2004 Kia Sorento Overview

2004 Kia Sorento Overview

Overall User Score

3.8⁄5

Based on 5 reviews

Inexplicably named after a town in Italy over 5000 miles away from Korea, the 2004 Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV with two rows of seating for five passengers.  Overflowing with storage compartments and six cupholders, the rear seats split-fold 60/40 flat to open up the cargo area to an adequate 66.4 cubic feet of space.  Offering both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, the 2004 Sorento is equipped for off-road performance, as both the standard part-time and optional full-time Torque-on-Demand 4WD systems offer low-range gearing.  The full-time 4WD is suitable for dry pavement.

Combined with the price tag and list of standard features in both the base LX and more luxurious EX trims, this makes the 2004 Sorento an attractive SUV choice competitive with comparably-sized SUVs.  Equipped with a 3.5-liter, 192-hp V6 engine and 4-speed automatic, the 2004 Sorento gets an optional 5-speed manual transmission, available in a Sport Package for the LX.  This package also adds alloy wheels, foglights, a roof rack, keyless entry, and a leather steering wheel, which are all standard on the EX.  Wood trim in the EX is replaced by metallic trim.  The EX is the upscale model, offering power driver's seat, a sunroof, wheel-mounted audio controls, a garage opener, and an auto-dimming mirror.  Heated leather seats are extra only on the EX.

As with all SUVs, the 2004 Sorento gets horrific gas mileage, somewhere around 15/19 mpg, and this is its biggest drawback.  Built on a truck platform, the ride can be rough on bumpy roads.  Other gripes mention a long wait for parts (shipped over from Korea), an inadequate stereo, and engine noise when revving the underpowered V6.  But owners love the smooth handling and tight turning radius, making it nimble even in city driving.  The off-road capability is a bonus, and the seats are comfortable with plenty of legroom.  A good ride height offers great visibility.  By far the best feature is the overall price and warranty.