2006 Kia Sorento Trims and Specs

The 2006 Kia Sorento LX is the rear-wheel drive version of the base model SUV offered by the Korean automaker. It comes equipped with a 3.5-liter, 192-hp DOHC V6, choice of standard 5-speed automatic or optional 5-speed manual, a double wishbone suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bars. There are two rows of seats, with the back row folding down to expand the cargo area to 66 cubic feet. Standard safety features include dual front airbags and side impact bags for each row, 16-inch wheels and all-season tires, child locks, automatic headlights, and skid plates. ABS brakes and foglights are extra.

The 2006 Sorento LX is well equipped with full power features, wheel-mounted cruise control, heated mirrors, CD player, front power outlet, and intermittent front and rear wipers. The liftgate opens independently of the rear window and the cargo area offers tie-downs and a cargo cover. A tow hook is included and a trailer hitch optional for up to 3500 pounds of towing. A roof rack is also standard. Other options include leather trim and remote start. Owners say the gas mileage could be better, along with the brakes, but they love the smooth ride, tight turning ratio, and the interior cargo space.

The 2006 Kia Sorento LX 4WD features part-time four-wheel drive and low-range gearing, meaning it can be taken off-road with confidence. It adds a limited slip rear differential and center locking differential to the already present front independent suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars. 16-inch wheels and all-season tires help with rough weather conditions. Dual front airbags and side impact bags for both rows of seats are standard.

Apart from the 4WD, the 2006 Sorento LX 4WD is identical to its rear-wheel drive counterpart, with a 192-hp, 3.5 V6 engine and choice of 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual. It offers full power features, intermittent front and rear wipers, cargo tie-downs and a cargo cover, wheel-mounted cruise control, a CD player, automatic headlights, tow hooks, heated mirrors, and several storage consoles. A trailer hitch can be added, as can running boards, ABS brakes, leather trim, rear spoiler, and a roof rack. Rear seats split-fold for 66 cubic feet of cargo space. Mileage is a low 15/20 mpg, which is no surprise for an SUV. This is the biggest gripe for owners, but they love the interior space, high safety ratings, and the turning radius.

The more luxurious version of Kia's mid-size SUV is the 2006 Kia Sorento EX. The rear-wheel drive SUV is passenger-friendly as it only comes with two rows of seats, which fold down for up to 66 cubic feet of cargo space. A roof rack is also standard for extra storage options. Equipped with an independent front suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars, the 2006 Sorento EX is solid and sturdy, and its 192-hp, 3.5-liter DOHC V6 can tow up to 3500 pounds. A 5-speed automatic is the only transmission available.

The 2006 Sorento EX adds onto the base model with a power driver's seat, external temperature display, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, wood and leather trim, a power liftgate, and a sunroof. Additional safety features to the dual front and all-row side impact airbags are an auto-dimming rearview mirror and fog lights. ABS brakes are optional. Running boards can be added for easier access. Other options include heated leather seats, a CD changer, automatic climate control, a rear spoiler, and remote start. Gas mileage is the biggest complaint of 2006 Sorento EX owners, but they say the power and performance is top-notch and they say it's a great value for all that you get.

Part-time 4WD is standard on the 2006 Kia Sorento EX 4WD, but there is also available Torque-on-Demand which apportions torque to the wheels that need it most. Skid plates, low-range gearing, and a limited slip differential let you take this mid-size SUV off-roading, and with a 66 cubic foot cargo space and roof rack, you can store plenty of gear. There are two rows of seats, and a front and overhead storage compartment, and the rear seats split-fold 60/40. Dual front airbags and side impact bags earn the 2006 Sorento EX 4WD four and five-star crash ratings.

Like its rear-wheel counterpart, the EX 4WD adds onto the base with wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, an 8-way power driver's seat (passenger seat optional), fog lights, automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated mirrors, and a sunroof. Leather and wood trim jazz up the interior, and intermittent front and rear wipers are a nice convenience. The rear window opens separately from the hatch. Various packages add on heated leather seats, a trailer hitch, rear spoiler, running boards, ABS brakes, and remote start. Drivers mention that the 2006 Sorento EX 4WD has stable handling, and like its safety record, interior comfort, and overall power. Fuel economy, at 15/20, is unimpressive.