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Review of the 2008 Kia Sorento

2008 Kia Sorento

Price Range $20,695 to $26,195

suitable for: Diapers
School
Teens

15 to 16
City MPG

20 to 22
Hwy MPG

5 Seats
2 Rows
2 Latch Connectors
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Interior

The Kia Sorento’s interior was basic — very basic. At one point I thought the instrument panel gauges could double for fake gauges in a cardboard car.  Beyond the instrument panel, though, I found the Sorento to be pretty well-appointed. The EX model I drove had the Leather Package, which included leather seats in addition to the standard leather-wrapped steering wheel. This was nice. I always prefer leather to fabric seats because it cleans well and seems more durable. However, and I’m just saying this in general, I think automakers should know that just because they throw leather in a car doesn’t mean we mistake an affordable, humble car for a super-lux model. For the record, there’s more to lux than leather.

The Sorento’s center console was appropriately multifunctional, with a deep storage bin, two cupholders and a couple of random cubbies for my stuff; it was perfect. There was an overhead console with a digital readout and map lights, which were pretty convenient.

The power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support was heated in the model I drove and added some, “Who said a Kia couldn’t be comfy?” to my test drive.

The second row was less impressive because my kids just had such a hard time with it. First there was the getting-in problem, followed by the buckling-in problem. Then there was the problem of the large distance between the babies and their cupholders. It wasn’t the most well-planned space for kids.

The cargo area was awesome, though. There’s lots of space, cargo netting, a full-size spare tire, some more netting, a 12-volt plug, a liftgate with flip-up glass and…you get where I’m going with this. There was a whole lot going on in the trunk.

Overall, I thought the interior of the Sorento was well-appointed for the price.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore

shopping around: At cars.com

key interior: Features

    ● Front underseat storage tray
    ● 10 speakers
    ● First aid kit
    ● Curb courtesy lights
    ● Garage door transmitter

available interior: Colors

  • Beige
  • Gray

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