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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Kia Sorento

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Kia Sorento

Overview

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2009 Kia Sorento Review

By KBB.com Editors

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

7.9

Out of 10

Based on 579 Ratings for the 2003 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

8.2/10

Quality

8.0/10
Reliability

8.3/10

Performance

8.2/10
Comfort

8.4/10

Styling

8.6/10

Best car I've ever had!

By Gette (TX) on Saturday, July 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 130,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Low maintenance, interior has REALLY held up."

Cons: "Gas mileage - but I have pushed it!"

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

"I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Kia Sorento! I've kept up with regular maintenance and this car has NEVER failed me. I would buy another in a heartbeat. In fact I'm thinking about doing exactly that. I've replaced a few wiper blades and one set of tires and brakes, but for 130,000 miles, that's not too much to ask. I call my car Ms. Zippy because when I hit that accelerator, she gets it. She gets around slow moving cars and gets me where I need to be in a hurry. The upholstery has held up very well -- not one crack in the leather after 8 years. She's still beautiful and runs like a top. Excellent car! She's almost as good as a truck. There's not much she hasn't carried, including a 7 foot Christmas tree!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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SUV Very Reliable good choice for money

By Ray (CA) on Sunday, May 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 145,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Very dependable"

Cons: "headlight lens have to be polished."

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

"Bought this Kia with 1020000 miles on it. Had the timing belt changed at 130000 just for piece of mind. Car has never leaked any fluids and is very dependable. Now has 145k on it and still going strong.."

8 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Very nice Midsize SUV

By Cajun (LA) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 135,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

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

"It is comfortable, easy to drive and plenty of power. Love it on long trips seats provide good support."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Big mistake

By DSwanson1 (ID) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: Nothing but Problems - My approximate mileage is 117,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Comfortable"

Cons: "Not worth the costs"

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

"This was the worst vehicle choice ever!! We had it for 3 months and the radiator blew. Then all the window switches stopped working and the AC would not hold its charge. The transmission started going out when we hit 110,000 miles and when we traded it in, we only got $1500 for it. Thought that would be the last time I got a KIA that was build prior to 2005, but my wife tricked me and bought a 2003 Kia Spectra. We have had nothing but issues with that one also."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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deluxe

By lancef (TX) on Sunday, March 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 136,140

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "useful, comfortable, full of features"

Cons: "large, fills the lane or parking spot"

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

"I also drive a Mercedes SLK230, and actually prefer the Sorento. it has all the features, is quick to get away from a stoplight, has decent mpg. When I visit my mother, 300 miles away, she prefers I bring the Sorento, as the seats are more comfortable. Although the moon-roof isn't the same experience as dropping the top on the SLK, there are few times, with today's weather, that I actually benefit from driving a convertible. The Sorento seems huge compared to the sports cars I am used to driving, but I purchased it because it is immensely more useful than a two-seat sports car. There are even threaded bolt-holes for adding a trailer hitch. A DIY'er can add a hitch with ease."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Loved it

By Happy Consumer (IN) on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,600

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Awsome in the snow"

Cons: "Warrenty fine print"

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

"I have owned two of these, the sorento itself is a great SUV, it drives and handles as good if not better than others out there, I have often said its like riding in a lincoin because the ride is so smooth. It is great in the snow, I have not gotten it stuck yet! I am very happy with this vehicle, I was rearended in my last one and I have to say I had less dammage then the other vehicle it just messed up the bumper and tail light but the other car was totaled. I recommend this vehicle all the time to everyone. I think the price is comparable to others its size and options, I will say this while the warrenty is good you have to do a lot to keep in with in the warrenty requirements (thats the only down side) and the warrenty is only half if you sell the vehicle to someone else or if your the second owner its not the full 10/100,000 of the original warrenty."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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