Kia Sorento Reviews

To look at the new Kia Sorento isn't radically different, but it's under the skin that the big changes are to be found. The 7-seat SUV, sister to Hyundai's Santa Fe, sits on a new, stronger lighter platform that helps reduce fuel consumption as well as noise, vibration and harshness.There's also more legroom for rear seat passengers - 30mm for the second row of seats and 9mm for the third row. But this has not been at the expense of luggage space.Although the two wagons share the same platform, the recently launched Santa Fe is "all new" while Sorento has only been given a mid-life makeover.You'd think if Kia was moving Sorento to a new platform, it would take the opportunity to completely redesign the vehicle just as Hyundai has done - but not so. No one is saying it, but it looks like head office has pulled rank to give the Hyundai front running.Sitting 10mm lower than before subtle changes in design have produced a wider, more aggressive look, particularly through the use of vertical lighting elements. The re-design includes new head lights with LED daytime running lights, a new tailgate with LED rear combination lights, new bumpers front and back with vertical, rectangular shaped fog lights and less use of unpainted plastic trim around the lower part of the body as well as a greater range of wheels topping out with 19s on the Platinum.At this stage there's a 3.5-litre petrol V6 or 2.2-litre turbo diesel, both excellent engines and both carried over from the previous model. A 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine is under consideration, but Kia is keen to maintain a sporty flavour with this car and is not sure the four has enough punch.The petrol V6 pushes out 204kW of power and 335Nm of torque, while the turbo diesel delivers 145kW of power and 421 or 436Nm of torque depending on whether it's the manual or automatic. Petrol models are front-wheel drive, while the diesels are all-wheel drive.Transmissions are 6-speed auto or 6-speed manual, although the manual is available only with the entry level diesel model. SLi and Platinum models score adjustment for the amount of force required to turn the steering wheel, with three different settings.With a 64-litre tank a reduction in weight of about 100kg has seen fuel consumption pruned from 10.0 to 9.8 litres/100km for the petrol engine and from 6.7 to 6.6 and 7.4 to 7.3 litres/100km for the diesel manual and automatic.Sorento comes in four grades: Si, SLi, SLi Navigation and Platinum - all of them with seven seats. Prices start at $37,490 for the entry level Si petrol model, with a V6 engine and six-speed auto while the entry level Si diesel with a six-speed manual will set you back $38,990.That's a difference of $1500, but bear in mind that one is front-wheel drive and the other all-wheel drive. The addition of the better equipped petrol SLi at $40,490 is sure to attract more buyers. Satellite navigation, standard with the $53,390 Platinum, is paired with a new premium 10-speaker sound system.Six airbags and a full array of safety systems are standard across the range, giving Sorento a five-star safety rating. That is apart from a reversing camera which you only get with SLi and Platinum models - although front and rear parking sensors are also standard.Cruise and Bluetooth with audio streaming are standard, with more soft-touch surfaces plus a new LCD style speedo for SLi and Platinum, new centre stack with 7-inch display screen (SLi and Platinum), and new console featuring a straight-gate selector with a leather-booted lever on automatic transmission models. We had a crack at all of them. Kia has once again put considerable time and effort into tuning the suspension for Australian roads. It is money well spent with Sorento remaining composed and controlled in a variety of conditions, soaking up the bumps and potholes whether it's on the dirt or bitumen.The entry level manual diesel is surprisingly fun to drive and even comes with dual zone climate air. The manual change is easy to use and will appeal to those wanting to tow a van or boat as it has a higher tow rating of 2.5 tonnes.The petrol V6 feels like a completely different car and has some real attitude. It is the quickest of the bunch, responds quickly and positively to the throttle, accelerating loudly and aggressively, with the dash from 0-100km/h taking 8.2 seconds.Top of the line Platinum diesel (Platinum comes as diesel only) is the consummate performer, smooth and powerful with large reserves of torque that help it power up hills as though they are not there. Bigger brakes pull the car up faster. The old Sorento was good and this one is better again. The styling is sharper and it sits better on the road, with more equipment in most cases. Whether buyers baulk at the prospect of paying more than $50K for the top of the line Platinum remains to be seen, though they're unlikely to be disappointed.

