Kia Sorento (2010-)

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Which? Car review
Kia Sorento (2010-)
Feb 2010 Class: 4x4s/SUVs
New price: £21,120 - £36,635 Used price: From £14,395
On sale:
Performance:
Ride comfort:
handling:
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
Boot & Storage:
Safety:
★★★★
★★★★★
Reliability:
★★★
Total score:
76%
Competitive pricing.
Seven-year warranty.
Seven-seat capability.
Unimaginative interior.
Older models have a bouncy ride.
Unrefined pre-2013 diesel engine.
Recommended models
in the range
Which? Car Top Choice Model
2.2 CRDi KX-2 5dr [Sat Nav]
New price: £30,470
Used price: -
Fastest Model
2.2 CRDi 1 5dr 2WD
New price: £23,905
Used price: £16,695
9.1 secs
0-62mph:
Most Efficient Model
2.2 CRDi KX-2 5dr [Sat Nav]
New price: £30,470
Used price: Combined fuel economy:
47.9 mpg
Cheapest Model to buy new
2.4 1 5dr 2WD
New price:
Overview
The second-generation Sorento offers plenty of room for all the family and an industry-leading
warranty. But has it shaken off off the old-school off-roader image of the previous model? The second-generation Sorento moved on a long way from its Mk1 predecessor - it’s
a large family ‘crossover’ which is far less agricultural, and which has pretty good on-road
manners. Launched in 2010, it was significantly updated and overhauled in 2013, gaining a
new-look design, improved cabin quality and increased passenger space - this new-generation
model shares only its doors, roof, bonnet and windscreen with the pre-facelift version.
Pre-2013 cars can be had with petrol and diesel power, though this facelifted version is
only offered with a 2.2-litre diesel engine. Similarly, older versions came with five- or sevenseat cabin layouts, but now all Sorentos are seven-seaters. Rivals abound in this growing part of the car market, though not all can boast seven seats
as standard. If you’re content with five seats, the Honda CR-V is a classier alternative and the
Hyundai Santa Fe is a cheaper option. If you’ve got money to burn then you could be swayed
by the superb driving dynamics of the BMW X5 or the upmarket appeal of the Land Rover
Discovery. Read all our SUV/4x4 reviews
Although the latest Sorento doesn’t have the most sparkling handling, it’s now much
improved along with ride quality. But the main reasons for buying the Sorento remain the
same: it offers masses of space and is impressively well-equipped for the money, and it can
tow up to 2500kg. It also comes with the security of a five-star score in the EuroNCAP crash
tests - and a very reassuring seven-year warranty from Kia. £21,120
Cheapest Model to buy used
2.4 1 5dr 2WD
Used price:
£14,395
Cheapest Model to Run (new)
2.0 CRDi 1 5dr 2WD [5 Seat]
New price: £23,005
Running costs: £18,828
(3 years/36,000 miles)
Owner’s View
The 7 Year 100k mile
warranty, great customer
service from Kia, great
value for money (and what
is included), interior and
boot space, flexible seating
configuration.
Which? Car review
Kia Sorento (2010-)
4x4s/SUVs
On the road
How we test
The Sorento’s engine is impressive, but the car can’t quite hide its bulk when tackling corners
or big bumps.
Performance
Performance
★★★★
We found the latest 2013 2.2 diesel Sorento’s engine more refined; its performance is
impressive, with lots of flexibility from low revs and well-damped vibrations.
Performance from the 2010 model’s 2.2-litre 194bhp diesel is good, too; the turbo starts to
work at around 1,500rpm, and maximum torque of 311 lb/ft arrives at 1,800rpm – both of which
allow a relaxed driving style. It’s not the most refined unit though, with quite a bit of vibration
evident at those rev ranges. Both engines are combined with an easy-to-use and smooth six-speed gearbox, whose
ratios are perfectly judged to get the maximum out of the brawny engine. Some drivers may
find the pre-2013 model’s long-travel clutch a bit tiresome, though.
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Ride comfort
Acceleration (37-62mph)
5.3 secs
Ride comfort
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
Like many large off-roaders, the 2010 Sorento uses heavy-duty (and heavyweight) suspension
components. These tend to react slowly to bumps, so the Sorento’s body gets pushed around
over rough surfaces. This can lead to an uncomfortable ride, even though the suspension
settings themselves are quite soft.
Kia has tried to address this with the better-balanced 2013 model, which sits closer to the
road and doesn’t bounce around quite as much. It can be a little harsh over potholes, manhole
covers and the like, but is generally improved. Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
We use the sophisticated electronic timing
equipment to record standing-start and
in-gear acceleration, and repeat each test
several times.
Rating
★★★★
Ride comfort is assessed by our laboratory experts who have driven hundreds of
thousands of miles in a myriad of different
models.
Which? Car review
Kia Sorento (2010-)
4x4s/SUVs
On the road continued...
