By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Thanks in advance.
Merry Christmas!
Regarding the removal of the cross rails, yes...fmunoz1069 explained it (thanks again!) and I found those 6 screws. By 'safety device' for my garage door, do you mean an infra-red beam? No, we don't have that feature.
http://www.automotivetechnology.net/products/company.asp?comID=133
and http://www.sachs-automotive.com/
for information on the Sachs Nivomat.
Questions- Regarding the Eaton Carbon LS differential- The other day, I put the Sorento up in the air to check out the underpinnings. They seemed quite sturdy. Although it looks like changing the engine oil and filter will require removal of the front skid plate (5 bolts). In any case, when I spun a rear wheel, I noticed something that seemed out of character for a LS diff. When I turned the left rear wheel forward, the right rear wheel turned backwards. Now I have owned several 4WD vehicles and muscle cars with LS diffs and they have always had wheels that turn in the same direction when one side is spun. I wonder if this is peculiar to the Eaton diff or (heaven forbid!) did they put the wrong rear end on my Sorento?
Another peculiarity that I noticed regarding the differentials is the frequency of lubricant replacement- every 22.5K miles in Normal Service. Now, I can understand frequent lubricant changes if you regularly ford streams with the Sorento. Unfortunately the differential air vent is mounted directly to the axle housing- not extended with a hose as is the practice on many 4WDS. But if you don't expose the axles to possible water entry, 22.5K is really frequent for a constant mesh gearset. How many vehicles on the road NEVER get a lubricant change (not that I endorse this) and go well over 100K miles? Some of this might be answered when I spend the $100 necessary to purchase the 2 service manuals described at the back of the Sorento owner's manual.
I bought some cheap Walmart vinyl floor mats and put away the Kia's carpeted ones for summer. Let's hope Kia comes out with a rubber set of mats real soon. A custom fit low profile ski rack (like on the Jeep GC) would also be great too.
This afternoon, with about 6-8 inches of snow on the ground, I tried out the Sorento. I had little faith in the wimpy-looking tread of the Michelin Cross Terrain tires. But I have to admit, they acquitted themselves well in the snow. I could tromp on the gas pedal and they would hook right up. The TOD transfer case worked great with no indecision, just great traction- equal or better than my Quadra-Trac and Trac-Lok equipped '94 Jeep GC (for sale) with Pirelli Scorpions. The ABS worked just fine when I forced a skid in a large vacant parking lot. In short, I am satisfied AND impressed with the Sorento's poor traction abiliites.
BTW, I noticed that the ABS (at least the electronics and valve module) is manufactured by Bosch. You would think Akebono (sp?) or some other Asian manufacturer would be the logical source.
Sorry for the excessive wordiness but I been locked in the house with relatives most of the day and I just had to let it out!
LSD: My Trooper has a rear LSD and it spins the wheels opposite, like the sorento. I've tested it and both rears will lock together if need be in slippage conditions. 22.5K is std. differential change intervals for a lot of 4wd vehicles these days. I know my Trooper they reccomend 20K intervals as well as Nissans. Probably cause manufacturers know that people will slack off on it.
Headroom: I'm not tall but the Headroom is no worse than any other vehicles in this class.
-mike
On the Michelin Cross Terrain tires. they were designed for Suvs and small light duty pickups. They were rated as VG by a Consumer magazine. they are not to agressive of a tire mostly to drive in city and highway and not for real baja tracking. With the snow we got in here inCT I found them to be very good and the $WD Auto worked very well. Tried the 4lo as well and that pulled me along just fine on the back roads as well as my pickup.
-mike
Thanks for the heads-up on the LS Diff. I'll have to confirm its proper operation on an icy patch where my front two tires and one rear can't get traction. As far as the lubricant change goes, I'll have to abide by it to keep the warranty in effect, but it is totally unecessary in my estimation.
I noticed that the AT calls for Dexron II fluid while the transfer case requires Dexron III. I thought Dexron III superceded all Dexron II applications. Although, the guy who rebuilt the tranny on my Jeep GC swears by Dex II- even over the mandated Chrysler 7176 fluid. Strange how the axles require a lubricant change but not the transmission (under NORMAL service).