Kia Sorento has a lot to offer, especially in the topline Platinum format. Sorento has seven seats, a slick six-speed automatic transmission and bling to burn, making the Sorento Platinum a great people mover with some off-road ability when needed. Oh, and it's also great to drive.This vehicle tips the scales at almost two tonnes, yet the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel used just 7.7 litres per hundred kilometres over our test that saw a lot of suburban running as well as our usual highway and motorway testing.This engine is a modern design and produces a strong 436 Nm of torque between 1800 and 2500 rpm. Acceleration, straight-line speed and highway passing ability are simply not an issue. Across the range, the Sorento has a towing rate of 2000 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked.The six-speed auto is a nice match for the engine and is smooth across the board. This little diesel really is a great package. It is barely intrusive and simply gets the job done with a minimum of fuss. Vision is good overall, but the A-pillar can cause a slight blind spot.Sorento AWD comes in three specification levels Si, SLi and Platinum. Splashes of chrome around the Platinum edition Sorento add a touch of exterior class. In particular we like the treatment around the headlamps, grille and fog lamps.It is subtle and not overdone, yet recognising that chrome is back in fashion. Sorento's profile is fairly standard with a nice shoulder line, but has individuality thanks to a switch-back at the A-pillar. The rear end is dominated by large stop light lenses.The Sorento is classified as a large SUV, but could easily be tagged as a people-mover for adventurous families. With the first two rows of seats up there is 1047 litres of usable cargo space – enough for a family of five to go on annual holidays. If you need more seats the 50/50 split third row rises up from the floor, although this reduces the cargo area to just 285 litres.This third row of seats has a foot well, but there’s limited leg or knee space, strictly the kids domain only. Access to the third row is made possible by folding either side of the 60/40 split second row seat back, with the seat base then tumbling forward. Both the second and third rows of seats have their own air conditioning vents.We love simplicity. You should not have to scratch around in a car to find the basics, as you do with some European brands. Kia Sorento excels in this area without compromising style but adding to practicality.The seats are comfortable in a lounge-room kind of way, the driving position can be tailored to most drivers thanks to power height adjustment on the seat and height and reach on the steering wheel and there are oodles of storage spaces throughout the vehicle.The key features we use - audio and air-conditioning - are user friendly and the steering wheel has remote audio as well as cruise control functions. What we would like to see is the computer functions button also located on the steering wheel instead of in the instrument binnacle.Kia’s Sorento has a five-star ANCAP rating. For those who venture off-road there's hill descent control and hill start. The headlights have an automatic function and there's six airbags including full-length curtain.In normal driving conditions Sorento is in front wheel drive mode and when slippage is detected torque is shared between the front and back wheels. When driving off-road or on slippery surfaces there's a push-button centre diff lock switch on the lower dash to ensure all four wheels are driven.With no dual-range transmission and a moderate ground clearance of 184 mm, Kia Sorento comes clearly into the realm of large soft-roader. The fact that it has an AWD centre diff lock button means some off-roading is on the menu as long as it does not include serious rock-hopping or deep, rutted tracks or the like. Still, it probably does everything the adventurous family is likely to demand of it.On road, the suspension is a little soft and there's a fair bit of body roll on sharp corners. As a family wagon these are minor issues that will not concern the majority of drivers. We are not fans of the parking brake being foot operated, particularly when it never seems to do the job at 100 per cent, no matter how hard you kick it.The Platinum is fitted with 18-inch wheels which we think gives excessive feedback over uneven roads. It would be interesting to put an SLi Sorento over the same roads, with the SLi having 17 inch rims. What we do like is all variants have full-size matching spare wheels.If you are looking for a vehicle in this segment Kia Sorento is a must try vehicle.

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?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.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.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.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.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.With a 70-litre tank it is rated at 10.0 litres/100km. In practice however we were getting 11.9.Gets three stars from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius scores five). Produces 239g of CO2 per kilometre.You bet. Five stars from Australian NCAP. Comes with six airbags and a full complement of safety systems including electronic stability control.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.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.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.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.