How we test
Handling
★★★★
Handling
Relative to other large off-roaders, the Sorento handles reasonably well. Most importantly, it’s
safe and secure, with no nasty surprises in terms of skidding. Stability control is standard, and it
proved effective in our emergency avoidance manoeuvre (both in 2010 and the 2013 re-test).
The steering is quite light but there’s enough feel and feedback to give confidence.
However, it’s fairly low-geared so there’s quite a bit of arm-twirling necessary when parking in a
tight space. Fortunately, the turning circle is helpfully small for this size of car.
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Rating
★★★★
Brakes
★★
Brakes
The 2013 Sorento’s brakes showed a marked improvement, stopping from 62mph in an
average 38.2m in our emergency braking test and proving responsive and stable. That’s better than the earlier model’s 40.8m; the 2010 Sorento also showed a tendency
towards nose-diving during emergency braking, though its brakes were resistant to fade.
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
On-the-limit handling is explored well
away from public roads to ensure a fair
test. Our obstacle avoidance test is one of
the harshest tests in the industry..
Braking distance (62-0mph)
40.8m
Rating
★★
The Which? Car braking test measures
stopping distance from 62-0mph and is
repeated ten times in quick succession to
highlight any brake fade issues.
Refinement and noise
★★★★
Refinement and noise
Interior noise levels are low in the latest 2013 Sorento, with only a slight rumbling over rough
surfaces and slightly-increased wind noise at higher speeds. The 2010 diesel engine can
sound (and feel) quite gruff at low revs, but it’s reasonably subdued at normal operating
speeds. Some road surfaces cause noticeable road roar.
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Cruising noise
69dB
Rating
★★★★
The Which? Car experts use a decibel
meter to record interior sound levels
at common UK motorway speeds, and
combine this with subjective assessments
to arrive at an overall score.
Which? Car review
Kia Sorento (2010-)
4x4s/SUVs
On the road continued...
How we test
Cabin and controls
★★★★★
Cabin and controls
The cabin of the 2013 model is clearly-arranged, with most controls coherently-located and
easy to find in the dark; the large gauges are easy to read. Only the cluster of controls on the
steering wheel is fiddly. It also gained an anti-pinch function for the electric windows.
Its design is more attractive and distinctive than that of the previous car’s, though this, in
the words of our road testers, “holds no mysteries”: it’s not the most exciting to look at, but
you’ll come to appreciate the sensible layout. There was no anti-pinch facility for the windows,
however, so be careful with kids in the car (and consider using the disable switch).
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Rating
★★★★★
Visibility and parking
★★★
Visibility and parking
One of the reasons buyers like this sort of vehicle is the commanding view it gives directly
ahead. And, being a high-riding car, the Sorento delivers in this respect. But the view behind
is impeded by thick pillars and the rear headrests. KX-2 models and upwards get a reversing
sensor, which is highly recommended.
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
We penalise cars with difficult controls,
and we look for things like backlit light
switches and easy-to-use heating and
ventilation adjustments.
Turning circle
11.7m
Rating
★★★
Visibility is a major issue for motorists
today, so each car gets a 360-degree
swivel view test to reproduce the driver’s
eye view and any obscured areas.
Which? Car review
Kia Sorento (2010-)
4x4s/SUVs
Comfort and practicality
How we test
The big Sorento is usefully spacious inside, and the seven-seat capability adds a bit of extra
practicality. Second-row rear-seat passengers should feel pretty comfortable, although the
third row is best suited to children.
Getting in and out
★★★
Some people might find the Sorento’s seat position a bit high to get into and out of easily. It’s
quite a step up into the cabin, though the high roof does at least mean you don’t have to bend
much. Slightly frustratingly, the auto-lock function prevents you from stopping and quickly
retrieving items from the boot, unless you remember to press the unlock button first.
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Getting in and out
Rating
★★★
We take measurements all around the
driver and passenger’s door apertures
and note the height of the seat, door sills
and step down onto the car floor. The
best cars don’t require too much bending
or stretching to get in and out.
Seat space and comfort
Seat space and comfort
★★★★
We have no significant criticisms of the seats, which are well shaped for long-distance comfort
yet they provide a small but useful amount of side-support at the same time. The rear seats
aren’t quite as well spaced but they are spacious and there’s room for people up to 1.9m tall.
The third-row seats should be considered ‘occasional’ as they’re pretty small and difficult
to access. Kids should feel OK in them but adults will be begging for mercy before too long.
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Rating
★★★★
We assess seat comfort subjectively,
using our road testers’ expert knowledge
and experience from thousands of different cars. And we measure the head-, legand elbowroom on offer in every seat, to
see how well the car caters for people of
all shapes and sizes.
Which? Car review
Kia Sorento (2010-)
4x4s/SUVs
Comfort and practicality continued...
