Topic: First Drive: 2011 Kia Sorento

[Autos_Editor]

Transformed from a “traditional” body-on-frame SUV into a unibody vehicle, the 2011 Kia Sorento is less truck-like and offers more power and better fuel economy from its new four and six-cylinder engines, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

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[jpd]

Very good review!! But to me the lack of diesel option is the missing attraction!

[Benhaze]

Hard plastics is a common thing in this class; the CRV and the RAV4 (especially) are 2 examples.

Rhe pricing of the fully loaded version puts it right against the Santa Fe Limited; not sure that is a good strategy as I suspect more folks would be ready to spend this much on a Hyundai than on a Kia. I must say though the Sorrento exterior styling is fresh and interesting; Hyundai should have dome more to refresh the Santa Fe exterior and interior design, especially the dash that now looks old and plain when comparing it with newer models (Equinox per example)...

[Spec5]

Hmmm, interesting vehicle but I really question the pricing. I'd pay this for a Hyundai but not a Kia. I'm looking at the V6 AWD w/7 seat configuration and at that price its certainly no longer a bargain compared to its competition. I hope its really good on fuel.

[Shnak]

Hmmm, interesting vehicle but I really question the pricing. I'd pay this for a Hyundai but not a Kia. I'm looking at the V6 AWD w/7 seat configuration and at that price its certainly no longer a bargain compared to its competition. I hope its really good on fuel.

How does that make sense?

Many parts are shared between the two brands, and Kia's track record over the last 3-4 years is certainly on par with Hyundai's. Are you saying that Hyundai is a more prestigious brand than Kia, and thus worth me because of it? If so, I'm puzzled by this. By looking at cars produced by both brands, you can honestly say that Hyundai is more prestigious than Kia? Remove the logos and do some blind-tests and I wouldn't be surprised if most people thought the Kia vehicles were made by the suposedly "more prestigious" Hyundai. Just my opinion, of course.

[Spec5]

Hmmm, interesting vehicle but I really question the pricing. I'd pay this for a Hyundai but not a Kia. I'm looking at the V6 AWD w/7 seat configuration and at that price its certainly no longer a bargain compared to its competition. I hope its really good on fuel.

How does that make sense?

Many parts are shared between the two brands, and Kia's track record over the last 3-4 years is certainly on par with Hyundai's. Are you saying that Hyundai is a more prestigious brand than Kia, and thus worth me because of it? If so, I'm puzzled by this. By looking at cars produced by both brands, you can honestly say that Hyundai is more prestigious than Kia? Remove the logos and do some blind-tests and I wouldn't be surprised if most people thought the Kia vehicles were made by the suposedly "more prestigious" Hyundai. Just my opinion, of course.

Yes you're right - they're bother-sister companies. If you've driven a Sportage and a Tucson you might know what I'm talking about. Same vehicle but the Tucson just feels more "together".

[Shnak]

Hmmm, interesting vehicle but I really question the pricing. I'd pay this for a Hyundai but not a Kia. I'm looking at the V6 AWD w/7 seat configuration and at that price its certainly no longer a bargain compared to its competition. I hope its really good on fuel.

How does that make sense?

Many parts are shared between the two brands, and Kia's track record over the last 3-4 years is certainly on par with Hyundai's. Are you saying that Hyundai is a more prestigious brand than Kia, and thus worth me because of it? If so, I'm puzzled by this. By looking at cars produced by both brands, you can honestly say that Hyundai is more prestigious than Kia? Remove the logos and do some blind-tests and I wouldn't be surprised if most people thought the Kia vehicles were made by the suposedly "more prestigious" Hyundai. Just my opinion, of course.

Yes you're right - they're bother-sister companies. If you've driven a Sportage and a Tucson you might know what I'm talking about. Same vehicle but the Tucson just feels more "together".

Uhh what? I've owned a Sportage for almost 4 years now, and strongly considered buying a Tucson instead as the Hyundai dealership was much closer to where I live than the Kia dealership. In the end, I chose the Sportage as it came with 6 airbags vs only 2 with the Tucson. The Tucson does not feel more "together", that's simply B.S.

In fact, the Sportage is produced side-by-side with the Tucson in a plant shared with Hyundai.

Read this: http://www.ehow.com/about_5459099_kia-sportage-faq.html

[Canada Stig]

I do think Hyundai has managed to carve out the "worth the money" image more than Kia, even though the cars are virtually idential.  I think Kia still has to compete on price, whereas Hyundai can compete on just being a good alternative to US/Japanese/European brands.