While not quite the flagship of the Kia range - surely that's the more-expensive eight-seater Carnival peoplemover - the Sorento SUV is Kia's quiet achiever.The big seven-seater has some of the new look - without the full-blown style-house look - and quietly goes about its business, recording a few hundred sales a month and giving those with a larger brood another option beyond its peoplemover siblings.The recent addition of satellite navigation - something the Korean brand has lagged behind some of its competition with - has warranted some more time behind the wheel.VALUEThe top-spec Sorento will be $50,180 Platinum gets the aforementioned satnav, as well as remote central locking with keyless entry and push-button start, 18in alloy wheels (and a full-size spare), leather trim, a power-adjustable driver's seat, splitfold 2nd and 3rd row, exterior heated power-folding mirrors, LED taillights and HID headlights, a double sunroof, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents.There's also cruise control with audio, phone and cruise controls on the reach-and-rake adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, a trip computer, sports pedals, two 12-volt outlets and an auto-dipping centre rearvision mirror, a 6-CD six-speaker sound system, USB and auxiliary input, Bluetooth phone and sound system link.TECHNOLOGYShop for the flagship and its a diesel-only model - a 2.2-litre turbocharged, intercooled and direct-injected 16-valve double-overhead cam four-cylinder. The little powerplant produces 145kW and 436Nm, worthwhile outputs when the Sorento was upgraded in 2009 and still numbers that warrant attention.This is the Korean brand's first satnav system is a 6.5in touchscreen unit sourced from LG that is standard on Platinum models. Navteq maps (which at the moment are updated at 12 and 24 months for free, says Kia) are displayed clearly and the unit uses the SUNA live traffic information system to help avoid delays.The touchscreen set-up is easy enough to use and informative, with real time traffic and road-weather warnings useful to avoid snarls. The satnav's display is also used for the reversing camera, which is a little easier to see than the in-mirror version seen on other Kias.DESIGNThe big SUV gets plenty of the Schreyer-snout but aside from that has less of the sculpted surfaces of its brethren - big, square and boxy dimensions abound when looking beyond the nose. It's not an unattractive beast but has less attitude than the newer Sportage.Inside, there's a useful amount of space - more than enough for four average adults and their gear stowed in the rear, which Kia says can swallow 1047 litres when configured as a five-seater.Pulling up the simple-to-use third row, which also gets vents from the climate control, reveals two seats and a half-decent footwell, but luggage spaced drops to 258 litres - the Carnival is cleverer in that respect, bringing the seats out of the floor and leaving more cargo space.SAFETYThe big Korean SUV has a five-star rating from its launch in 2009 and no shortage of safety features - anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, hill start and descent control, rear parking sensors and reversing camera, automatic headlights (but no rain-sensing wipers), six airbags (dual front, front-side and full-length side-curtains) and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.DRIVINGIt's a peoplemover for those who want to look like explorers and not breeders - with 184mm of ground clearance and no low range any more, locking the centre diff is only going to get you so far off the bitumen, but it can cope with more than most will attempt.The little turbodiesel carries out its work without intrusive noise levels and once its taken a deep breath there's plenty of torque in the mid-range to keep the throttle pedal well clear of the firewall.The six-speed auto is slick and smooth, which is a good thing as its indecisiveness can get a little tiresome, as can the foot-operated parkbrake, which never feels like it's up to the task even at full stretch. Manual changes won't fix it either, as the transmission over-rules anyway, but if steer well clear of the redline or lugging it in a high gear you choice remains unaltered.The driver will also want to make sure the A-pillar isn't hiding any unseen vehicles or pedestrians - this is not a problem just for Kia either, many car makers have widened A-pillars for crash load paths and it's an on-going problem. Also something that needs attention is the headlights, or more specifically the high beam, which is lack-lustre at best.The ride is firm but what may put some off the Platinum is the top-spec wheel-tyre package - it relays smaller ruts and bumps in a way that's normally reserved for tyres lower in profile than the 60-series Nexen rubber on the Sorento. Aside from that the suspension does its job without too much wallow either, but it's no Ford Territory or BMW X5.Another annoyance - which Kia says is being resolved - is the lack of compatibility between an iPhone, it's USB cable and the USB port in the Sorento. It won't charge or connect for the music player, leaving Bluetooth as the only music option without the special Kia accessory cable.Kia Sorento PlatinumPrice: from $50,180Warranty: 5 years/ unlimited kmResale: 53 per cent (Source: Glass's Guide)Service interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: five starSpare: Full-sizeEngine: 2.2-litre, 145kW/436NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, 4WDBody: 4.7m (L); 1.9m (w); 1.8m (h)Weight: 1959kgThirst: 5.51/100km, on test 10.1, tank 70 litres; 161g/km CO2 