You're probably right about the deteriorating low tracion performance of the Michelins as the miles accumulate. I checked some customer reviews of this tire at tirerack.com. Most were quite generous with praise- but most drivers described their driving as generally highway, little off road or snow/ice comments.
Anyone with a Sorento get factory license plate mounting brackets for the front or the rear? The dealer direct-mounted my front plate to the bumper using 2 self-tapping screws. The rear plate was fastened with 2 machine screws into properly spaced threaded inserts in the liftgate. I was 150 miles from the dealer when I noticed this. I saw another Sorento in a shopping center parking lot the other day and noticed that the plates were held on the same way. Not too elegant, since the rear plate can vibrate against the liftgate and scratch the paint.
-mike
shcip1 - Yes. I am not familiar with the garage door. But I meant the infra-red sensor. I think some garage doors also featured the pitch protection. If the door hit on an object, it will open all the way up, like the elevator door. I mention this to you because you hit the Homelink button when cleaning the rearveiw mirror and the garage door was almost hitting your car.
mcclutz - I have a beige Sorento EX with beige interior. I wanted the silver with gray interior. But the dealer only had maroon, black and beige Sorento EX to choose from. For the black, you only get gray interior. I think the gray interior doesn't look on a beige car. It looks good with the simulated wood trim. If Kia can put the polished wood trim, it will look even real. I am familiar with posting pictures on internet. But I will ask my brother to show it. I just took some pictures of my Sorento on the snow with my 35mm camera. It is true that we don't see many Sorentos on the road (same thing with the new Toyota 4Runner).
paisan - I think I drove my Sorento (4WD with T.O.D.) with the 4Lo for some miles (some highway speed too) this morning. Is it going to harm my car? And what do you recommend for the tire on Sorento (for next tire change)?
brookklyn1951 - I don't think the Kia make the front license plate bracket for Sorento. The dealer did the same thing on mine. The front bumper isn't providing enough space for the plate. I think they should put a mesh grill on the lower bumper to prevent any small object getting to the radiator. Most cars in MA required front and rear license (except some plates issued in about 10 to 12 years ago) or you won't pass the annual state inspection. I would try Auto Zone for the universal bracket.
Anyone - Should I get an oil change after the 1000 miles? And anyone feel the heated front seats warm only when you sit on it. I mean I don't feel the heat (with the switch on) by just touching the seat surface with no one sit on it.
Tires...
I'd look at Pirelli Scorpion ATs, Yokohama Geolander AT II+, Bridgestone Dueller REVO ATs All good tires and resonable prices.
-mike
On the Fog lights, I wonder if there are same fog light model in yellow color. I believe its better than white.
1. the skid plates (there are 2) will have to be removed when performing an oil change (as mentioned by Brooklyn1951). The one closest to the front in order to get to the drain plug and the second so as to avoid any accidental accumulation. Any oil that accumulates may lead you to believe you have an oil leak from the drippings (and it's also environmentally unfriendly).
2. the Sorento takes exactly 4.5 litres of oil (I provided the oil - Mobil 1 5w30 tri-synthetic)
3. the Sorento certified technician/mechanic who worked on my Sorento told me to make sure for all future oil changes that I stipulate that they grease the drive shaft and the universal joint. He explained to me in some detail why it needs to be done but the Reader's Digest version is that if not done it may cause some vibrations which may lead to premature wear. Being the conscientious professional, he mentioned that other mechanics may not know or realize this. He mentioned it's not a requirement but a good preventive measure.
Happy motoring & Happy Holidays!
My gas mileage seems to be holding steady at slightly over 19. Last two fill-ups were 19.4 and 19.2. Hope it edges over 20 as engine breaks in. Otherwise, maybe I'll also try Mobil 1 !
Happy Motoring in the new year!
It would seem that lubrication is done to prevent wear, or am I wrong?
In that case, it should read:
"...if not done it may cause some premature wear which may lead to vibrations."
Doesn't this sound more correct?
BTW, has anyone found a way to make the ambient temperature become the default readout on the automatic climate control (ACC) display? I think that it's way more important to be constantly apprised of rising or falling temperatures that may lead to slick roads than to know what I have set the cabin temperature and airflow to. I think that Kia should have left the temperature readout in the overhead display as they did on the standard non-ACC variant.
I wish I had more specific details to give out. I may have lost some details in the translation seeing that he was explaining this in French to me. In any case next time I'm around the dealership, I'll go and ask him to explain it again (with a drawing, if necessary).
