Kia's Sorento is a medium large 4WD that satisfies the needs of many buyers in this class. Kia's a relative newcomer to the SUV scene (Sorento was introduced here in 2003), so doesn’t have a much heritage compared to the Toyotas and Nissans of the world. But it has already gained a decent reputation among those looking for a genuine vehicle.

Genuine in that it’s a real 4WD not just a people mover dressed up to look like one. While on the subject of people movers we should point out that Sorento is a five-seater whereas some others in this class offer two extra seats. However, these seats are usually aimed at kids, but are able to be used by adults for short trips. 

Interior space in the Sorento is good for four large adults or three children up to their mid-teens with enough rear leg and headroom for most rear seat passengers, even if they are of the grown-up variety. 

The rear storage area is large and practical with a seat that folds fully flat to give access to a handy luggage area. There are a number of large stowage areas, including one hidden under the floor. While this allows for items to be stored more securely it means the full-size spare wheel is mounted underneath the vehicle, making tyre changing an awkward, messy procedure. Then again, flat tyres are pretty rare occurrences these days so owners are generally happy to opt for extra luggage space. 

Sorento's styling is neat, compact and understated with none of the fussiness which characterised some earlier SUVs from South Korea. As such it appeals to the genuine buyer more interested in having a vehicle for weekend exploring than in making a show in the cafe districts. 

Kia recently added a turbo-diesel option to its Sorento 4WD and that’s the subject of this week’s test. While diesel engines have long been popular in large 4WD vehicles, they are only now beginning to make serious inroads into the medium-sized SUV field, not only because of their better fuel economy but also through their high-torque performance.  

The diesel is a four-cylinder 2.5-litre common-rail direct-injection unit that generates 125 kilowatts of power, and a strong 392 Newton metres of torque at 2000 rpm. 

Fuel consumption on our test Sorento wasn’t as low as we had anticipated. Typically it was using nine to eleven litres per hundred kilometres on country roads, slight less on easy motorways, and about 11 to 13 litres per hundred in suburban commuting.  

Kia Sorento, like all vehicles from the company, is very well priced. Starting at just $33,990 for a Sorento LX with a petrol engine and automatic transmission, the range extends up to a still moderate $44,490 for the highly-specified EX-L with a turbo-diesel sitting in front of an auto gearbox. 

A five-speed manual gearbox is offered only in the entry level Sorento LX with the diesel engine. Five-speed automatic transmission is optional in this wagon and standard in all others. 

Many 4WD purists still consider that a two-range transfer case is essential in a true SUV. Kia has one. It’s operated by a dash-mounted knob that’s simple to engage. 

While the Kia isn’t a full-on off-roader, it copes well with the type of conditions that the adventurous weekend family is likely to encounter. Gravel roads, dusty forest trails and trips to the beach. It goes closer than many of its competitors to being a serious off-roader in the way it handles those areas. 

Of course almost all driving is done on normal sealed roads, we found the big Sorento smooth and relatively quiet, with good pulling power from the diesel once it had passed its initial period of lag. On the downside, the engine appears noisier than many of its type, not outrageously so, but you are aware it has a diesel and not a petrol. 

Kia also makes Sorento with rear-wheel drive for sales in other countries. The stupidity of Australian import regulations (which make it cheaper to import 4WDs than 2WDs) means there are no plans to bring 2WD Sorentos, which have lower fuel consumption and emissions, to Australia.  

Kia's Sorento comes in three equipment levels, LX, EX and EX-Limited. Standard features in all models include air conditioning, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front airbags, MP3-compatible CD player, tilt-adjustable steering column, roof rails, 16-inch alloy wheels and front and rear foglights. 

In addition to these features EX gets the added safety of stability and traction control, 17-inch alloys, cruise control and leather-trimmed steering wheel. 

Sorento EX-Limited adds a power sunroof, leather seats, climate-controlled air conditioning and side curtain airbags.  

As we’ve come to expect from recent vehicles from South Korea, Kia Sorento offers an attractive, competent vehicle at a very good price. The addition of the diesel engine option seems sure to further expand its appeal, indeed Kia predicts that up to 75 per cent of sales will be of the new powerplant, however that was before the recent upsurge in diesel fuel prices.

AT A GLANCE 

MODEL RANGE
LX 3.3-litre petrol five-door wagon - $33,990
LX 2.5-litre turbo diesel five-door wagon - $34,990
EX 3.3-litre petrol five-door wagon - $36,490
EX 2.5-litre turbo diesel five-door wagon - $39,490
EX-L 3.3-litre petrol five-door wagon - $41,490
EX-L 2.5-litre turbo diesel five-door wagon - $44,490

FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard in all models
Air Conditioning: Standard in all models
Automatic Transmission: $2000 option in LX diesel, standard in all other models
CD Player: Standard in all models
Central Locking: Standard in all models
Cruise Control: Standard in all models
Dual Front Airbags: Standard in all models
Front Side Airbags: Standard in all models
Stability Control: Not offered in LX, standard in EX and EX-L
Traction Control: Not offered in LX, standard in EX and EX-L 

SPECIFICATIONS (Kia Sorento LX 2.5-litre diesel five-door wagon) 

ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.497 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Head Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 17.7:1
Bore/Stroke: 91.0 x 96.0 mm
Maximum Power: 125 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque: 392 Nm @ 2000 rpm

DRIVELINE:
4WD Type: Part-time
Manual Transmission: Five-speed
Automatic Transmission: Five-speed
Final Drive Ratio: NA

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4590 mm
Wheelbase: 2710 mm
Width: 1863 mm
Height: 1810 mm
Turning Circle: 11.0 metres
Kerb Mass: 2121 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres
Towing Ability: 750 kg (2800 kg with braked trailer)

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension: Rigid axle, five-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Front brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Ventilated disc

FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Diesel
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 8.5 L/100 km

GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 5.5/10
Air Pollution Rating: 3/10

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years/100,000 km