2008 Kia Sorento Review

With its new 3.3L V6, which has 242-horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque, the 2008 Kia Sorento offers an attractive engine alternative to the excellent 3.8L V6 that puts out 262-horsepower and 260 lb-ft. The 3.3L powers the base model as well as the LX, while the EX is powered by the 3.8. Both engines come with five-speed Sportomatic gearboxes.

The 2WD base model is anything but basic, and comes standard with a CD/MP3 stereo system, air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, traction control, power windows and locks, and four 12V outlets.

The LX adds remote keyless entry, a flip-up rear glass hatch, roof rails, cruise control, and a rear cargo cover, and can be ordered with electronic-switch part-time 4WD with low range.

In EX trim, in addition to the larger V6, standard features include two-tone body cladding and bumpers, an eight-way power driver's seat, auto-off projector headlights, fog lights, a cargo net, heated mirrors, woodgrain interior accents, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and steering wheel audio controls. The EX can be ordered with electronic-switch part-time 4WD with a low range.

Optional across the range are fog lights, side step bars, wheel locks, remote start, and a tow hitch. Leather interior is available on the lower models, which can also be optioned with a $1,200 Sport Package that adds 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, fog lights, side step bars, and a leather steering wheel. LX models are available with a sunroof, and the EX can be ordered with a $3,000 Luxury Package, which includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer, leather interior, dual-zone temperature control, heated front seats, Torque-on-Demand full-time 4WD, chrome door handles, and a power sunroof.

The 2WD 3.3L V6 LX will return 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway, while the 4WD 3.8L V6 EX returns 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway.

The Sorento provides plenty of interior room for people and cargo, and offers more hip and shoulder room front and rear than many SUVs in its class. The Kia's rear seat does not fold down, but cargo room is still average for the class, at 31.7 cubic feet. The 3.8L EX can tow about 5,000 pounds.

All Sorentos come standard with dual front air bags, full-length side curtain air bags, driver's knee air bag, front active headrests, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and more, making the 2008 Kia Sorento one of the safest SUVs on the market. It earned a five-star crash safety rating in all four categories from the NHTSA, as well as the highest rating in rear impact tests from the IIHS.
For 2008, the Kia Sorento adds a new engine to the lineup-a 242-horsepower 3.3L V6. It will power the base and LX models, while the 262-horsepower 3.8L V6 that powered the entire line last year only comes in EX models. Outside, the 2008 Sorento differs slightly, as the grille, headlights, taillights, and front and rear fascias have been revised. Pricing on the base model climbed $1,000, while across the rest of the range, the increase was far more modest. see less