Kia Sorento

hciaffa

with the 4X2 there should be no problem with the rotation you could go front to back or add in the spare to even everything off.

mr_bots

I think I'm going to get an LX, it has a lot of standard equipment and is more in my price range, and I live in the southwestern area of the U.S. where it never snows so I don't need a 4x4, just a 4x2 which will save on the sticker and insurance.

sonnyrocker

Wise decision bro. 4x4 is a nice toy, but it will cost you almost 2 extra Gs
Let us know how you like it, after you get it

sonnyrocker

oh, one more thing. The 4x4 is heavier than the 4x2, therefore, it eats more gas too.

lok888

mr_bots - I think EX is even better with standard sunroof, roof rack, fog lights, keyless entry and alloy wheels (includes spare) with Michelin tires. And EX 2WD is just perfect in your area. Although 2WD is a bit lighter but it doesn't save you a lot of gas when you look at the data. For insurance, I am not sure if there is much different between 4WD SUV & 2WD SUV at least in MA. Good luck.

hciaffa

earlier this week I notice a new topic that was appeared in this group called 'Soccer Moms and Dads new choice in minivans'....After reading many of the postings I don't think that this relates to the KIA Sorento. It talks about Honda and Chrysler vans. When it appeared it alrady had about 50 postings in it. Was this transfered into this group by accident. As you know the Sorento is a SUV and not a mini van.

tidester

The soccer moms topic shows up in the Vans area. I don't see it in SUVs and, yes, it would most definitely be in the wrong place if it were here.

tidester, host

lilac0422

When you do a make and model search, that topic shows up. If you read the description of the topic, it says Kia Sorento. I believe that it should say Kia Sedona. If some moderator could fix that, it would be appreciated as I like to check and subscribe to any Sorento topics that pop up. I am not really that interested in the Sedona or Van forum. thanks

hciaffa

I don't know what you mean you can't see it. It appears here in the Kia Sorento topic. Like I said it just appeared one day as if someone moved it into the Sorento topic area. lilac0422....It really dosen't have any posts on the Sedona most is about the Chrysler, Honda and Ford vans. If there is mention to Sedona I must have missed since I went thru most of them. Then your right it should go under the Sedona topic section.

lilac0422

any posts specifically talking about the Sedona. However, I believe the topic was created to talk about all minivans. That includes trying to get some Sedona owners to talk about their vehicles. Nonetheless, it should not say Kia Sorento in the "what is this discussion about" at the top of the page. When you enter a make and model to search for on Edmunds, it does not search the body of every discussion on this site, it simply searches through the "what is this discussion about" and pulls info from there. Because that soccer moms discussion says Kia Sorento in the "what is this discussion about", it is going to pull up that topic when you search for Kia Sorento.

tidester

Oh, I see what you mean! I always come in through the full SUV board and the soccer mom discussion does not show up there at all. Lilac's explanation is correct and perhaps "Kia Sorento" should be edited out of the "What's this discussion about?" by the Vans host! (Steve!)

tidester, host

stever

Something tells me that the category was supposed be Sedona in the drop-down list :-)

As soon as I find my glasses, I'll go tweak the category listing.

Steve, Host

rctennis3811

Does anyone have any early information on what to expect on the 2005 Kia Sorento? Third-row, new engine, or whatnot?

lok888

Last time I went to service, the manager said something about a 3.7L V6 with more horsepower. I am not sure about this because I only saw Hyundai did an engine upgrade on its Santa Fe. I have read some discussion about the third row seat. For its existing design, it is possible to add a third seat on Sorento like the '04 Toyota Highlander. I sat on one before. And it was the wrost when compared with other SUVs with third row seat in the market. It is like seating on the cargo floor with a seat cushion.

lok888

on my post #3199 on 1/14/04. The RPM is about 2500 when cruising at 70 mph. It is not 3000 RPM. :-)

rctennis3811

Any idea if it will still be a cast-iron block with no variable valve timing?? I know they can add VVT..they did on the Spectra and Elantra.

iluvmysephia1

will also be offering CVVT on the new under-development mini-utes, Sportage and Tuscon. It would only make sense, since the new-gen Elantra and Spectra are getting CVVT engines. The European Spectra will even be built with two diesel engine options, a first for a Kia motorcar.
   That doesn't necessarily apply to new Sorento's and Santa Fe's though, or does it? The CVVT engines cut down on emmissions and improve gas mileage both.