Keep you guys posted...
schip1 - I just got my gas last weekend (just passed 700 miles). I still got 13.5 mph on my Sorento EX 4WD, same thing with the week before. I cut back on warming up engine and idling (and I have no heavy load or towing). I just passed 1200 miles today (drove over 400 miles yesterday).
I am very impressed with my inspection and drive of the Sorento. I nearly bought the first one I drove, then got cold feet. As I have read reviews since Saturday, I'm a bit confused by some of the extremely negative comments from supposed users on other (non-Edmunds) boards. Is KIA as bad as they say? A long warranty is nice, but the hassle factor of taking a car to the shop isn't worth it.
I'd appreciate the input from owners.
Steve, Host
I don't own a Sorento, and I've yet to read any comments on other message boards about them. However, about a year ago I did browse the many postings here in the Town Hall regarding the Sedona, good and bad, as my wife and I were thinking about buying a minivan. I was skeptical about KIA at the time, but after test driving a Sedona, I was pleasantly surprised by it, and would not hesitate to purchase one.
Now...about comments on other message boards towards KIA. At times it can be fairly obvious that most people have never driven, nor owned, a KIA (especially a new one), so they really don't know what they are talking about when posting comments, and thus have no experience to back them up. This goes for any brand of vehicle.
For example, I bought a new Dodge Neon R/T in 1998, and 66,000 miles later, while not perfect in terms of quality, it is not the piece of junk most people would have you believe.
The latest vehicle purchase in our family has been a 2002 Honda CR-V EX w/4WD bought by my Mom in September. News flash: this vehicle is not perfect. With a little over 5000 miles, I have counted 6 quality problems serious enough to make 2 trips back to the dealership. One group of problems were investigated during the 3000 mile service, and another trip is pending.
These issues include:
- A driver's armrest that slants downward, making it useless.
- The "headlights on" warning tone that failed to do its job when getting out of the car, resulting in a dead battery and a stranded Mom.
- A cargo light that would not go off when shutting the door.
- Interior lights that will not come on when opening driver's door.
- Failure of the auto-down function on the driver's power window.
- Clicking noises from brakes when pulling in or out of driveway or parking lot and stepping on brake pedal.
Moral of the story? You are taking your chances with any vehicle you purchase. Even Honda, the (falling) industry star of vehicle quality.
Good luck with your choice...
Chris
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Placeman: I admire the fact that you do your own oil changes. Wish I had the means to do it as well. However, I find the Sorento's engine layout to be quite user unfriendly since it seems to be laid out quite deep (on the vertical axis as opposed to the horizontal axis). Heck, I won't even be able to change my own plugs, something that I have always done. :-(
txguy: 27 MPG!!?! They must have been coasting in neutral downhill (possibly with the engine off) at the time. 17-18 MPG is more realistic. I love the Sorento but she's a thirsty bugger (as many other 6 cylinder SUVs). My ex-wife's Cherokee doesn't get better mileage. BTW, I would like to know where these negative comments are coming from. I doubt they're about the Sorento. I have nothing but praise for the vehicle. Too bad they're not selling as well in Montreal as I wished they would. My Sorento does, however, elicit lots of positive comments and stares. In fact, just the other night my alarm paged me while I was watching the new Lord of the Rings. I ran out the theater to catch some guy in a bimmer looking in my car. I wish people would just go the the dealerships and check them out there... sigh...
Willcg (aka Chris). My CRV wasn't as bad but I did have to replace the master cylinder at 18,000 kms. The mechanic told me he had several of these cases. Go figure, Honda quality. As mentioned before here, the Koreans are the Japanese of the 80s making advances in product quality by leaps and bounds.
Cheers!
Mike
BTW, A happy, healthy new year to all!
#1520: eastbayer, ambient temp button is on the Auto Climate Control panel. I know what you mean about the window sticker being confusing. I asked the same questions and got answer from dealer, who got it from KIA.
#1542: brooklyn1951, Page 7-8 of USA manual lists "Front and rear driveshaft u-joints" lubrication at 15,000 mile intervals. I'm guessing Mikesf's service tech is recommending that it should be done more often.
