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Kia Sorento V6 2012 review: snapshot

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?

What is it?

Kia's big SUV with seven seats, a petrol V6 but no four-wheel drive. Given that the vast majority of SUV buyers never go off road, who needs it? Removing four-wheel drive reduces the price and for many people - that's the main thing.

How much?

The V6 replaces the previous 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol model. This one will set you back $36,990 before on-road costs - only $500 more than the four. The equivalent diesel model will cost you $3000 more, but you also get four-wheel drive for this price.

What are competitors?

Sorento and the Hyundai's Santa Fe share the same under carriage, so you'd have to look at Santa Fe before anything else. But the real enemy is Holden's Captiva which offers a diesel for around the same price. After that you could perhaps visit the Ssangyong Rexton which is an underrated vehicle.

What's under the bonnet?

3.5-litre V6 delivers 204kW of power at 6300 revs and 335Nm of torque at 5000 revs. It's paired with Kia's beat new six-speed auto which allows you to change gears manually, but really there's no need.

How does it go?

Like a scalded cat. We love the diesel version of this car, but the V6 is a force to be reckoned with. Punchy off the line and responsive to the throttle at all other times.

Is it economical?

With a 70-litre tank it is rated at 10.0 litres/100km. In practice however we were getting 11.9.

Is it green?

Gets three stars from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius scores five). Produces 239g of CO2 per kilometre.

Is it safe?

You bet. Five stars from Australian NCAP. Comes with six airbags and a full complement of safety systems including electronic stability control.

Is it comfortable?

Doesn't get leather but we're not big fans of leather anyway. The cloth seats and upholstery are comfortable. Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob.

What's it like to drive?

Very easy to drive. Good vision all round. Responsive to the throttle. Instruments are big and easy to use. Bluetooth and an iPod connection are standard which makes life easy.

Is it value for money?

Everything you need and nothing you don't. Dual zone temperature controlled airconditioning is standard with second and third row vents, but third row passengers miss out on fan controls.

Would we buy one?

We'd be sorely tempted. Sorento was the fist of Kia's new look vehicles. It still looks good and goes extremely well. There's no real downside that we can see.

Pricing guides

$14,990
Based on 38 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$9,999
Highest Price
$19,880

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
Si (4x4) 2.2L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO $12,980 – 17,380 2012 Kia Sorento 2012 Si (4x4) Pricing and Specs
Si (4x2) 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $11,110 – 15,290 2012 Kia Sorento 2012 Si (4x2) Pricing and Specs
SLi (4x4) 2.2L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO $14,520 – 19,140 2012 Kia Sorento 2012 SLi (4x4) Pricing and Specs
Platinum (4x4) 2.2L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO $14,300 – 18,810 2012 Kia Sorento 2012 Platinum (4x4) Pricing and Specs
Chris Riley
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$9,999

Lowest price, based on 31 car listings in the last 6 months

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.