sonnyrocker

I just filled up my gas tank for the 2nd time. I average about 16 miles/gallon.

sonnyrocker

Anyone else thinks that the LX looks better than the EX?
The two tone color with the plastic cladding looks cheap to me on the EX. The one color on the LX looks much classier, that's just my opinion so EX owners please don't get offended.
The leather seats are uncomfortable and the wood grain interior looks cheap. I prefer the clothed seats on the LX myself. The only good thing about EX is that it has a better audio system and sunroof.
What do you think? I am not bashing on the EX model, but if you can let me know what you think without bias, that would be great. I have been thinking about this for awhile. Perhaps I am the only one thinks that the LX looks better.

lok888

Exterior - I like the EX and that's why I got my gold beige with stone beige exterior cladding. They don't show much contrast like red & beige or black & beige. I didn't like the two-tone color much when I first looked at Sorento. I was looking for the features on EX. I don't care if EX has mono tone color like many SUVs out there. For my opinion, I think the LX looks will much better with optional alloy wheels (or sport package) and color keyed side mirrors.

Interior - I have to disagree with you with the leather. Some said it is hot in summer. But I have an '03 Camry with cloth seats. I feel the same thing in both cars during the last hot summer here. In fact, leather is easy to clean. I can just wipe out the spills with a damp cloth. And I probably need to use some chemical spray if it is on cloth seats. And I like the heated seats very much. I am not a big fan of wood trim. I know it is fake but it looks good on the steering wood. Anyway, just buy what you like and enjoy it.

sonnyrocker

oh yeah!! Most definitely the alloy wheels!! I have that on my LX and the roof rake, and the car looks great.
Next, I would like to get the hood shield and the wind noise reducer for the windows and it would look even better.
As for leather seats and clothed seats, I guess its a matter of personal tastes.

lok888

Is your LX has alloy wheels? If I was in the market for LX, I would prefer the sport package or optional alloy wheels (including spare). I think they cost around $450-$500 if installed at factory? If you buy those from dealer, the price will shock you plus labor.

I have the WeatherTech window deflectors (from www.mats.com). It is a bit expensive than those from Auto Vent Shade because it requires no exterior tape and better look. I also bought a set of its rubber mats. It provides a great interior protection from snow, mud & dirt. I don't have hood protector or sunroof deflector. It seems difficult for car detailing if I have these put on. And I think the mudguard is a joke. I am looking an aftermarket (extended) one.

BTW, someone also noticed a door panel deformation on his/her Sorento. I read some messages from other discussion site.

sonnyrocker

Yes, my LX comes with alloy wheels, plus ABS, roof rake, and tow hitch. They were part of the car when I purchased it. It was retailed at $23,000 and I got $2,000 off cash rebate. Plus I traded in my 96 Toyota Rav4. I ended paying $15,800.
I see the windows deflectors in the Kia accessories book. Are the WeatherTech better?
What do you use to clean the alloy wheels?
What stuff do you use to detail your car? what wax and soap?

lok888

I don't do much detailing because of the weather. I only vacuum and apply some leather cleaner & conditioner. But I enjoy doing it once a week from spring to fall. The car wash place don't do a great job like myself.

The Kia sport visor is similar to Auto Vent Shade which requires exterior tape. I think the Kia costs around $60. And I saw some Auto Vent on eBay for $40. The WeatherTech is around $80 and use no exterior tape. There is a thin 3M tape for the rear windows. I just inserted all deflectors inside the window channels. The front set has no tape. They are thin and sleek looking if you look at their show car in their site. It is just a personal taste.

I just use of those alloy wheel cleaner (even Simple Green is also work for wheels and plastic/vinyl interior trims) and car wash detergent in the market. I don't have any particular brand to recommend. It depends on the store display and sales promotion. But I don't use Armor All plastic, vinyl and leather care products. It is too oily and attract more dust. I wax my car before the winter with Meguiar's (paste wax) product. It gave a mirror-like shine result. It is easy to work with. Here is my list.

