Owning

The Kia's length, width and stretched wheelbase provide excellent legroom in the rear. The boot is also generous, with a 420-litre luggage capacity. In the front, though, the cabin doesn't give you the same sense of space, because the driving position is flawed. Upper-range LS and V6 models get an electric driver's seat as standard, but it doesn't adjust low enough. The amount of reach and rake movement on the steering wheel isn't sufficient, either, so you end up feeling cramped. Seats don't offer much side support either. And although the Kia is very well screwed together, it is summed up by annoying touches such as the aftermarket-style radio and indicators that are on the wrong side of the steering wheel - which ruin the everyday ownership experience. The weighting of the controls could also be better. But equipment levels are very good indeed, though arguably they have to be, given some steep list prices. Depreciation will also be a bit steep, while returns of 38.8mpg from our diesel test car were disappointing - though it had very few miles on the clock. Looser engines often return better figures.

    See also:

    Best-in-Class Performance
    The 2011 Sorento offers two engines, both more powerful than the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. A 3.5-liter V6 providing best-in-class 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque and a 2.4-liter four ...

    Current Kia Sorento
    The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV offered in base, LX and EX trim levels. A third-row 50/50-split-folding seat with room for two is available. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, and it p ...

    Specifications
    The specifications given here are for general information only. Although this information was accurate at the time of printing, Kia reserves the right to change its vehicles or their specifications ...