2004 Kia Sorento Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
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...
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.
What owners say
Comfortable, GREAT on gas for an SUV, enough room to take kids to soccer tournaments and nice size cargo area.
July 8, 2008My wife and I were debating between the Kia Sorento, Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape. The Chevy was ruled out, only because it was the first year of the new model. I normally like to wait until the 2nd or 3rd model year to purchase; especially after my mom's history with her year-1 Pacifica. I ruled out the Ford Escape after I tried to test drive one and felt like I was eating my knees. I'm only 6', but have a large / muscular frame @ 250; a 210 or smaller man may have fit fine, but that particular model year (2004) just wasn't comfortable for me with the Escape. After I test drove the Kia, my wife took it out and really liked it. We took it home later that day. I think we traded in my 1996 Chevy s-10. I drive the Sorento on occasion, but it's my wife's car. She drives it to school (teacher) and back to Pittsburgh when she and my son go back in the summer. It has treated us rather well, not needing many repairs until recently, which I tend to expect at the 8 - 10 year mark. My wife likes the ride, except for the tires not always feeling like they grip on hard turns. It has a 3.5 DOHC that generates decent power, especially when O/D is turned off. She hopes to continue driving it for several more years. While I'm sure that a Lexus RX owner would slap me for saying so, the 2004 Sorento looks similar to the Lexus RX-line; at least to me. It's not boxy. Handles fairly well. Has good power, for a v6. Gas mileage isn't great, but not bad, especially since she only drives ~10 miles one way for school + short trips around the house. My wife likes the height vantage as well, with it riding higher than a sedan.
November 28, 2012Everything about the Kia Sorento is great. Off-road is fun but still safe and driving in the snow and ice is safe and comfortable. I like the looks of this car and on the radio a system was put in which made the quality even higher. I love my car.
April 14, 2015What owners say
Comfortable, GREAT on gas for an SUV, enough room to take kids to soccer tournaments and nice size cargo area.
July 8, 2008My wife and I were debating between the Kia Sorento, Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape. The Chevy was ruled out, only because it was the first year of the new model. I normally like to wait until the 2nd or 3rd model year to purchase; especially after my mom's history with her year-1 Pacifica. I ruled out the Ford Escape after I tried to test drive one and felt like I was eating my knees. I'm only 6', but have a large / muscular frame @ 250; a 210 or smaller man may have fit fine, but that particular model year (2004) just wasn't comfortable for me with the Escape. After I test drove the Kia, my wife took it out and really liked it. We took it home later that day. I think we traded in my 1996 Chevy s-10. I drive the Sorento on occasion, but it's my wife's car. She drives it to school (teacher) and back to Pittsburgh when she and my son go back in the summer. It has treated us rather well, not needing many repairs until recently, which I tend to expect at the 8 - 10 year mark. My wife likes the ride, except for the tires not always feeling like they grip on hard turns. It has a 3.5 DOHC that generates decent power, especially when O/D is turned off. She hopes to continue driving it for several more years. While I'm sure that a Lexus RX owner would slap me for saying so, the 2004 Sorento looks similar to the Lexus RX-line; at least to me. It's not boxy. Handles fairly well. Has good power, for a v6. Gas mileage isn't great, but not bad, especially since she only drives ~10 miles one way for school + short trips around the house. My wife likes the height vantage as well, with it riding higher than a sedan.
November 28, 2012Everything about the Kia Sorento is great. Off-road is fun but still safe and driving in the snow and ice is safe and comfortable. I like the looks of this car and on the radio a system was put in which made the quality even higher. I love my car.
April 14, 2015Room and Gas mileage ok for suv. Parts are expensive, Nice Paint Combo, Handles Nice, Looks like a more expensive Manufacturer, Pro`s Parts are really pricey I guess Do to shipping from korea, And Not alot available to Independent part stores I would Guess
May 15, 2015Trims & specs
Base MSRP $21,640 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 192 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 31.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $23,545 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 192 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 31.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $25,940 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 192 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 31.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $24,040 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 192 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 31.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain RWD |
