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10 Best Sedans Under $25,000

2009 Kia Sorento

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Kia Sorento

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

8.3

Out of 10

Based on 117 Ratings for the 2009 - 2011 Kia Sorento models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

8.3/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.9/10

First Brand New Car

By Trenton (MS) on Tuesday, May 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,400

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, better gas mileage."

Cons: "haven't found any yet, but i'll keep you posted"

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

"We drove off the lot with this car having 1.0 miles on it and I have grown to love it. We went from a jeep liberty, which got terrible gas mileage and was small for a family of four, to this. Right now we get about 24 city and 28 or better highway. We are averaging above the epa estimates. I have thoroughly enjoyed this car thus far and love all the features that accompany the SX edition. I love the third row and fold down cup holder in the 2nd row as well."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Bad Choice

By Ramona Greenwell (WA) on Monday, May 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 2/10

Pros: "Like the color and it pops. Clean lines"

Cons: "The mpg and ride is very rough"

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

"The only thing I actually like in this vehicle is the bluetooth. I traded in a 2002 Suburban and a 2009 Elantra. Big mistake. It said mpg what they dont tell you is its downhill, engine off. I felt very deceived. I was getting 25mpg in my elantra and 14in my suburban and I was led to believe i would get more in the KIA. I am getting 16mpg in the city and the most I got from a trip to CA was 26mpg. When I have passengers ride they are very uncomfortable. Forget the 3rd seat. Only small children can ride. You cant put anything in the car like groceries if the 3rd seat is up. There is no backdoor release. The stereo system is not good at all. The ride is extremely stiff. To boot there is absolutely no lumbar support! I am sore after driving for any length of time. I am selling this car to get back a Yukon or Suburban. I figure if I am going to only get 16mpg Id rather my passengers be comfortable and the vehicle be functional. (you can actually put something in it."

1 person out of 4 found this review helpful

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see all 117 reviews