Driving Impressions

With either V6 under the hood, the 2009 Kia Sorento has plenty of power for both city traffic and swift highway cruising. The suspension provides a pleasant ride and adequate handling on smooth pavement, but when the road gets rough, the ride gets bouncy, with a good deal of the bumps transmitted directly into the cabin. The Sorento's brakes might also be a cause for concern; in previous testing, we noticed significant brake fade after just two panic stops from 60 mph. Drivers who plan on any traversing of mountainous roads should keep this in mind.

The Sorento's steering feel, however, is satisfying and there's a minimum of body roll when cornering. Thanks to the Sorento's low-range transfer case and truck-based origins, off-road excursions can be tackled with relative ease, but the Sorento's capabilities still fall short of those possessed by more competent vehicles like the Xterra and FJ Cruiser.

    See also:

    Seat belts
    Seat belt restraint system WARNING • For maximum restraint system protection, the seat belts must always be used whenever the vehicle is moving. • Seat belts are most effective when seatbac ...

    Electrical circuit protection
    Fuses A vehicle’s electrical system is protected from electrical overload damage by fuses. This vehicle has two fuse panels, one located in the driver's side panel bolster, the other in the ...

    Owner maintenance
    Owner maintenance schedule The following lists are vehicle checks and inspections that should be performed by the owner or an Authorized Kia Dealer at the frequencies indicated to help ensure sa ...