Models tested: Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi KX-2 4WD manual,
Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi KX-3 4WD automatic
Price as tested: £25,495, £29,795
Date tested: January 25, 2009
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 82%
Kia's all-new flagship car, the Sorento, offers a radically different design from its predecessor. It's available with seven-seats and designed with a more modern chassis, transforming its dynamics.

1. Looks
The Sorento has been updated with a classy, simple design, with its chrome-edged grille and angular lines. Black plastic mouldings spice up the looks while adding practicality.
7/10

2. Looks inside
There's plenty to enjoy inside. The wood-grain dash inserts and leather trim look well-finished and expensive. The dials have bright inserts; the feel isn't of a tarted-up car, but of a quality product.
8/10

3. Practicality
There's a 531-litre boot or 1,525 litres with all rear seats stowed. In Sorentos with all seven seats occupied there's only 111 litres though. The Sorento can now pull a 2,500kg braked trailer; it used to be 3,500kg.
7/10

4. Ride and Handling
The Sorento soaks up road imperfections brilliantly, the speed-sensitive steering is well weighted, plus the grip and composure are impressive. An off-road route showed the Sorento can take rough terrain in its stride.
8/10

5. Performance
There's either a petrol or diesel. The 2.2-litre CRDi has 194bhp and 311lb/ft of pulling power, giving 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds in the 4WD six-speed manual; the optional six-speed automatic works well too.

The 2.4-litre petrol engine produces 172bhp and 166lb/ft of pulling power and comes in 2WD, six-speed manual five-seater form only. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
The 2.4-litre petrol averages 33.2mpg while the CRDi 4WD auto gives 38.2mpg; the CRDi 2WD manual returns 43.5mpg. Emissions of 171g/km to 203g/km are impressively low for this size of vehicle.
8/10

7. Reliability
Owners get a seven-year or 100,000 mile warranty, as long as they stick to Kia-approved servicing (every 12 months or 12,500 miles for the petrol and 20,000 miles for the diesel) and repairs.
9/10

8. Safety
All new Sorentos are five-star EuroNCAP cars. Six airbags, active front headrests, seatbelt pre-tensioners, stability control, downhill brake control, descent control and hill-start assist are all included.
9/10

9. Equipment
There are four trim grades: Sorento 1, KX-1, KX-2 and KX-3. KX denotes four-wheel drive. All cars get air-con and a six-speaker stereo; the KX-2 adds climate control, cruise control, heated front seats and reversing sensors. The KX-3 gets 18-inch alloy wheels, cream leather upholstery, electric panoramic sunroof and xenon headlamps.
9/10

10. X-Factor
The Sorento is now a much more modern and accomplished car, and its £20,495 starting price is staggeringly good value for money. It's a serious competitor to the Hyundai Santa Fe.
9/10