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10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000

2009 Kia Sorento

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Overview

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2009 Kia Sorento Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

Styled and sized like a modern crossover utility vehicle, Kia's mid-size Sorento SUV retains the rugged body-on-frame construction preferred by off-road enthusiasts and those who need to tow heavier trailers. The Sorento's five-passenger cabin has the look and feel of an upscale SUV, making it as equally adept at shuttling business clients as it is at hauling the kids and family dog. Of course, the Sorento's long list of standard features, a choice of impressively powerful V6 engines, easy-to-swallow low sticker price and Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty are also big draws. Safety is another area where the Sorento shines, with a five-star government crash-test safety rating, full-length side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control and traction control, all included as standard equipment.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for an SUV that's bigger than a Honda CR-V but smaller than a Dodge Durango, the 2009 Kia Sorento might suit you perfectly. Its long list of standard equipment, low base price and comfortable ride make it a good choice for the casual off-road warrior or those who keep their driving strictly on the pavement.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Powered by their rear wheels, the two-wheel-drive Sorento models don't offer the level of traction in ice, snow or mud provided by their front-wheel-drive competitors. The two V6 engines perform well but deliver mediocre fuel economy.

What's New for 2009

No major changes on the Kia Sorento for 2009.

Driving the Sorento

Driving Impressions On the road, the 2009 Kia Sorento seems as solid and secure as the best SUVs from Japan and the U.S, and the steering feels light but precise and controlled....

The Sorento's strong V6 engine offers plenty of low-end torque and highway performance. The five-speed automatic delivers crisp shifts and rarely has to hunt for the proper gear. The Sorento's somewhat soft suspension displays more front-end dive and rear squat than we would prefer during harder acceleration and braking. However, the handling in turns does not seem to be affected in the same way, and the Sorento delivers good cornering ability without excessive lean or body roll.

Favorite Features

Wide Interior
The Sorento's wide interior provides for a roomy cargo area and offers plenty of shoulder room.

Array of Standard Equipment
For the money, few other SUVs can match the Sorento's array of standard equipment.

2009 Kia Sorento Details

Interior

This is a five-passenger vehicle, but we think that, if those passengers are adults, four would be a more comfortable fit. The Sorento's rear seats provide good headroom and legroom and allow for a fairly large cargo area behind them. The interior quality is commendably good, with substantial plastic components, rich textures and plush surfaces. Standard front and rear side-curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag comprise a worthwhile safety bonus.

Exterior

The 2009 Kia Sorento looks sharp and, on appearance alone, could easily be mistaken for a high-end Japanese SUV. The flared wheel arches, high windowsill line and wide side moldings impart a feeling of solidity, while the high ground clearance and optional Torque-On-Demand four-wheel-drive system promise good traction in slippery conditions.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2009 Kia Sorento LX trim level includes the 3.3-liter V6 engine, a five-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), rear defroster, illuminated entry, remote keyless entry, auto-off headlamps, electronic stability and traction control, dual heated power mirrors, power windows, power locks, AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player and 10 speakers, front and rear side-curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag, fuel tank skid plate, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, four 12-volt outlets, alloy wheels and a rear wiper and washer. The EX with Luxury Package adds a 3.8-liter V6, fog lights, side cladding, power sunroof, eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, leather seating and interior trim, automatic headlamps, 16-inch machined alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic temperature control and Torque-on-Demand full-time four-wheel drive.

Optional Equipment

Options for the EX include Torque-On-Demand full-time four-wheel drive, fog lights, remote start and a rear spoiler. The LX Value Package adds a sunroof, leather seats, 16-inch alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Stand-alone options and accessories include part-time four-wheel drive, a trailer hitch and side step bars.

Under the Hood

The Sorento's 3.8-liter V6 is a strong engine with good pulling and passing power, and it works particularly well with the five-speed automatic transmission. The 3.3-liter V6 in the LX reduces weight and cost, but delivers nearly as much power as the larger 3.8-liter. Those who need to tow up to 5,000 pounds, however, will want to opt for the larger engine, as the 3.3-liter is tow rated up to only 3,500 pounds.

3.3-liter V6
242 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
228 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 (2WD), 15/22 (4WD)

3.8-liter V6
262 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 (2WD), 15/20 (4WD)

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2009 Kia Sorento Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.3

Out of 5

Based on 100 Ratings for the 2009 - 2011 Kia Sorento models.

Review this car

Value

4.4/5

Quality

4.4/5
Reliability

4.6/5

Performance

4.2/5
Comfort

4.3/5

Styling

4.7/5

Bought this SUV two weeks ago, but AWESOME so far

By Par18 (CO) on Monday, January 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 600

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 4/5
Performance: 4/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5

Pros: "Bluetooth, IPod integration, Sirius, Backup Camera"

Cons: "Ride is a bit firm"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"After researching this vehicle extensively, I'm very happy with my purchase. The posted complaints are all there...firm ride, lack of space in the back seat, etc. but with that all said, it's hands down the best value and quality for the money in it's class. KIA has REALLY stepped up their game. To buy a competitive vehicle, you would have to spend thousands more. I test drove the four and six cylinder and purchased the six. Spend the additional money...the mileage is about the same, but the difference in performance is big. Also, I've owned numerous six cylinder cars and the Sorento's mileage is about the same (another complaint) - approximately 300 miles per tank of city driving and better on highway. Great features, fit and finish, power and handling...you can't go wrong!"

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Unable to buy 2012 KIA Sorrento b/c of Blind Spot

By SafeSuvSeeker (PA) on Saturday, January 21, 2012

I don't own this car

5 1.0

overall rating 1 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/5
Value: 1/5
Reliability: 1/5
Quality: 1/5
Performance: 1/5
Styling: 1/5
Comfort: 1/5

Pros: "It had everything I thought I wanted in an SUV"

Cons: "Blind spot is so big not purchaseable"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"2012 Kia Sorento: most frightening test drive of my life. I had researched this car and went in with a printed off internet built order for a brand new Sorrento EX V6. I had built this car online 10 times and knew what I wanted. Unfortunately, I test drove the car-- and could not see to the left to change lanes. They have pushed the driver seat so far next to the window that your face is almost up against the glass when you try to look over your shouldler to change to the left lane. Plus the back pillers are huge and the third window is small and out of line of site. You simply cannot see. I had my husband switch drivers to confirm just to make sure that I wasn't being a ninny or missing some simple adjustment. This vehicle should be illegal. You could put a semi in the blind spot and to top it off, they gave it a rearview mirror the size of what would go on compact car. You would need mirrors the size of cookie trays to see out of this thing. I hate to know that other cars that blind are out on the road with me. It is so bad it made me think that visibility needs to be separate safety score on all vehicles. I dreamed of buying this thing for 6 mos. then I finally was ready to buy, I took it for drive and almost cried when I figured out it is undriveable. I am still sad. I wanted this vehicle so badly and it is un-buyable. I would feel irresponsible if I bought that thing."

10 people out of 24 found this review helpful

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