* Car wash - Blue Coral
* Car wax - Meguiar's Gold Class paste wax
* Leather - Blue Coral Cleaner & Conditioner
* Wheels - Meguiar's All Wheel Cleaner
* Tires - One of those wet tire shine product
* Glass & windows - Rain X treatment

sonnyrocker

Thank you so much!!
I usually take cars through Car Wash. After winter, I like to start wax and washing on my own. Your information really help me a lot. Thanks!

For the hood shield, the dealer told me that I have to take the front grill off in order to install it. But he said that it is easy to do.

sonnyrocker

Are these optional?
I have two holes in my bumper, but no fog lights. I have the LX model. I wonder if I can get them to install it.

lok888

It is standard on EX. And it is on LX with sport package. I think you can buy the fog lights lens assemble (around $100 each?) and the mounting brackets. I don't know about the fog lights switch (on the turn signal stick). Some Toyota owners that I know they just buy the light switch from Auto Zone and use as a fog light switch. Anyway, it would be easy to get everything done in the factory. I think there is no different than any aftermarket fog lights (in term of installation) if you have the lens assemble, brackets, switch, wires.
Ask you dealer if they have any suggestion.

hciaffa

I read an article in Truck Trend last night where Kia enters a endurance type race in the desert in or near CA.. They are entering 3 stock Sorentos and the only change to them is a 3 inch lift kit larger tires. They have a team set up and are allowed to run the race before the real one to feel out the terrain and the Sorento's performed outstanding with no break downs except for a flat. This is supposed to be a real grueling event something like the Dakar, but not as long (to which KIA is known to so very well in tht race). I forgot to bring the article to work but I'll try to remember it tomorow to put down the right info.

themanq

Could manual transmission-equipped Sorento owners provide their opinions? Is it a good fit with the engine? Easy or smooth shifting?

tyresmoker

My wife wants a small suv. We have looked at EVERYTHING from a VUE to an MDX, honestly price has not been a issue, finding something we both like has been, quite frankly.
We drove a leather EX (very difficult to find in CT)last night and walked away blown away at what a package this thing was for $27.5k.
The deal breaker was the lack of headroom. I am tall and my head, no matter how I adjusted the power seat, grazed the headliner. Very dissapointed.
I believe this thing is one of the best kept secrets in the marketplace today.

lok888

I think the best price for an EX 4WD, luxury package and ABS is about $26K around here. That's what I paid for with self-levelizer, cargo tray and mudguards in December, 2002. There was no factory incentive, just ($1200 off MSRP) dealer discount. And I think this is what most people are paying now with these opinions. What model and opinions that you are looking for? $27.5K seems like a $1000 off. some people are saying about a lack of headroom on EX because of the sunroof. And they have no problem on LX.

tyresmoker

I was refering to the sticker on the one we looked at. there is a $1k rebate and about $2k in the car.
The fact that I did not fit in it stopped us at the door, so the actual pricing was a non-issue.
As far as the LX, nice car, but not equipped the way we like.

sonnyrocker

How tall are you?
I am 6'1 and I fit in with plenty of room and don't have any problems. Sorento is roomy compare to a lot of the SUV on the market today in its class. If you can't fit into a Sorento, you are going to have a difficult time to find one that fits.

tyresmoker

6'5" thanks for asking! When I tell you no room, there is no room. The sunroof tracking hangs down too low.
My wife currently has a loaded up V6 Passat, at least 1.5" more headroom in that car.

halveb

Different people have different builds. Some people the height is in the upper torso (bummer since it is more difficult to make head room) while others its in the legs (usually easier to make seats go back on tracks). Either way I am only 5'10" so I have few problems.... well... except for maybe a little girth issue.

sonnyrocker

6'5! Man, you are tall!
You need a V8 Full Size Truck!
I've learned that besides the car itself, you have to sit in there and ask your friends or your wife if you look good sitting in one. For example, I sat in a Celica and I looked stupid in one. I've seen big guys who try to look cool in a BMW Z3 convertible, and it is just their cup of tea.

tyresmoker

Ha..the Z3, reminds me of Herman Munster in the dragster episode!
I actually do drive a full size Ford SUV. (My wife says I look good in it!)

gchua

Here's a write up on the manual Sorento (I posted a while back deciding between a LX Sport Manual vs LX Auto ABS)...

