2005 Kia Sorento: Highlights

Sorento gets a new automatic transmission for 2005. Kia’s 5-passenger wagon has the size, power, and body-on-frame construction typical of midsize SUVs, but is priced to compete with less-expensive compact SUVs. The sole engine is a 192-hp 3.5-liter V6. A 5-speed automatic transmission replaces a 4-speed automatic for ‘05. A 5-speed manual is also available. Rear-wheel drive and two 4WD systems are available. Both 4WD systems have a limited-slip rear axle and low-range gearing. Kia’s Torque On Demand setup, included in the optional Luxury Package, can be left engaged on dry pavement. LX and EX trim levels are offered. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are standard. ABS is optional. All Sorentos have 16-inch wheels, a liftgate with a separate-opening window, and a full-size spare tire. Air conditioning; power windows, locks, and mirrors; cruise control; CD player; and 60/40 split folding rear seatback are standard. Kia is owned by Hyundai. Both South Korean companies share warranty coverage of 5-years/60,000-mi. bumper-to-bumper, 10/100,000 powertrain, and 5/unlimited roadside assistance.

Once the punch line to a joke about subpar products, Kia has done much to overhaul its image over the past few years. Nowhere is this reinvention more apparent than in the Kia Sorento. Named after a picturesque village on Italy’s Amalfi coast, this midsize SUV boasts distinctive lines inside and out. The exterior styling is crisp, and its cabin is a pleasure both to look at and experience (thanks to first-rate interior materials). Its traditional, trucklike body-on-frame design provides a level of ruggedness not typically found on crossover SUVs, and it gives the Kia Sorento above-average off-roading and towing abilities. As with other Kia vehicles, an extensive warranty package assuages any lingering fears you may have about durability. The frosting on this cupcake is the Sorento’s price. Though it has the dimensions of a midsize SUV, the Sorento bears the price tag of an affordable compact sport-ute.

There have been two generations of the Kia Sorento. The current model, introduced for the 2007 model year, boasts considerably more power, a higher quality cabin and additional features. Among new midsize SUVs, it’s one of the better choices available. As a used vehicle, the first-generation model is also a smart pick. Downsides for either model are few. Fuel economy is average at best and on-pavement handling and ride quality aren’t as good as some competitors’. But none of that does much to detract from the Sorento’s appeal. Without a doubt, Kia’s ambitious overachiever is an attractive choice in both the compact and midsize SUV categories.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.

Overview

The new five-passenger Kia Sorento features an all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That’s a whopping 36 percent increase in power over the SUV’s previous 3.5-liter V6. There’s also a new electronically controlled five-speed transmission that allows drivers to switch between automatic and manual shifts. The new powertrain helps the midsize SUV, which employs a rugged body-on-frame construction, to increase its towing capacity to a stout 5,000 pounds. Rear-wheel or four-wheel drive with low-range gearing is offered.

Available in LX and EX trims with upgrades to LX Sport or EX Luxury packages, the Kia Sorento features redesigned front headlamps with projection lights, a revised front grille insert, new front fascia and bumper, more rounded body-side cladding, redesigned taillamps and a rear fascia with reflector inserts. Larger 17-inch wheels and an option for black cloth or black leather come with the LX Sport.

Standard comfort and convenience features include air-conditioning, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, a 10-speaker CD/MP3 audio system, four 12-volt power outlets and 60/40-split flip-and-fold rear seats. All models also have side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes and stability control. LX Sport Package models feature upgraded interior cloth or leather, special exterior trim and 17-inch wheels and tires. The EX trim line comes with a sunroof, heated power mirrors, foglights, a power driver seat, a trip computer and 16-inch alloy wheels. The top-line EX Luxury Package adds leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats.

The original Kia Sorento was introduced for the 2003 model year with a 3.5-liter, 192-horsepower V6. LX models had either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission, while the EX came only with the automatic. Models previous to 2005 had a four-speed automatic instead of the five-cog unit. Both part-time and full-time 4WD were available, depending on the trim. Off-roaders will be glad to know that both systems included low-range gearing.

This model’s cabin was sleek and stylish, and most of the materials used were high-quality and soft to the touch. An abundance of storage space meant that stashing that errant water bottle or garage door openers was a breeze. Front seats were well-shaped and offered comfort even on long trips, thanks in part to a plethora of available seat adjustments. Three could be seated in the rear if need be, though knee and toe room was somewhat tight on this model. Cargo capacity was in the same league as that of other midsize SUVs of the time.

The Sorento was no lightweight, falling into the same weight class as larger, seven-passenger SUVs. At full throttle on the highway, its performance diminished to merely adequate. In most situations, the Kia’s independent front and solid-axle rear suspension design held up gracefully, but extreme ruts and bumps could be jarring. In consumer reviews, the Sorento was praised for its sharp good looks, stylish interior and pleasant ride. Subpar fuel economy is the main shortcoming of the first-generation Kia Sorento.

2005 Kia Sorento Road Test

Consumer Guide’s® seasoned auto editors road test more than 200 new cars and trucks each year. We evaluate each vehicle’s on-road performance in ten critical areas: acceleration, fuel economy, ride quality, handling, quietness, interior controls, front-seat room, rear-seat room, cargo volume, and overall value. The Consumer Guide® 2005 Kia Sorento road test gives you a quick snapshot of the vehicle’s performance with pros, cons, and numeric ratings. Also included on select reviews are Editor’s Comments and Long-Term Tests.

2005 Kia Sorento Specs & Safety
The Consumer Guide® 2005 Kia Sorento new-vehicle Specs and Safety page includes detailed specifications charts. Each body style is included and key measurements comprise exterior and interior dimensions, curb weight, towing and payload ranges, and cargo volume. We also include engine specifications, fuel-tank capacity, and EPA fuel-economy numbers. Augmenting these numbers are NHTSA crash-test scores and a breakdown of the factory warranty.