How we test
Boot and storage
★★★★
Boot and storage
We measured boot capacity in the Sorento (with the third row of seats folded) at a generous
440 litres; folding the second row of seats boosts this to 925 litres (loaded to the windowline).
It’s a bit of a stretch to get in the boot – retrieving things from deep inside requires you to lean
against the bumper, which is a bit of a dust trap. The boot floor itself sits at a high 77cm, so you
have to lift heavy items quite a way.
Folding the seats is no chore as the lever is easily accessed and the boot floor remains flat
once you’ve done it. Storage inside is pretty good, with a decent array of bins and cubbies to
tidy things away.
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Heating and ventilation
Boot space (seats up/down)
458 litres / 948 litres
Rating
★★★★
★★★
Carmakers give official stats for boot
space, but our tests are more realistic. We
load the boot up with measuring blocks
only as far as the rear window line, so
that luggage is well secured and won’t
obscure rear visibility. We repeat the test
with the rear seats up, and folded down
(where possible).
Heating and ventilation
The Sorento’s large cabin takes quite a bit of heating in the winter, and the heating and
ventilation system is only just up to the job. It’s satisfactory for front occupants but rear seat
passengers will be feeling the chill, as air circulation in the rear is poor.
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Rating
★★★
Feel sorry for the tester who has to warm
each car up from a frosty -10 degrees in
our climate chamber. Starting with a cold
engine, we measure how long it takes to
warm up the front and rear of the cabin.
Diesel cars usually take longer. We also
check the effectiveness of air conditioning, where fitted.
Which? Car review
Kia Sorento (2010-)
4x4s/SUVs
Running costs and depreciation
How we test
The Kia badge used to mean rapid depreciation, as it was viewed with suspicion by the used
car trade. That’s beginning to change, as Kia has gained a good reputation for reliability, and
the quality and desirability of its vehicles has been much-improved in recent years. The clincher as far as ownership is concerned is the seven-year, unlimited mileage
warranty - and given reasonable fuel consumption (for a big off-roader) and low insurance
groupings, the Sorento should be one of the cheaper off-roaders to run.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption from that strong diesel engine isn’t too bad given the Sorento’s sheer bulk
and weight, though we haven’t managed to match Kia’s claimed figures in our tests: 39.2mpg
in our latest attempt, compared to the official 47.9mpg. Kia claims 42.2mpg from KX-1 and KX-2
versions with the automatic gearbox, and 41.5mpg from the top-spec KX-3. Petrol (combined mpg, claimed)
33.2 mpg - 33.2 mpg
Diesel (combined mpg, claimed)
38.2 mpg - 47.9 mpg
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Urban (claimed/tested)
32.8 mpg/33.2 mpg
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Extra urban (claimed/tested)
52.3 mpg/50.4 mpg
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Motorway (measured)
33.6 mpg
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Combined (claimed/tested)
42.8 mpg/39.2 mpg
Fuel consumption
We test fuel economy under strict lab
conditions – using realistic test cycles – to
reveal the facts behind the figures. Our
figures rarely match manufacturer claims
as, unlike the official mpg test, we measure economy with both a hot and cold
engine, and on the motorway.
Which? Car review
Kia Sorento (2010-)
4x4s/SUVs
Running costs and depreciation continued...
How we test
Emissions
Emissions
The manual-transmission Sorento’s 155g/km carbon dioxide output puts it in Band G for VED,
though its emissions of 231g/km in our tests were somewhat less impressive. The KX-1 and
KX-2 auto emit an official 175g/km, the KX-3 178g/km (Band I). Petrol (CO2, claimed)
203g per km - 203g per km
Diesel (CO2, claimed)
155g per km - 194g per km
Model tested
diesel 2.2 (194bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Emissions (claimed/tested)
174g per km/190g per km
While testing fuel economy, we also
collect exhaust gases to enable us to
measure the amount of carbon dioxide
(CO2) emitted. We also check whether
particulate filters are effective at removing
sooty emissions from diesel engines.
Safety
Safety and security
The standard equipment list for the Sorento is generous – electronic stability control (ESC)
is standard, along with front, side and curtain airbags. Better still, the front seats incorporate
clever whiplash-reducing head restraints.
Euro NCAP score
★★★★★
Here’s what EuroNCAP thought of the Sorento:
The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. Double pretensioners
ensured that the dummies’ knees were kept away from the dashboard, and low readings were
recorded. However the steering column and ignition barrel were though to present a potential
risk of injury to drivers of different sizes. The chest lost a fraction of a point in the side barrier
impact. In the more severe side pole test, rib deflections indicated marginal protection of the
chest. Protection of the neck against whiplash injuries was good.