In the city dusk, seven friends gathered beside three vehicles. They admired the stylish SUV, but shoulders dropped as they compared it with their cramped cars. About to depart for their favorite Italian noshery, one posed the crucial question, ‘Should we take two cars ... or the Sorento?’The leviathan Kia seven-seater SUV may seem overkill on city streets, but if you have kids -- or friends that dodge being the designated driver -- the confident Sorento will zip you around in comfort and little concern about its girth.Get it out of town onto the weekend warrior trails, and it finds plenty of fans out there too. On a ferry river-crossing, we gloated at the jealous glances of the minivan-caged family beside us.Hearing another family grumbling about the rough dirt road they'd just bumped over, we headed back on that route.  After tackling kilometres of dirt, gravel, and plenty of potholes in the smooth Sorento, we couldn't see what they were complaining about.The Kia Sorento Si is priced from $36,990, which gets you Bluetooth, dual airconditioning, central locking, power windows and mirrors, 17-in alloy wheels, fog lamps, cruise control, traction and stability control, eight airbags, hill start and downhill assist.The 3.5-litre petrol, six-speed automatic transmission Si runs confidently on its 204kW of power and 335Nm of torque. However the vehicle’s size comes at a price, the official fuel figure is 10L/100km, but our treks through the city and out on to hilly back roads and some dirt roads found us at 10.4L/100km.On rougher tracks you may wish you had the diesel version’s Active AWD, but the 3.5L petrol, front 2WD Si still has the McPherson strut front suspension, giving it a steadier ride over dirt and gravel, and the 17 inch alloy wheels give you a firm grip on the road.Clean lines give it a surprisingly slick look. Advertised as a rugged SUV, the stylised design reminds us a bit of someone putting on makeup to work out at the gym.Internally, with three child restraint anchorage points it’s well suited to transport a family,  and in much better style than your average people mover. That said, this isn’t just a kid-friendly SUV.You can fit five adults in the comfortable, spacious seats, then flip up the third row and shove two more (preferably short) adults in back. The two additional seats are handy in terms of capacity, if not comfort.  The lack of leg room and the difficult access make the third row impractical for long trips with adults, though two small children may like its secluded feel from the rest of the vehicle.While the dashboard’s looks are more mass-market than upmarket, the layout is convenient. Wheel mounted Bluetooth, cruise, and volume controls make driving the Sorento a breeze, and if you’re traveling with a hot or cold-blooded sidekick, dual-zone climate control will stop the battle for control.You got it. With ANCAP’s highest rating of five stars, the passenger, front side, and curtain SRS airbags, not to mention the anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and downhill break control will make you feel safe as houses in this SUV that seems big enough to be one.There’s enough power going up hills, and if you’re stuck in traffic on steep inclines, the Si comes with hill-start assist control, giving you a steady start when traffic clears. A bit of body roll keeps you slower on sharp turns, and there’s a slight grab on the brakes, but for the size of the SUV, it seems inevitable.You’d think you’d prefer to rein in the Si with manual control, but the automatic responds well and gear changes are fairly smooth. Steering is light and responsive.Comfort is key in the Si. Spacious legroom (as long as you’re not in the third row) and plenty of clever storage options, makes for a pleasurable ride. An aluminum casing on the engine helps cut down cabin noise, and as long as you don’t have the fan on full blast (prepare for takeoff), the Si is surprisingly quiet in traffic and at full speed.While the height of the vehicle gives you a good view above traffic, the bevel of the hood makes the front feel longer than it actually is (think of a 1980’s sedan). Not too much of a problem, but oddly, it’s the sides that are hardest to judge while parking. Unfortunately, once you get a sense of the vehicle boundaries, parking’s still a pain. The width of the cabin makes you feel like you’re never fully off the road, and backing into a tight spot makes you wish a reversing camera came standard. If you want to feel safe and stylish with plenty of bulk to clear a path in the city or on the trail then this is the SUV for you. 

