With agile road manners and available off-road capability, the Kia Sorento offers a wealth of versatility in a 5-passenger compact crossover SUV. For 2009, the Sorento's only update is a new grille.
Engine choices are a base 242 horsepower 3.3 liter V6 or a 262 horsepower 3.8 liter V6. Power is sent through a 5-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or available 4-wheel drive with low range.
Fuel economy for the Sorento ranges from 15 miles per gallon city to 22 miles per gallon highway.
Those selecting the larger engine and 4 wheel drive package will have the added benefit of Kia's Torque On Demand system which sends power to the wheels that it senses are slipping. Any 4-wheel drive package you choose will include a low-range transfer case for added wilderness capability.
Base MSRP for the 2009 Kia Sorento is $21,545. A fully loaded model will top out at around $30,000. The Sorento is backed by Kia's impressive 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
With legitimate off-road equipment and smooth on-road diving, the 2009 Kia Sorento takes versatility in a crossover SUV to a whole new level.