2003 Kia Sorento

Standard comfort and convenience features include A/C, power windows/door locks/mirrors, cruise control, 8-speaker CD sound system and flip-fold rear seats.

The Sorento comes in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive configurations with two different 4x4 systems offered: one part-time and one full-time on demand. The part-time system engages with the turn of a knob for convenient shift-on-the-fly driving. The transfer case is equipped with a low range to meet the needs of challenging off-road situations. The Sorento is also available with an automatic "Torque on Demand" four-wheel-drive system that also has a low range. The system automatically transfers power, as needed, from the rear wheels to the front wheels with no input required by the driver.


Unlike some of the car based SUVs, the Sorento is built more like a pickup truck and uses a ladder-frame with nine crossmembers and a double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. Sorento's long wheelbase (106.7 inches) and wide track (62.2 inches) provide a comfortable ride and excellent stability in all driving situations, while the short front and rear body overhangs allow the Sorento to navigate steep, challenging terrain. Featuring large four-wheel disc brakes and standard 16-inch Michelin tires, the Sorento is a serious performer both on- and off-road. Our lone complaint regarding the driving dynamics is that the Sorento feels less than sure of itself during aggressive cornering maneuvers.


To address the varied needs of its buyers, the Sorento is available in two trim levels, LX and EX. The base LX is a full-featured vehicle offering only a handful of options. Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, power windows/door locks/mirrors, cruise control, eight-speaker CD sound system and flip-and-fold rear seats. The upscale EX model offers alloy wheels, two-tone body cladding, power sunroof, eight-way power driver's seat, HomeLink programmable remote system and an overhead console with multi-meter including outside temperature gauge, compass, altimeter and barometer.

The Sorento is also available with an EX Luxury Package, which includes 280-watt in-dash 6-disc CD player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

For those who yearn for even more comfort and convenience, the Sorento is also available with an EX Luxury Package, which includes chrome exterior trim, a 280-watt in-dash six-disc CD player, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, automatic climate control, leather interior trim and Torque-On-Demand four-wheel drive. Because of its high-content level, the Sorento offers only a few freestanding options, including antilock brakes ($595) and leather interior ($90).


Designed with an attention to detail usually only found in Japanese vehicles, the Sorento incorporates the little extras that appeal to most SUV buyers, including plenty of storage space throughout the vehicle, an underbody-mounted full-size spare tire, a flat cargo floor, a handy split-opening rear hatch, an underseat storage box and eight cupholders