The Ford Falcon wagon is dead. The Toyota Camry wagon is gone. Some like the Holden Sportswagon still survive, and there are loyal buyers in both the small-car and luxury classes, but the rising tide of SUVs has washed most station wagons out of showrooms.The distinction between the traditional sedan-based station wagons and Australia’s new favourite family freighter has become much more blurred in the past decade or so.However, there are still some important points of difference. And it's worth looking at some of the leading contenders on the rival teams to see what's happening and what works best for you.A sedan-based wagon is usually lighter than a similarly-sized SUV. This means better fuel economy and lower costs for servicing and tyres. It also sits closer to the bitumen, with a lower centre of gravity, so it’s more agile and stable, especially when cornering or in an emergency manoeuvre.However, you don’t enjoy the high-and-mighty driving position, with an unimpeded view of the road, that SUV drivers - and women in particular - cite as one of the breed’s major attractions.Who hasn’t sat in traffic, cursing the SUV blocking your vision? Booming SUV sales indicate more and more people are taking the view that, if I can’t beat ‘em, I may as well join ‘em.It’s a myth that SUVs are more space-efficient than wagons, however most mid-sized models - including the popular Holden Captiva and Ford's Territory - can come with a couple of extra seats in the back, a feature you no longer find in conventional wagons.Kids also love an SUV’s elevated seating position because they can enjoy the scenery, whereas many wagons have low seats and high side window sills, which, for nippers, can be like sitting in a hole.  So they get unhappy. And we know what happens then...Whether you choose a sedan-based wagon or an SUV - an Americanism for Sports Utility Vehicle, incidentally - the good news is that affordable family transport, with five star safety, can now also be an enjoyable drive.Among the wagons, the Commodore VE Series ll Sportwagon, priced from $41,990 for the 190kW, 3.0-litre V6 Omega, is a standout. It looks sensational - which, it must be said, is still a rare thing in wagon world.Recent improvements to drivetrains, including E85 ethanol fuel compatibility, direct fuel inection and a six-speed automatic - plus a flash new dash with hands-free Bluetooth and audi streaming as standard - have re-written the Commodore's technical resume to 21st century standards.Around town, the 3.0-litre V6 averages 12.6L/100km in official tests.  A big serve of additional grunt in the 3.6-litre V6 SV6 Sportwagon, plus tighter suspension, sports seats and other extras, justifies its $45,790 ask, and with a city average of 13.3L/100km, you’re not savagely penalised at the pump.Despite the Commodore's appeal, Ford’s Mondeo and the little-known Skoda Superb are the kings of outright space. Behind the driver’s seat, both are as big as the MCG.  Given their size, the fuel economy from their 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines is amazing.  The 120kW, six-speed automated-manual Mondeo, from $36,840, pulls like a train and averages just 7.7L/100km in town.The Skoda is VW engineering with a Czech badge, making  luxury wagon for half the expected price. The 125kW six-speed automated-manual Superb Ambition is $43,990, with a city average of 8.3L/100km and the 118kW 1.8-litre petrol turbo Ambition, at $40,990, offers respectable performance too, averaging 9.7L/100km.In the SUV showroom, Ford’s Territory, from $39,890, is still one of the best size/price/performance packages available - especially with the inevitable big discount ahead of the facelifted model - but the all-wheel drive’s 17.6L/100km thirst in town is a major disincentive.Later this month, a 140kW 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, which averages 11.6L/100km, goes under the bonnet as part of a major upgrade. It will be worth a test drive.Kia’s Sorento, a classy, competent seven-seater with a brilliant 2.2-litre, 145kW turbodiesel, starts at $39,999, with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. Around town, it averages 9.5L/100 kilometres. The five-seater Subaru Outback now has enough interior acreage to keep a family happy.  This blue-chip, made-in-Japan SUV starts at $38,490 for the 123kW 2.5-litre petrol (11.5-litres per 100 kilometres), or $40,490 for a 110kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel, in manual only, with a 7.7- litres per 100 kilometre average.Load Lugger ChecklistRear camera: All cars should have one as standard, especially wagons and SUVs. The Sorento’s is a brilliant design, integrated into the rearview mirror.Curtain airbags: Essential protection against a side impact. In a seven seater, they should extend to all three rows of seats. In the Territory, they don’t.Child restraint anchors: Should be on the back of the rear seat, not in the load floor, or the roof (as in the Outback), where the tether straps get in the wayCargo bay: Check that the extended floor is flat when you fold the back seat, and that you don’t have to push the driver’s seat too far forward.Row-three seats: In SUVs most are pretty small, suitable for little kids only, or short trips. Check access, which should be easiest from the kerb side.Protection: You need some way to secure gear, because in a prang even small objects behind the back seat become lethal missiles. Options include a solid load cover, a net, a roll out mesh barrier, that clips into the roof, or an aftermarket barrier.Want to go off road ... really off road?Try these:Jeep Grand Cherokee from $45,000. The new Laredo 3.6-litre V6 petrol is great value, but the diesel, due in June, will be a better drive. Hard-core off-roading made easy, and the all-new Grand Cherokee is much improved on the bitumen too.Mitsubishi Challenger from $45,000. Lots of Pajero bits in this, with lower starting prices and a competent, if rather coarse, 2.5 turbodiesel. Seven seats from $49,390, a huge cargo bay, and a locking rear differential.Toyota Landcruiser Prado from $55,990. It’s a Toyota 4WD, so it’s pricey, but you get bulletproof reliability, unbeatable resale values and smooth, but leisurely, performance from the 3.0-litre turbodiesel.

