GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Kia Sorento

XM Sorento

1 Oct 2009

KIA launched its second-generation XM Sorento in October 2009.

Larger in all key dimensions and riding on a car-like monocoque chassis for the first time instead of the ladder-frame chassis that helped make the previous Sorento a renowned off-road 4WD, the redesign brings big advances in quality and refinement.

Depending on the model, new-to-the-series technologies include keyless entry, push-button starting, a reversing camera, and a panoramic glass sunroof.

Improved safety is also central, with Kia claiming a maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

The base Si 2WD model’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces 128kW of power and 225Nm of torque. Mated as standard to a six-speed automatic gearbox, it replaces the 180kW/309Nm 3.3-litre petrol V6 in either five-speed manual or auto guises of the old Sorento.

Meanwhile, replacing the previous version’s 2.5-litre diesel engine, the new ‘R’ CRDi 2.2-litre turbo-diesel produces 145kW of power and 436Nm of torque (manual: 422Nm). As such, combined fuel consumption for the diesel AWD manual drops by 21 per cent, from 8.5 to a best-in-class 6.7L/100km (7.4L/100km auto).

The same CRDi diesel-auto powertrain is available in mid-range SLi specification ($45,990), while the premium Platinum version (also auto-only) tops the range at $48,990. Premium (mica/metallic) paint adds $450 across the range.

4WD versions of the Korean-built Sorento, which eschews the previous model’s low-range transfer case, offer a maximum towing capacity of 2500kg, while all models come with traction control and ABS brakes.

Read more

When it was new

Kia models

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here