1) One of the easiest clutches and quite light. Very forgiving (read, it would take a lot to stall). Clutch engagement is a bit low though and shifter is a bit notchy - but then again - this is truck, not a bimmer. Overall, very easy SUV to drive as a stick IMHO.

2) Test drove both. I can say stick gives the Sorento extra pep. Auto is OK. Manual actually makes the Sorento peppy. Powerband sweetspot is 3k to 4k (I don't redline - again, its a SUV!). The gear ratios are pretty close - this contributes to the fact that manual Sorento has WORSE mileage than Auto!!! But, obviously, helps to improve pick up.

3) As someone that prefers to drive a stick, I am glad to have picked it over the manual (though still wish I had ABS). No LX Sport with ABS to be had... At least in MA...

Response to other posts:

LX vs EX: IMHO - yes, think LX looks better than EX. big reason for my choice (could live w/o leather and sunroof - can get leather for about $800 and make sure its good quality leather). ditto on the wood trim - if it ain't real, what's the point. the other day, I could have sworn I saw a monotone EX though (yes, for real, dk grey, wood trim steering wheel, side flares, sun roof...).. If they come out with a monotone EX with a V8 eventually... And the economy is good... I'll be in line for a trade in!!!

Pricing: bought mine in MA at Quirk. apparently, largest volume dealer in U.S. so they have extra incentives. LX Sport w/ mats, tray, trailer hitch - $19,600 (about $3,500 off). EX was about $4,300 off. With owner loyalty, you can deduct another $1,000.

Problems: side step rattle (fixed - needed to rethread one of the bolts), rattle in driver door (to be fixed), and, finally, I did have the indentation other owners have reported!!! This when MA had 5 degree weather... But its now gone with the warmer weather... Will see what dealer says...

gchua

oops... for No. 3, I meant I'm glad I picked the stick over the Auto...

lok888

I also got mine from Quirk Kia on December, 2002. There wasn't any factory incentive back then and I don't own any Kia before. It was just $1.2K off MSRP for my fully loaded EX 4WD. Of course, people can do much better these days. I compared with Peter Fuller and Boch. It was the lowest price than I could get. What color did you get and where do you live? I am not far away from Quirk Kia. Mine is beige with stone beige. Are you sure about the mono tone EX?

luvmysorento

Sonnyrocker ~ the hood protector is very easy to install. I did it myself without any help from my hubby. You do have to take off the grill. A really easy way to mark your clip and protector placement is to place the middle clip on first. It occupies one of the holes for your grill and makes the hood protector centered. The directions come with it but they did not say to do this. It would have made it so much easier if I had realised that from the start. I have both the window shades and the hood protector. I have not had any problems detailing my Sorento with them on but I could always unscrew the hood protector and remove it if I need to. I really like the look of my Sorento with these things added. I will add more accessories later as money permits.

              ~Karen~

gchua

Well, I finally got a chance to see an Alpine Gray EX up close - this one was the one I thought was a monotone (at a Home Depot!). Basically, the lower body color is a pewter that is close enough to the Alpine Gray that it can look monotone from afar... So, it was just my eyes... Pretty nice combo though... Had I seen this earlier, may have considered the EX... But, I really liked the Black exterior and Beige interior combo - very elegant combo - which is what I ended up getting...

Lok888 - I'm up in Chelsea. Yes, I looked around. Herb Chambers is 10 min from me - but they didn't have the color I wanted - and were real vague about matching Quirk's pricing. In the end, it was worth the 45 min drive. Also, Quirk Kia Service people have been great (can't say this about other dealership service folks)...

lok888

I drove to work this morning and saw the exact one that you just mentioned. I live in Quincy and work in Boston. Mine is beige with stone beige. Maybe I will see around town or at Quirk Kia.

sonnyrocker

Hey, thank you! Yeah, I plan to add the hood protector and the window shades soon
I have a silver LX with alloy wheel, it is going to look nice with these things on them.

sonnyrocker

I read somewhere that Amsoil 0W30 Severe synthetic oil and Amsoil Super Duty filter are the best way to go, and you only do an oil change every 25,000 miles. What do you think?
I want to know what do you use when you do your oil change.

lok888

I used Mobil 1 (with Honda OEM oil filter) on last car ('93 Accord). I changed oil every 5000 to 6000 miles. I am not sure about oil change at 25000 miles interval. I was planning to use Mobil 1 on my Sorento. But my dealer would charge me like around $60. And I am just satisfied to whatever they use for about $20 or less.

hciaffa

I beleive that the owners manual calls out for 5w30 and if your in the Northeast as I am (CT) I use that type of oil.
I posted this on another Sorento web site if your interested read on.....

