Review: 2014 Kia Sorento

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Feb 13, 2014 | 06:05 PM

#16

Hoovey689

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Tantrix

their reliability issue are still questionable.

and their "best sales since" statement is kinda not saying much because their benchmark in 2008 was so low.

point was this Fiat Chrysler deal saved both companies which seem to be fairing well now, and new and better products are starting to come to fruition

Feb 15, 2014 | 03:45 AM

#17

yowps3

Lexus Test Driver

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From: NSW

I just hate the materials kia use in their interior. Some of the strangest grade of black plastic. And certainly the strangest 'new car smell'

Example this is what you see when you open the door of the Avalon compared with Cedanza. Avalon is such nicer and cleaner looking.

If the Koreans truly want to challenge the eats abolished than they must do what the Japanese did. So far their stuff is really half baked in the grande scheme of things..

Avalon;

Cedanza;

I also like how Toyota added the rubber door masking/sealing to the Avalon which they haven't added to the new 3IS for some reason. (The 2IS had it)

Last edited by yowps3; Feb 15, 2014 at 05:32 AM.

Feb 16, 2014 | 12:30 AM

#18

Fizzboy7

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From: California

Having studied the above pics, I'd have to say I like the Kia's interior better. I'm not a fan of the floating "perch" center stack of the Toyota, nor it's immature motorcylce guage tunnels.

What's the rubber door masking you speak of? I'd like to learn more about it. One thing about the 2IS upper door seals is they would allow water to drip down on the seat when it was raining and you opened the door. Very annoying. Maybe this is related to the change.

Last edited by Fizzboy7; Feb 16, 2014 at 01:34 PM.

Feb 16, 2014 | 07:04 AM

#19

LexFather

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And the Kia will rattle and shake in 2 years.

How about let's talk about the drive? Isn't that what cars are for? Isn't that would people beat up Lexus for in the past? Instead of raving about how the IS drives people are talking about its door handles. The optima can paint its brakes red all it wants but it's as sporty as a 1998 Camry.

Compare the two all you want 99% of buyers don't care of a Kia Optima has gold fluff floor mats when it's time to buy a RWD luxury sport sedan.

Last edited by DaveGS4; Feb 16, 2014 at 02:17 PM. Reason: thread back on topic clean up

Feb 16, 2014 | 02:07 PM

#20

Hoovey689

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Anyway.. segwaying back to the Kia

Here's some paper stats from this articles test car:

Quote:

Engine: 3.3L V6
Power: 290 HP / 252 LB-FT
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight: 3,965 LBS
Towing: 3,500 LBS
Seating: 2+3+2
Cargo: 72.5 CU-FT (max)
MPG: 18 City / 25 HWY
Base Price: $26,500
As-Tested Price: $40,795

Nothing really that stands out to me. Seems mid pack, typical towing, torque and fuel economy numbers for CUVs like this

Feb 16, 2014 | 02:20 PM

#21

DaveGS4

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Folks keep this thread on the Kia, thread cleaned up from off topic photo bombing.

Feb 17, 2014 | 07:14 PM

#22

mmarshall

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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs

Quote:

Originally Posted by yowps3

It's true that the interiors of some Kia products are not as rich-LOOKING as that of the new Avalon....at least on the surface. But if you take the time to actually examine and feel those materials up closely, you'll find that some of the Avalon's interior materials are quite flimsy-feeling and of substandard solidness. Toyota DOES, though, generally do better drivetrains than Kia.....though the Corolla clearly kept its dated 4-speed automatic transmisson too long.

Feb 17, 2014 | 10:00 PM

#23

yowps3

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From: NSW

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmarshall

I'm sure the Kia's materials are just as flimsy and don't look as rich. Double whammy there.

While the 4-speed doesn't look good on paper, but the SUPER-INTELLIGENT transmissions Toyota use mitigate the number of ratios well.

The 4-speed auto in the Corolla is better than some 6-speed from the competition. Thanks to a very efficient and slick torque converter and good programming of the transmission with the throttle position, vehicle speed and load.

I'd choose the 4-speed over any CVT easily.