THIS is a classic example of not being able to judge a book by its cover - or in this case, a brand by just one model, the Rio.  But the small car's maker, South Korea's Kia, is far from being just a cheap and cheerful car company. Kia also produces a fine soft-roader wagon.We have been driving the most popular version of Sorento - the mid-spec SLi with an on-demand all-wheel drive system - and came away more than impressed.  It ticks the boxes as a quality family wagon with seven seats, it has a two-tonne tow capacity and, in diesel form at least, has terrific fuel economy.The Sorento was reborn last year - the former body-on-frame chassis was replaced with a monocoque design, engine size was downsized to 2.2-litres in the diesel (offering 145kW and 436Nm), low range was ditched, the styling was sharpened and it lost weight. The result is a wagon which is remarkably quiet, comfortable and cheap to run.The SLi diesel with a six-speed automatic/sequential manual gearbox sells for $45,990, plus on-road costs. Two weeks behind the wheel, a mix of highway and urban driving, some easy off-road work and towing a trailer laden with half a tonne of firewood saw average fuel consumption swing from 8.4l/100km to 12.6l/100km. That gave the Sorento a range of about 800km between fills from the 70-litre tank.There were two things which impressed - how easy it is to drive and how comfortable it is, with generous in-cabin storage space. With the third-row seats folded, the boot space is also generous but it all but disappears when the seats are in use. Once you climb in, the rear seats are not too bad in the comfort stakes, even for adults, unlike some seven-seaters I've driven.The SLi comes with dual airconditioning, central locking, power windows and mirrors, 18in alloy wheels, fog lamps, cruise control, stability control, six airbags, rear park sensors, reversing camera, hill start and downhill assist.  Missing? The obvious ones are Bluetooth and satellite navigation but I'd like to see more 12-volt power outlets.The Sorento's downsides are its ride, which can be annoyingly rigid at times, especially on poor urban roads, some of the cabin design (such as the awkward positioning of the trip computer button behind the steering wheel) is a work in progress and there's an odd, soft feeling to the brakes.There's a little bit of traditional turbo lag off the line, but the diesel is punchy enough and remarkably quiet.  Push the wagon along the twisty stuff and it doesn't show any real vices, either. The wagon feels balanced and secure. The ride is good on gravel but poorly-surfaced urban streets can catch it out. It's almost if the dampening can't quite keep pace with the drive.This is a soft-roader, so offroad work is limited by tyres. It comes big on value for money, economy - and quality.