I get my oil change done for free at my dealer as I opted for a extended service contract, ten years bumper to bumper for 900 dollars. Before anyone says anything I usually run my vehicles into the ground I usually keep them for about 10 years or more so for less than a hundred dollars a year I got full warranty work. The only thing is on the oil change is that I supply my own oil as I use Mobil1 5W30 all year round (I like it), they supply the crush washer and filter which by the way I read somewhere that Purolator makes it for them as they make Subaru's as well. Just piece of mind I use Mobil 1 which is great here in CT with the cold weather, I would go with Amsoil but hard to find around here in CT and way to expensive. Below I attached two links of a fellow who had a lot of time on his hands and went out to research oil filters. The first site was his early work and the second site was his update. He did have a suit brought against some by a manufacturer becasue of this. I beleive he recommended the Purolator brand as well as Motorcaraft as they make it for other brands under several names. Read it and form you own opinion. I use the Kia one as I mentioned and no poblems with the pressure on the filter as full synthetics create alot of pressure.
www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/oil_filter_study/
minimopar.knizefamily.net...tmlhttp://

You will notice that Fram didn't do well and even around here there are garages that will not use them because of the cheapness of them. All it takes is sveral to blow out and word of mouth spreads fast.

lok888 I thnk it was the tech who didn't tighten the filter enough and not the filter. With the cold we had in New England that filter washer may have shrunk and or even more times than any that I have seen is that the drain bolt was not tightened enough. Remind the service people every time you go back. Also why don't you buy your own Mobil 1 and bring it to them. I get mine at Sams or Costco and save about 4 dollars over Pep Boys. I use it on my truck as well and when I so bring in the Sorento I bring in the exact amount 4 qts and almost a half of another. I am real anal about this.

sonnyrocker

Thanks for the info on the oil change, guys!!

jd97

My Sorento just turned 1 year old this week and I thought I'd mention a few things about it.
-just about ready to hit 15,000 miles
-no problems so far, knock on wood!
-Wasn't real good in snow with factory tires, unless I put it in 4wd. So I put studded snows on rear and this thing acts like it is on dry pavement. I haven't had to use 4wd since the change. awesome! (Northern NY)
-only been on 1 road trip to Maine last Spring and it was excellent riding. 2nd trip coming up to Virginia Beach in April.
-gas mileage, well we all know about that, big deal! That's not why I bought it.
-Still is the best looking SUV around my town
-not much headroom if you have power seats, don't know if regular seats are lower.
-the only thing wrong so far is the rear door, driver side, is harder than heck to open in extreme cold weather. The other 3 work normal. Must be some grease or something like that because as soon as it warms back up it seems to work OK. Will probably have dealer check hinge in Spring. Not too close to me.
-Had remote starter installed for Christmas present to myself and I love it. The installer mentioned to me that he wished American cars were as easy to do!
-All in all I'm very pleased and would recommend to anyone.

ivygrnsorento

Ummm, I don't get it. You have 4WD, yet you would rather spend $500 dollars on studded tires so you don't have to drive in 4WD??? Doesn't make any sense to me at all. Whats the purpose of having 4WD if your not going to use it???

Here in Colorado, I have the thing in 4WD almost everyday here lately with all the snow. But that is why I got 4WD in the first place.

Anyway... I'm glad to hear your Sorento is kicking butt and taking names. Thats great! I would agree, its still one of the best lookiing SUV's around.

I just went over 33,000 miles on mine last week. I had to get new tires. I ended up getting some BFGoodrich AllTerrain TA's on it. They are very aggressive looking and grip like ASOAB! I would highly recommend them to anybody in snowy conditions or do any rough and rocky off-roading. The Michelins I had were adaquate at best. As seems to be the trend with automakers, the OEM tires they put on wear out wayyyyyy to fast in my opinion.