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:

    Review Kia Cee’d
    Things are hotting up more than global warming in the C-segment as yet another contender attempts to sow their seeds in this highly sought after family based sector. Kia have launched their all-ne ...

    ISG (Idle Stop & Go) available for three engines
    In addition to using the latest technologies to enhance the efficiencies of each engine, Kia is offering its fuel-stretching ISG (Idle Stop & Go) system - which automatically switches off and ...

    Roomy New Interior
    However, the Optima's quiet new interior is more upscale and will accommodate four tall adults, or five in a pinch. Front seats are supportive, and the rear-seat area is impressively roomy—alt ...