2004 Kia Sorento Trims and Specs

New for the 2004 Kia Sorento LX is a special Sport Package that adds fog lights, remote entry, step rails, and a roof rack to the mid-sized SUV that seats four in two rows and holds up to 66 cubic feet of cargo space. A 192-hp, 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine is matched to either a 4-speed auto tran or a new 5-speed manual transmission, and the rear-wheel drive 2004 Sorento LX sits on 16-inch wheels.

The base model is well equipped with full power features and heated mirrors, plus cruise control, a CD player, a rear window wiper, and dual front and all-row side impact airbags. Six cupholders and various storage compartments add convenience. ABS brakes are optional, as are running boards and a trailer hitch for towing up to 3500 pounds. Owners of the 2004 Kia Sorento LX say it is comfortable and the styling appears more upscale than what you actually spend. Handling is easy and interior passenger room comfortable since there are only two rows. Drawbacks include the low fuel economy (15/20). Folding the rear seats is a bit cumbersome because you have to remove the headrests.

Boosting up to the 2004 Kia Sorento LX 4WD gives you a limited slip rear differential and part-time 4WD capability. Combined with low-range gearing and skid plates, that means the mid-sized SUV can tackle back roads as well as highways. A 192-hp, 3.5-liter DOHC V6 is coupled with either a standard 4-speed auto tran or a new optional 5-speed manual. 16-inch wheels with all-season tires add extra confidence behind the wheel. Four side impact airbags (in both rows) and dual front airbags earn the 2004 Sorento LX 4WD four and five stars in crash tests. ABS brakes are optional.

Rear seats split-fold 60/40 to expand the 31 cubic foot cargo space to 66 cubic feet. Standard features include power windows, locks, and heated mirrors, cruise control, air conditioning, a CD player, and a rear window wiper. The liftgate opens independently of the rear window. A new Sport Package adds fog lights, a roof rack, keyless entry, and upscale leather interior trim. Running boards and a trailer hitch can also be added. Drivers of the 2004 Sorento LX 4WD say it can be noisy on acceleration, and the gas mileage is a perennial complaint. They do like the way it handles and how it looks more expensive than it is. All the standard features at an affordable price make it an attractive family car.

The 2004 Kia Sorento EX is a rear-wheel drive mid-size SUV that comes standard with a lot of features that are only options on the base model. It carries the same 3.5-liter, 192-hp DOHC V6 engine, but is only offered with a 4-speed auto tran. Like the LX, the 2004 Sorento EX comes with dual front airbags and side impact bags for both rows of seats. Because it only has two rows, there is ample legroom for four passengers, and the split-folding rear seats expand the cargo area to 66 cubic feet.

The 2004 Sorento EX adds a standard roof rack, cargo cover, and tie-downs to the SUV, along with fog lights, remote entry, an 8-way driver's seat, wheel-mounted audio controls for the CD player, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and, for fun, a sunroof and leather trim. Power outlets, cupholders, and storage compartments are useful features for families. Cruise control, full power features, and intermittent front and rear wipers are also standard. A Luxury Package adds heated leather seats and dual-zone climate control. Other options include ABS brakes, running boards, a trailer hitch, and a rear spoiler. Handling, space, and comfort are highlights for 2004 Kia Sorento EX owners, but they dislike the low 15/20 fuel economy and the poor customer service.

Full off-roading power is found in the 2004 Kia Sorento EX 4WD, which comes standard with part-time 4WD that the driver controls, or the optional Torque-on-Demand, which automatically distributes torque to the wheels that need it. A 192-hp, 3.5-liter DOHC V6 sits under the hood, matched to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Low-range gearing, a limited slip rear differential, and skid plates let you take the 2004 Sorento EX 4WD on paved or unpaved roads.

Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags and side impact bags for the two rows of seats. The EX 4WD adds fog lights and auto-dimming rearview mirrors to the base, but ABS brakes are still optional. Other features only on the EX are wheel-mounted audio controls, keyless entry, sunroof, remote garage openers, power driver's seat, and leather steering wheel trim. The cargo area fits up to 66 cubic feet, and a roof rack provides more storage options. A trailer hitch is available, as is a rear spoiler, running boards, heated leather seats, and automatic headlights. Drivers of the 2004 Kia Sorento EX 4WD say it's comfortable, stylish, handles easily, and has lots of passenger room. Low fuel economy, and hard to fold rear seats are problematic.