More and more manufacturers are realising they can attract extra sales by creating two-wheel-drive versions of their 'soft roaders'.2WD buyers are looking for the practicality of the wagon - a commanding driving position, perhaps a little higher ride height for a short drive down a dry dirt track, the 'look' of an SUV, strong suspension, and in some cases seven seats - without getting a people-mover.If they don’t need to go offroad, in the snow, through muddy tracks, they don’t need the four-wheel-drive ability. But they can get everything else they want with 2WD versions of the SUV.What’s the benefit of 2WD?By opting for the 2WD version, the vehicle costs thousands of dollars less because that second set of drive-shafts, differentials, wheel joints and bits are not in the vehicle. And that means the 2WD versions weigh considerably less. Less weight means less fuel, a cost saving to the owner and lower exhaust emissions for the planet. And less weight means better performance in acceleration and handling.The month of May this year was the best-ever May for new-vehicle sales in Australia. Part of the reason was a staggering 29 per cent growth in SUV sales over May of last year. Clearly Aussies still love their SUVs and many of those extra sales were because of 2WD versions.Toyota offering its large Kluger in 2WD and 4WD, in all trim levels. The choice (between 2WD and 4WD) will give buyers an alternative purchase decision based on their real needs. Toyota also offers the RAV4, which gets revised gear ratios for with 2WD.Ford launched its Territory SUV in 2004 in 4WD and 2WD right from the start. But some brands don’t offer the full choice of models of the 4WD. For example, the Kia Sorento 2WD cannot have Kia's excellent turbo-diesel engine of the 4WD, but it's recognised that 2WD buyers are looking for lower buying and running costs and so only a base model engine is provided.KIA SORENTO - $36,490 Drives well with good ride; six-speed automatic, fuel economy Engine sometimes works hard to move 1814kg weightA much better onroad wagon than previous (4WD-only) model. The 2WD Kia Sorento is available only with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to keep down cost.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 128kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 226Nm @ 3750rpmTransmission: Six-speed automatic; front-wheel-drive.HOLDEN CAPTIVA - $27,990 Low price, plenty of Holden dealers for back-up Modest power, tows only 1500kg, no auto optionThe Holden Captiva 2WD gives wagon motoring to Holden followers not wanting a V6 or V8 Commodore Sportwagon. Captiva has been selling well lately.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 103kW @ 5200rpmTorque: 220Nm @ 2400rpmTransmission: Five-speed manual; front-wheel-drive.TOYOTA KLUGER - $40,990 Engine power, full model range, including seven-seater Large, blunt design, fuel useThe larger option from Toyota can be had in all the trim levels of the Kluger 4WDs, which means seven-seaters as well. The well-known 3.5 V6 engine is a good 'un.Engine: 3.5-litre, V6, petrolPower: 201kW @ 6200rpmTorque: 337Nm @ 4700rpmTransmission: Five-speed automatic; front-wheel-drive.FORD TERRITORY - $39,890 Torque at low revs, parts costs, seven-seat option Size to park, fuel use, dating body shape, auto only a four-speedThe only Australian-designed and built SUV, Territory uses Ford Falcon running gear and is a popular vehicle, especially now that Falcon wagon is ceasing production.Engine: Four-litre, six-cylinder, petrolPower: 190kW @ 5250rpmTorque: 383Nm @ 2500rpmTransmission: Four-speed automatic; rear-wheel-drive.BMW X1 sDrive18i - $43,500 BMW owner pride, diesel option, equipment, fuel economy, 1430kg weight Expensive parts and servicingBMW's new compact SUV in two-wheel-drive form is known as the sDrive. It is one of the low-cost ways of getting behind the famous BMW badge and suits Yuppies.Engine: Two-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 110kW @ 6400rpmTorque: 200Nm @ 3600rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual (optional six-speed automatic); rear-wheel-drive.TOYOTA RAV4 - $28,990 Fuel economy, Toyota reputation, modest kerb weight (1525kg), price Tows only 1500kgRAV is the most recent 4WD SUV available in 2WD and uses the Toyota Camry 2.4 engine. RAV started the compact SUV segment and has kept updated nicely since.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 125kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 224Nm @ 4000rpmTransmission: Five-speed manual (optional four-speed automatic); front-wheel-drive.

CarsGuide has assembled our top 10 motoring snow companions.