#1544: lok888, 13.5 mpg seems kind of low, even for a 4x4 (mine is 2WD, getting around 19.2). Sure hope low mileage is 'cause you're enjoying the 192 HPs
#1549: txguy, 27 mpg, eh? Sounds like someone is stretching the truth to sell you a car! Regarding your requests for positive & negative feedback on the Sorento, I think your best bet would be to scroll up and read some of the previous posts. That should give you a good cross-section.
#1555: mikesf....our USA manual (Page 7-5) says to change oil and filter every 7,500 miles under 'Normal' and every 3,000 miles under 'Severe'. Does the Canadian manual say the same thing? I read what you said about changing every 5,000 kms, even though you use synthetic. Do you think KIA is being overly aggressive with their recommendation of every 7,500 miles?
Here's where to find them: Synthetic motor oil and Maintenance & Repair
tidester, host
Just to throw in a data point, I'm not experiencing any vibrations that some have reported on this forum. I have set tire pressures to both 30 and 35 psi and it drives as solid as a rock at 75 mph with a good 20 mph cross wind. There is a little engine/drive train resonance at 2500rpm no matter what speed or gear, but I consider it very minor - it feels like more of a sound insulation issue than anything.
On the EX, I noticed the first time the forward speed exceeds about 5 mph after the car is started, there is a small vib and clunk in the front end - I think I read that this is the speed sensitive steering mechanism engaging. This was also present in the EX demo car, but not in the LX. Anyone else notice this?
My 2nd tank of gas was just under 19mpg 2/3 highway, 1/3 city.
As mentioned, I have the EX, non-luxury package, with just the cargo mat accessory and I paid just under 24K for it. I'm very happy with this since it was exactly the base price that you get from all the internet pricing folks. Dealer added $299 DOH charge to this. The car is from Tynans in Fort Collins, CO. I would recommend them and believe me, that means a lot coming from someone like me, just ask my wife
If anyone would like more details on the prices/features, let me know - Happy New Year!
Dave
lok888: I know what you mean about the ACC. I don't like the presets and I'm always fiddling with the controls. By default, when in auto, it always directs heat to the floor, but I like it to also blow from dash. The fan speed should increase if car is too cold relative to your temp setting. Another flakey thing about the ACC (or maybe mine is deflective?) is that when in auto, sometimes the AC turns on when it should not. Worse example is one night when car had been parked outside for hours at 45 F, got into car, started up and AC turned ON!!! I'll also have Service Dept. check this out. Don't forget that even if you change one setting (decrease fan speed, for example), the ACC is no longer on auto, but it retains/maintains temperature setting.
Regarding mileage and driving habits: I warm up car maybe 10 seconds? ....long enough to buckle seat belt and check mirrors, etc...and drive off. Commute is probably 75/25 freeway/city, round trip 70 miles. Office at sea level, home at 300 ft; using 87 octane. After 3,200 miles, averaging just over 19 mpg (2WD).
Come to think of it, it was a driver test report on the Sorento (one of the countless ones) that I read that mentioned this feature as the speed sensitive steering only in the EX version.
Can't wait to take it off-road, but gently, cause it's still new.
Dave
My only gripe is with the switch panel on the driver's door. I wish that all of the buttons illuminated at night, instead of just the window buttons. It makes it hard to find in the dark. Also, by the posts that I've seen, I'm kind of relieved that I got an LX without all of the extra bells and whistles. It sounds like some of you are having some problems either figuring out or using the extra "fancy" gadgets. The LX model is simple and no-fuss.
$25K for an EX with everything but 4wd is a good deal....
As a lady, I love the 24 hour roadside assistance..no others offered this for 5 years..
Double compartment in the middle console..
The outside air temp is the AMB buttun if you have climate control....
The sqeak in the back seat (if you have one) is the back seat or the storage cover, make sure its latched well, and it will go away....
There are many defroster buttons, but the manual is wrong on what they do, I've had fun figuring it all out....
My boat weighs 2500 lbs and is brake assisten and my Sorento will pull it if I want...
Oh I've have 3 tanks of gas and I've gotten 19, 20 and 21 mpg (80%hwy 20%in town).......
People asked me if that was a new Lexus, 1st time was on test drive..
People at work can't believe its a KIA...
I love it!!
Thought you all might like a girl's perspective....Later..
We do! Thanks!
tidester, host