New Car Review of the 2005 Kia Sorento Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle

Description: Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $18,995 - $25,650
Invoice Price Range: $18,010 - $23,860
Where built: South Korea

Kia's mid-size SUV has five doors with two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction and V6 power. Styling seems strong with keen lines and slick shapes disguising boxy parameters of a typical two-box wagon design. It presents an aggressive face featuring a curvaceous stair-step hood with glittery headlamp clusters and a thick slab bumper. Tail treatment adds a padded step on the bumper, corner lamps in a starburst pattern and a liftgate with inset window glass. Inside, Sorento features plush accommodations and plenty of features for comfort and convenience..

Power comes from that 3.5-liter V6 which achieves 195-hp and connects to a 5-speed manual shifter or new 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic..

Both 2WD and 4WD versions are available in trims labeled LX and deluxe EX. The EX also lists a luxury package with leather upholstery. For Sorento LX an optional sport package brings the manual stick, step bars fixed below side doors, a rack on the roof, alloy wheels capped with Michelin tires, new blacked-out headlamps plus a premium audio system. And Spark Blue is a new color choice for the sport version..