It is not rational in any way - but since when have consumers behaved rationally?

Maybe Hyundai benefits from that "Flying H" logo that looks a lot like someone else's "H" logo?  Kia's oval isn't as close to someone else's blue oval , so maybe it isn't getting Brand piggyback.

[Limbo]

Stop hack the program!!!

[Shnak]

I do think Hyundai has managed to carve out the "worth the money" image more than Kia, even though the cars are virtually idential.  I think Kia still has to compete on price, whereas Hyundai can compete on just being a good alternative to US/Japanese/European brands.

It is not rational in any way - but since when have consumers behaved rationally?

Maybe Hyundai benefits from that "Flying H" logo that looks a lot like someone else's "H" logo?  Kia's oval isn't as close to someone else's blue oval , so maybe it isn't getting Brand piggyback.

Ok sure, maybe that is the perception, but as they say, perception isn't always the reality.

IMO, Hyundai is going more after the mainstream market that is dominated by Toyota, while Kia seems to be going after the younger and sportier market. Kia's designs are a bit edgier, while Hyundai seems content with designs that don't risk offending many people, aka 'bland'. Hyundai seems to want to change this direction with the new Sonata, though.

All I'm saying is that someone that says the Tucson feels more "together" than the Sportage clearly has drank wayyy too much Hyundai cool-aid and can't think for himself very much; they're built side-by-side in the same plant!

With all that said, I much much much prefer the look of the new Sorento to the Santa Fe, it's much edgier, or less bland, if you prefer.

[Susido]

Ok sure, maybe that is the perception, but as they say, perception isn't always the reality.

IMO, Hyundai is going more after the mainstream market that is dominated by Toyota, while Kia seems to be going after the younger and sportier market. Kia's designs are a bit edgier, while Hyundai seems content with designs that don't risk offending many people, aka 'bland'. Hyundai seems to want to change this direction with the new Sonata, though.

All I'm saying is that someone that says the Tucson feels more "together" than the Sportage clearly has drank wayyy too much Hyundai cool-aid and can't think for himself very much; they're built side-by-side in the same plant!

With all that said, I much much much prefer the look of the new Sorento to the Santa Fe, it's much edgier, or less bland, if you prefer.

Well perception always trails reality. In the case of Kia quality, by a decade or more. I doubt any other manufacturer has made the improvements to vehicle quality, features and appearance we've seen from Kia every time they introduce an updated or new model. Contrast that with what I see from Toyota when I look at their new offerings - mostly cost-cutting, particularly in terms of interior materials.

Of course now Kia cost just about as much as everyone else too. Or in the case of the Sante Fe vs. Sorento, a fair bit more for the higher trim levels, but the Sorento comes with a lot more goodies (E.g. panoramic sunroof and smart key being two of the major ones). Not to menton the Sorento looks a whole lot better too. Kia has a stated objective of being in the top three quality wise in 3 years. But they also say they want to be top 5 in "perceived quality" in that same time periord, showing they recognise they still have a reputation to overcome.

[CanuckG35]

I will be in the market for an SUV later this year when the lease runs up on my G35.  I am interested in the Santa Fe and Forester, however the new Sorento is now on my list.  The Santa Fe will need to step up it's game now that the Sorento has features that it doesn't have.  Than panoramic roof and push button start/smart key like the previous poster mentioned are two features that I would like to have.  I have been used to having a smart key with my Infiniti and they are a fantastic thing to have.  I think I may like the interior of the Santa Fe better, but exterior wise, the Sorento has it beat by a mile.  The Forester is basically the same price as the Santa Fe and Sorento, however it has no iPod/USB option, the Navi is extremely dated and they are still using a 4spd auto.   

[Dan]

Well both the Sorento and Santa Fe are very nice in my opinion but you guys have to remember that the Sorento had a complete overhaul while the Santa Fe only got a mild up grade cuz its not due for a major overhaul yet so once it gets the same treatment maybe the Kia will look a bit overdue .....who knows but nice looking SUV's none the less

[Susido]

This is certainly true, every time an updated model comes out it will leapfrog the other, in terms of features anyway. But the Santa Fe isn't due for a remodel until 2012 (not sure if that's calender or model year). I think Hyundai knows they're going to have a tough time selling it once the Sorento is available for sale (next week?). Hence the $3500 incentive they just put on the Santa Fe.

