2008 Kia Sorento Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.17/5 Average
42 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2008, the Kia Sorento gains a new V6 engine for the base and LX trim levels. At 3.3 liters and 242 horsepower, the new power plant is smaller and less powerful than the 3.8-liter V6 found in the EX trim. In exchange, it offers somewhat improved fuel economy.

Pros:
  • Impressive list of standard features, solid construction, high-quality materials, decent off-road capability.
Cons:
  • So-so fuel economy, ride can get bouncy over broken pavement, mediocre braking performance in demanding situations, disappointing side-impact crash results.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 42.00
  • Beauty & The Beast - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    Lots of performance and economy. The 262 hp V-6 has plenty of power. I have driven my KIA 14,000 miles, all in-town except on trip of 1200 miles. Mileage from the first tank of fuel has been 24 mpg. Highway mileage went to 28.3 mpg. I drive moderately for economy. Compared to my old SUV, this is a race horse. Very,very pleased.

  • Love it so far! - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    Traded in my much too tiny and wimpy Dodge Caliber last week for my black Sorento LX and so far I couldnt be happier. It so much fun to drive. I actually look forward to driving to and from work each day... makes it fun. Acceleration is awesome, ride is smooth and strong, and driving is easy. It handles like a dream.

  • I love my Kia - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I read so many reviews on here before I bought my Kia, so I wanted to return the favor. After much research and prayer, I bought my 08 Sorento with 7000 miles on it. Got a great price, but was apprehensive about the name. I have driven it daily for over a year and have had NO problems of any kind. I spoke at length with a Kia mechanic and he told me the 08s and later were much better designed and were on par with Toyota quality--without the price tag. I have found that to be true. Love the powerful V6 engine, sporty body style, and handling. I does ride a bit rough, as it is on an SUV frame, but I already knew it would so it doesnt bother me. Dont be afraid of the Kia name!

  • Very Pleased - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I test drove many vehicles and the Sorento proved to be the smoothest ride out of those tested in my price range. I had heard negative feedback from the older versions of KIA vehicles which made me nervous but I decided to take a chance based on the look, feel and value for my money. It turned out to be a great choice! Very quiet and smooth. Im loving it!

  • 4x4 ex Kia Sorento - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    Purchased this Sorento ex 4x4..to it for a 400 mile test drive and found it to handle well on highway-no unreasonable vibrations, handles well, good turning radius, good acceleration. The seating however, is quite hard. Perhap this can be an improvement for future. Good legroom for driver and passenger, the steering wheel could perhaps elevate higher. The wheel base should be longer to allow for greater back cargo storage. The seats do not fold down well wihout adjusting the headrests.

  • Good trade-up - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I purchased my Sorento and am luvin it. I had a sports car and got tired of it due to a lifestyle change.

  • It may of saved our lives! - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    On April 14, 2008 we were hit by van, and our Kia was totaled. Although all the damage was to our car, we walked away with a few minor bumps and bruises! It sayed upright and did not flip/roll. It was a wonderful car and we would buy one again.

  • Fast Fun and Sturdy - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I am comparing this vehicle to the jeep liberty I owned for 3 yrs. The 3.8 is incredible. lots of power and very fun. The structure is much more sturdier and stiffer than the liberty which gives my family a safer ride. The styling is sleek and packed into a small structure but not too small. The gas mileage is better than the liberty and WAY faster and quicker. If you are looking for an SUV that is VERY VERY basic with ALOT of get up and go, this is a very cheap way to do it. The passenger air bag light staying on is typical of SUVs so no bother. For the price these things are going for now, you cant pass it up

  • Just over 1700 miles and loving it - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    Even though its been just 1700 miles I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised about this SUV. I had a hard time buying a KIA (Ive always had Japanese cars before), but i have to say that so far its been great. I already tested the off road capabilities of it and it handled great, its a fun car to drive with a lot of power (something to keep in mind when evaluating gas millage). Overall a great buy for a very accessible price.

  • Yuck - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    Really DO NOT Like it. Have returned it to the dealer for brakeing issues. Manual seat does not go up as high as the power seats, engine (3.3) is slow to respond. Have to remove the rear seat headrests in order to put the back seat down, with all of the rear seat headrests & seat belts crossing in my view in the rearview mirror you do not get a clear view out the back, nice storage under the rear floor, but you have to remove EVERYTHING from the back of the vehicle to access it. The cover for the rear area cuts down on the amount of stuff you can put in there unless you remove it & you have to remove it to put the rear seats down. REALLY WISH I had returned it & gotten my old vehicle back.

Kia Sorento Reviews By Year:
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