Introduction
Let's just get to the point here: The 2007 Kia Sorento is a great choice if you're shopping for a midsize SUV with available four-wheel drive and towing capabilities. For fewer than $25,000, you can get a nicely equipped, attractively styled sport-utility vehicle with a powerful V6 engine, real off-road prowess and important standard safety features.
This year's Sorento improves on the previous year's model by offering a host of redesigns and upgrades to an already impressive package. A new 3.8-liter V6 engine replaces the old one, and now produces 262 horsepower, which is 36 percent more than before. This allows for a 5,000-pound towing capacity in both two- and four-wheel-drive modes. To identify the updated Sorento, look for its subtle exterior refinements, including redesigned front headlamps, a revised grille, new bumpers and redesigned taillamps. Inside there's a new instrument panel design and updated and improved interior materials.
The Sorento is a truck-based SUV, meaning that it employs body-on-frame construction, versus a car-based SUV. While this is great for rugged characteristics and necessary for off-road driving, the ride tends to be less smooth and doesn't offer the same refinement as other small SUVs like the Ford Escape or Honda CR-V. Nor is the Sorento truly as capable off-road as competitors like the Nissan Xterra or Toyota FJ Cruiser. But as an all-around vehicle that's well-equipped, affordable and ready for at least limited recreational excursions, the 2007 Kia Sorento is a fine choice.
See also:
Key positions
Illuminated ignition switch
(if equipped)
Whenever a front door is opened, the
ignition switch will illuminate for your convenience,
provided the ignition switch is
not in the ON position. The ...
THE VERDICT
Kia won’t release pricing for the Optima for another few weeks, but we’re
assured it will come in at under $20,000 to start and we expect it to undercut
(slightly) the Sonata, which starts at ...
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 ...