[EV Dan]

I have a leaflet in front of me. The top of the line EX-V6-LUX comes with the features I don't remember seeing all on the Fe as standard. Here is a quick list.
18" alloys
power tilt and sliding sunroof
rear spoiler
rear-view cam
dual zone auto temp. w. ionizer
10 speaker, sub, ext. amp
navigation
full towing pkg
leather seats
8 way power drv. seat

... and there is more of less important things. As far as Santa Fe VS Sorento what may help Kia in terms of perception is that it's made at the new Billion dollar factory in Georgia, so I'd expect at least the same or higher quality than the Fe and likely better than some competition.

I'm yet to check out the new Sorento in person but so far I very much like what I see, esp. that dark blue exterior, aggressive look and Navigator rear lights.

 


 

[Spec5]

Shnak: Sorry you don't like what I have to say - but I'm just telling you from my experience test-driving the two back to back.  I do agree with you that Kia is the "edgier" of the two brands whereas Hyundai I think is going after more the family/reserved crowd. Its a great marketing strategy and there's no doubt that its working well for them.

I predict that the Sportage will get the new Tucson frame while the SantaFe will get the new Sorento within the next year or two.

[Shnak]

Shnak: Sorry you don't like what I have to say - but I'm just telling you from my experience test-driving the two back to back. 

But how can you say that when they're built next to each other? You like your Tucson, I get it, and if you convinced yourself it's better than the Sportage, that's fine, I suppose, but it simply doesn't make sense and it's flat out wrong. Other than superficial differences, they're identical.

Look, I prefer the Sportage. Its suspension is a bit firmer which improves handling a little bit, I prefer its edgier exterior, and like its interior better, mostly because I prefer the seats material and there's no dash part that sticks out in the way of my right knee. It's a much better layout in the Sportage for me, a lot more space for my tall legs. I also appreciate the fact that the middle brake light is integrated in the rear hatch with no wires hanging down like they do in the Tucson. Small detail sure, but it's one less thing for my dog to play around with.

But those are mostly all cosmetic, and I certainly could see how all of those don't matter to another buyer. I also know that the engine/transmission is identical between the models, and I honestly don't see how the Tucson could be 'better put together' when I'm continually impressed by the solid 'thunk' that sounds when I close the doors of the Sportage, or how quiet it is when cruising on the highway. And after close to 4 years of ownership and over 100k on it, not a single squeak or rattle. All of those indicate to me "well put together".

[Ex-airbalancer]

But how can you say that when they're built next to each other?

That would be easy to do

In the truck plant I saw GMC/ Chevy, regular, extended cabs and 4 door trucks on the same line in different colours

hey do not just built one kind at a time

[Shnak]

But how can you say that when they're built next to each other?

That would be easy to do

In the truck plant I saw GMC/ Chevy, regular, extended cabs and 4 door trucks on the same line in different colours

hey do not just built one kind at a time

Sure, but no one would ever say that the GMC truck feels more 'together' than the Chevy truck, right? They're both built using the same assembly lines, same materials, etc.

Whatever. It's just blind owner love talking here. I get it, that's fine.

[Spec5]

Shnak: Sorry you don't like what I have to say - but I'm just telling you from my experience test-driving the two back to back. 

But how can you say that when they're built next to each other? You like your Tucson, I get it, and if you convinced yourself it's better than the Sportage, that's fine, I suppose, but it simply doesn't make sense and it's flat out wrong. Other than superficial differences, they're identical.

Look, I prefer the Sportage. Its suspension is a bit firmer which improves handling a little bit, I prefer its edgier exterior, and like its interior better, mostly because I prefer the seats material and there's no dash part that sticks out in the way of my right knee. It's a much better layout in the Sportage for me, a lot more space for my tall legs. I also appreciate the fact that the middle brake light is integrated in the rear hatch with no wires hanging down like they do in the Tucson. Small detail sure, but it's one less thing for my dog to play around with.

But those are mostly all cosmetic, and I certainly could see how all of those don't matter to another buyer. I also know that the engine/transmission is identical between the models, and I honestly don't see how the Tucson could be 'better put together' when I'm continually impressed by the solid 'thunk' that sounds when I close the doors of the Sportage, or how quiet it is when cruising on the highway. And after close to 4 years of ownership and over 100k on it, not a single squeak or rattle. All of those indicate to me "well put together".

The big issue for me with the Sportage was the steering. The two that I drove (a year apart I might add) had steering that was very disconnected. You could move the wheel I'm sure almost 20 degrees and would get very little steering response. At 21 degrees bam it was like you had oversteered. Interior materials seemed nicer from what I remember too - although both sucked (which is why we bought the Viva Edition - it has its own cloth interior).

Not sure what you're referring to about the light though - I don't have any wires hanging anywhere that I've ever noticed.