2009 Kia Sorento LX 4WD Automatic

Model Highlights

There are 2 trim levels of the Sorento: the LX, with a 242-hp 3.3L V6; and the EX, with the 262-hp 3.8L V6. Both versions come with 5-speed automatic Sportmatic shifting with low range, but the EX Luxury edition has an available Borg-Warner Torque-On-Demand option. Both models are available as front-wheel or 4-wheel drive. One simple change for 2009 that makes a difference in the Sorento's usability is a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The interior is quite roomy for a small SUV, though there is no third-row seating. The Sorento also comes with dual front airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag and active front headrests. Not surprisingly, then, it earned 5-star ratings in front driver, front passenger, side driver, and side rear crash tests, plus a 4-star rating for the 4-wheel driver rollover test. The LX comes with plenty of standard features, like a CD/MP3 stereo with 10 speakers, storage under the floor of the rear cargo space, 8-way adjustable driver's seat, electronic stability control, traction control, and tire-pressure monitoring. The Sport Package, available only on the LX, adds fog lights, rear spoiler, 17" tires and alloy wheels, upgraded interior trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The EX has all the features of the LX, plus a power sunroof, remote keyless entry, audio controls in the steering wheel, cargo net, 2-tone body side cladding and bumpers and woodgrain accents in the interior. Rather than going sporty, the EX has a Luxury Package available, which adds heated front seats, dual-zone temperature control, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, chrome exterior door handles, and Torque-On-Demand full-time four-wheel drive. In LX trim, the 3.3L V6 can tow 3,500 pounds; the EX, with its 3.8L V6, can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Without a boat behind it, the EPA estimates the LX front-wheel drive at 16 city, 22 highway, and the EX slightly lower at 15 city, 21 highway. The 4-wheel drive option doesn't affect the mileage much, with the LX estimated at 15 city, 22 highway and the EX getting 15 city, 20 highway.