buttons are) but he did seem impressed with the quality (the mags really help out with the Sorento's pricey look). In fact he's going to help me install some body-side moulding from the X5 on my LX's doors. I dread getting dinged and right now there is no protection whatsoever. I did some mock-ups in Paintshop and I think I'll get a distinctive look. I'll post some pics once completed.
Cheers!
Mike
I've flipped through the 112 page KIA Warranty Manual. It's not really that long, because pages 47 through 112 consist of nothing but State specific disclaimers, for all 50 States. I couldn't find any references to free rentals or to free lodging in the warranty manual. However, there is a separate small brochure explaining the features of the 5-year unlimited miles roadside assistance program. Under "Trip Interruption Policy", it does say warranty related breakdowns 150 miles from home are eligible for reimbursements for food, lodging, and transportation, up to $300, if repairs take more than 24 hours.
brebh......so is Ragsdale selling an LX for $16,667 or $16,667 PLUS $3,500? Your EX 4x4 looks like it lists for $27,125, which means you're paying $1,225 under MSRP. Seems like a very good deal.....congrats!
lok88: I don't know if Ragsdale can sell at $2,250 under invoice. Someone posted that and all I did was ask if that's a typo or the deal of the decade. Your info on 'ordering' is the same as mine...that dealers can't order from Korea, but 'order' from Regional offices, after the cars are unloaded at the docks.
-mike
-mike
all the vehicles that were compared are pretty curvy vehicles. Actually I bet the Sorento is curvier then the CRV.