According to Edmunds: Long ago, sport-utility vehicles replaced the station wagon as the quintessential family hauler. In the beginning, truck-based, body-on-frame SUVs were all there was. But car shoppers’ desire for a more mild-mannered city SUV eventually gave birth to the crossover — an SUV based on a passenger car. Nowadays, it seems like crossovers will eventually inherit the Earth. But one vehicle that has kept in touch with its traditional SUV roots is the five-passenger 2009 Kia Sorento.
Interior Design and Special Features
Despite its modest pricing, the 2009 Kia Sorento exhibits solid build quality with decent interior materials. The front seats are comfortable and controls are simple enough, but the overall look and design of the interior falls a bit behind the times. The rear bench is wide enough to accommodate three adults, but taller passengers may find legroom lacking. The versatile 60/40 split rear seats fold flat for about 66 cubic feet of cargo space, which is a bit less than what’s offered by top crossover competitors.
Driving Impressions
With either V6 under the hood, the 2009 Kia Sorento has plenty of power for both city traffic and swift highway cruising. The suspension provides a pleasant ride and adequate handling on smooth pavement, but when the road gets rough, the ride gets bouncy, with a good deal of the bumps transmitted directly into the cabin. The Sorento’s brakes might also be a cause for concern; in previous testing, we noticed significant brake fade after just two panic stops from 60 mph. Drivers who plan on any traversing of mountainous roads should keep this in mind.
Here are 5 excellent reviews for 2009 Kia Sorento:
1. Edmunds
With all the available seat adjustments, such as front- and rear-cushion tilt, it’s a breeze for short and tall drivers alike to get comfortable behind the wheel.
2. New Car Test Drive
The engine is smooth and powerful, barely perceptible at idle but producing a velvety roar at full throttle.
3. AutoWeek
Sorento is the only under-$30,000 SUV with standard front and rear side-curtain airbags.
4. The Car Connection
A price that’s much less than the competition is the strongest appeal of the 2009 Kia Sorento, which boasts good towing capacity and all-weather traction but doesn’t stack up to modern crossovers in other ways.