Based on dummy readings in the frontal and side barrier tests, the Sorento scored
maximum points for protection of both the 3 year old and the 1½ year old infants. The heads
of both dummies were properly contained by the restraints in the side barrier impact. The
passenger airbag can be deactivated to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in
that seating position. However, information provided to the driver regarding the status of the
airbag is not sufficiently clear.
The protection provided by the front edge of the bonnet to pedestrians’ legs is poor. The
protection offered by most of the the bumper was rated as marginal, although some points
towards the centre of the car performed well. In most areas likely to be struck by the head
of a child, the bonnet offered poor protection. For adult, the bonnet offered good protection
towards the centre but was rated as poor along the edges, where it is supported by stiff
structures.
Electronic stability control (ESC) is standard equipment on all Sorento variants. The car also
has a standard-fit seatbelt reminder system for the driver and front seat passenger.
Here is the video of the 2010 Kia Sorento Euro NCAP frontal crash test.
(Year tested: 2009)
Adult occupant
Child protection
Pedestrian protection
Safety assist
Which? safety rating
Active (crash avoidance)
Passive (crash safety)
Child
Pedestrian
87%
84%
44%
71%
★★★★★
62%
85%
60%
42%
We rate cars for safety using Euro NCAP
crash test scores (where available),
alongside our own comprehensive safety
checklist. Uniquely, we also feed in results
from our accident avoidance test – after
all, it’s far better to steer around a crash
than rely on the airbags...
Security
Security scores come from the security
experts at Thatcham, who break into
hundreds of cars each year. Most modern
cars are very difficult to drive away, but
are still too easy to steal from.
Which? Car review
Kia Sorento (2010-)
4x4s/SUVs
Which? Car Survey results
About our survey
The Which? Car Survey is the UK’s biggest and best reliability and owner satisfaction survey.
In 2013, drivers told us about 57,182 cars, covering more than 450 million miles in the previous
12 months (that’s equivalent to driving 18,398 times around the world). This unique feedback
allows us to rate satisfaction and reliability for hundreds of new and used cars.
Note Star ratings below are from 1-5 (1 is very poor and 5 is very good). Percentages shown
under ‘Most common faults’ indicate the proportion of owners reporting each problem in the
past 12 months.
Brand
Sample size: 1,100 people
Kia ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this brand
Brand reliability
Dealer Servicing & repair
Sample size: 32 people
Ownership ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this range
Driving enjoyment
Ease of driving
Comfort
Dash layout and controls
In-car technology
Styling
Build quality
Practicality
Value for money
Everyone who takes part in the Which?
Car survey tells us about their car and
the dealers who sell and service it. We
analyse this feedback across all cars to
give top-level satisfaction ratings for each
brand, including the brand’s reliability
record over the last eight years. All star
ratings are out of five.
Model ownership ratings
★★★
★★★
Dealer Sales Service
Model: Kia Sorento (2010-)
81%
Brand ratings
These show how owners score this car
in 12 different areas, from performance to
heating. Owners’ ratings are subjective –
so may differ from Which? Car test scores
– but they give a good idea of what the
car is like to live with. Where relevant, cars
are scored against other cars in the same
class (e.g. for space).
87%
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★★
Owner’s View
Super driving position with
excellent view of the road
ahead. Very comfortable
and easy to handle. does
not feel like a big car when
parking due to parking
aids.
Owner’s View
I love the go-anywhere,
out-to-dinner-withfriends, horse-boxtowing, ignore-the-snow,
motorway-cruising reliable
practicality.
Which? Car review
Kia Sorento (2010-)
4x4s/SUVs
Which? Car Survey results continued...
About our survey
Reliability ratings
Reliability ratings
Overall Reliability
Petrol cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
Diesel cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
All cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
★★★★
Up to 3 years old
3-8 years old
-
-
-
-
-
-
★★★★
3%
£5
-
We split reliability into breakdowns (including failure to start), faults (where parts
need replacing) and problems (minor issues e.g. squeaks and loose trim). Where
the car has been on sale for some time,
and we have numerous survey responses
from owners, we also split scores by the
age of car and fuel type. Star ratings are
out of five – the more stars, the more reliable the car.
Most common faults
Breakdowns: Percentage of cars suffering a breakdown in last 12 months
Average annual repair cost: Average annual cost of repairs (not servicing), in past 12
months
Most common faults
Up to 3 years old
Non-Engine electrics - Other
Other Minor
Suspension components
Transmission - Other
Engine electrics - Other
9%
6%
3%
3%
3%
3-8 years old
-
-
-
-
-
-
Failure rate: The proportion of owners reporting this problem in the last year
Want to know what’s most likely to go
wrong as the car gets older? These are
the five most common faults reported by
owners, grouped by age into new, recent
and older cars. A score of 40% means
four out of 10 owners reported problems
with that part of the car over the previous
12 months. Engine electrics and non-engine electrics (e.g. windows, stereo) cause
more headaches than mechanical parts in
most modern cars.