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2004 Kia Sorento EX Road Test

Rugged Yet Sophisticated, A Nice Combination

I cant think of a better vehicle to get lost in the woods in! But then again, wouldnt something so well-equipped defeat the purpose of "roughing it in the bush?" The 2004 Kia Sorento EX, complete with the Luxury package is a fully functional off-roading machine with a fully loaded, upscale luxury interior. Of course, all that finery doesnt take away from its rugged capabilities, but merely enhances them.

No matter the road surface the Sorento drives the way it should, like a fully capable 4x4. Its front independent suspension, including double wishbones, coil springs,

Getting lost in the woods wouldnt be so bad if it was while behind the wheel of the 2004 Kia Sorento EX with the Luxury package. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

gas shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar, combined with the rear multi-link setup complete with coil springs, gas shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar, gives it a dual personality, ready to tackle the trails while still reasonably agile and compliant on paved surfaces. Also the EX is equipped with a Shift-on-the-fly, electronic control, 2-speed transfer

All of the finery packed into the Sorrento doesnt take away from its rugged capabilities, but merely enhances them. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

case 4-wheel drive system making it possible to take advantage of that rough-and-ready suspension.

Unfortunately, the only trails I tackled were made of concrete, which probably made my test drive less favorable. Due to a recent back injury the truck-like suspension was beginning to get bothersome toward the end of my test week. All the moving around from side to side when driving over speed bumps or pot-holed roads didnt help sooth my aching vertebrae. Although the standard front heated leather

The EX model offers quite a nice interior, accented with plenty of woodgrain trim. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

seats were very comfortable and therapeutic, not to mention classy, the suspension kept me moving about too much to my liking. But when driving on the straight the Sorento is smooth and enjoyable.

Speaking of enjoyable, the EX model with the Luxury package does offer quite a nice interior. Cleanly finished, there are woodgrain accents on the steering wheel, gear shift knob, console, door switch plates and rear door handles to go along with the leather most everywhere else. The wood is a nice touch, and is neither tacky nor overdone. The power tilt and sliding glass sunroof, complete with sunshade adds that extra premium element.

In

A 192-hp 3.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, V6 engine powers the EX-Luxury Sorento. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

addition, the Sorento features air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls, an AM/FM/CD/cassette player with 10 speakers, cupholders, trip computer with compass, altitude and barometer displays, and more.

The EX Sorento shares the same powertrain with its LX sibling, which is a 3.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, V6 engine producing 192 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 217 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. The engine is coupled with a standard (on the EX model) 4-speed automatic transmission, which is responsive and smooth. I particularly liked the grunt of the V6 engine while ascending uphill. Not only does it sound beefy, it is beefy.

While descending, I had another opportunity to listen to the engine purr. Its 217 lb-ft of torque makes for excellent engine braking,

The Kia Sorento EX offers up a nice blend of rugged functionality and sophisticated style. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

but of course the 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel ABS are also there to help. Braking distances, whether in the wet or dry, are commendable, aided by the standard P245/70R16 all-season tires on 16-inch alloy wheels.

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