2008 Kia Sorento Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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One of the reasons people like the 2008 Kia Sorento is that it offers the space and power of a mid-sized SUV, but for the cost of a compact one. This year, the Sorento adds a new engine to its lineup. The 3.8-liter, 262-hp V6 remains with the higher-end EX trim, but the Base and LX now come only with a new 3.3-liter, 242-hp V6. Both engines are paired with a 5-speed shiftable automatic. The 3.3 V6 decreases towing power to 3500 (the 3.8 is rated at 5000 pounds).
The 2008 Sorento is a rear-wheel drive SUV, and both LX and EX can also be equipped with 4WD. This is a part-time system in the LX and an automatic Torque-On-Demand in the EX. Both feature low-range gearing, which makes the Sorento a capable off-road vehicle as well. The SUV seats four or five in two rows, with 60/40 split-folding seats that fold flat into the floor. The 31.7 cubic foot cargo area is on the smallish side compared to similar-sized SUVs, but it does come standard with hooks, a cover, and many under-floor storage compartments. All trims offer ABS brakes, traction and stability control, and a bevy of airbags, including front-side, side curtain, and knee.
Despite its affordable price, Base and LX trims for the 2008 Sorento come well-equipped with power features, cruise control, and a CD player. Moving up to the EX gets you power seats, a roof rack, leather trim, and foglights. Leather seats and a sunroof are part of a Luxury Package offered only for the EX. Drivers seem to like the generous headroom and roomy front seat of the 2008 Sorento. Other highlights include the off-road performance, good safety record, 10-year powertrain warranty, and decent fuel economy. The lack of a third row option is a disadvantage for the Sorento, since many of the its rivals offer one. A somewhat stiff ride, noisy engine, and the small cargo capacity also don't rate well.
User reviews for 2008 Kia Sorento
Write a review2008 Kia Sorento Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.33
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.33
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheels: alloy
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.33 · Limited slip differential: rear · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheels: alloy
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.33
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: privacy glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheels: alloy
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: power retracting · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.33 · Limited slip differential: rear · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheels: alloy
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: power retracting · Rear wiper: intermittent