Take two Korean twins into the Australian bush and you could have trouble telling them apart. That's what happened when we took loaded up a Kia Sorento and a Hyundai Santa Fe to the gunwales with people and camping gear and headed into the bush to Queensland's majestic Carnarvon Gorge.Our test vehicles were both top-spec diesel models, just the type of vehicle a grey nomad are considering for their lap of the continent.After more than 2000km of highway, country road and limited dirt and offroad driving, we had a hard time telling them apart. They look, feel and even sound similar. Making a buying choice could be even more difficult. Far from being out of their depth in the Aussie bush, these Korean softroaders excel with a quiet, comfortable ride and performance levels that will challenge the average Aussie's view of what it takes to get around west of the Great Divide.The Koreans are forging ahead with Hyundai not far behind Ford, even outselling them in February. Hyundai's sister company, Kia, is a long way back, but surging past Mercedes-Benz and BMW and not far behind Suzuki. Their keys to success are not cheap and cheerful vehicles, but reliable, quality products.What are the differences?The Santa Fe and Sorento are basically built off the same platform with the same underpinnings, shared engineering and engines. On several occasions during the test, I forgot which vehicle I was driving, so similar are the controls and appearance, especially inside.Outside, there is more difference. Voting on the most stylish was divided among friends and family with some preferring the bulkier and more noble look of the Hyundai and others admiring the sleeker Kia with its extra touches of chrome bling.The differences are basically an optical illusion as the silhouettes are almost identical. Kia has made their SUV appear sleeker and slimmer by having higher black plastic mouldings which reduce the amount of painted panels. By comparison the Hyundai looks a little saggy in the rear end. Interiors are also fairly similar and you could easily step from one to the other and operate all the controls and audio functions without having to look.EquipmentBoth have a load of creature features fitted: six airbags, rear parking sensors, cruise control, climate air and leather steering wheel. One of the best features of the two vehicles is the reversing camera screen in the rearview mirror, which is the first place you look when reversing.And how about those electric front seats. They move forward, back, up and down, tilt and have adjustable lumbar support - more positions than the Kama Sutra.The interior differences are few and far between, but could be crucial in making a buying decision. For example if you have rowdy kids, you might want to go for the Hyundai which has a clever convex mirror under the standard rearview mirror which allows parents to check on who started the latest fight.If you have a lot of MP3 players, mobile phones, portable fridges etc, you also might like to buy the Hyundai as it has four 12V outlets compared with two in the Kia.The Hyundai also has an airconditioning vent in the centre console which acts as a chill box. The console has a two-stage lid which helps keep some items separate. However, the Kia has a bigger bin with a small removable inner small bin inside.Both have good build quality inside and while the plastics are a bit hard in places, the Hyundai has slightly better feel on the steering wheel. Its leather seats are also just a shade softer, but neither is particularly plush against your backside.The Kia brings a little bling inside with nice touches of chrome and the word "Sorento" in the door kicker which lights up. It's a slightly more upmarket feel in the cabin. Instruments are near identical except that the Hyundai lights up in blue and the Kia in red. Both have three rows of seats and separate airconditioning controls for the passengers and even the supplied iPod cable will work in either vehicle. So a buying decision could come down to your favourite colour.DrivingIn driving dynamics there is even less of a divide. They both steer slightly lightly around the centre and have an initial tip in the body on turn-in, but don't wallow or lean too much more under heavy cornering.Brake pedals have a plush feel, but deliver similar strong stopping performance even when packed and on loose surfaces. Tyre noise and grip is similar despite the Hyundai running Khumo 235/60R18 tyres and Kia on Nexen 235/60R18 rubber. The diesel engines are the same and have identical power and torque figures, pulling surprisingly well up some steep Central Highlands inclines.Both have a slight turbo lag off idle, but then the power then comes on hot and strong, sometimes giving a bit of a tug on the steering wheel and sending the outside wheel for a short spin until the stability control cuts in if you are on loose or slippery surface. I had previously found the Hyundai engine noise a little intrusive, but once settled into the rhythm of the highway, it was not a problem and no louder than the Kia.While both have capable off-road drive components with electronic locking diffs, slightly more serious off-roaders who like to tackle steep descents may consider the Kia which has a hill descent selector.Over a week of bush driving, both diesel vehicles returned identical fuel econmomy figures of eight litres per 100km. That was the same figure I obtained from the Santa Fe over a week of purely urban duties. The extra load and off-road duties obviously offsetting the highway cruise.So if you are making a choice between these two capable Korean SUVs it might come down to the flip of a coin or your favourite colour. Either way, you shouldn't be disappointed.Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia SorentoPRICES: $48,490 (Santa Fe Highlander), $48,990 (Sorento Platinum)ENGINES: 2.2-litre turbo dieselPOWER: 145kWTORQUE: 436NmTRANSMISSION: 6-speed autoFUEL TANK: 70 litresTOWING: 2000kg (braked)KERB WEIGHT: 1988kg (Hyundai), 1959kg (Kia)SAFETY: stability control, six airbags and 5-star crash rating