Kia Sorento UM (2015-2020) Questions & Answers

Apparently there were diff issues with the Sorento prior to the 2015 update when Kia engaged some Aussie engineers to change the suspension to our conditions. Since then it's been fine, hence one of the many reasons they now back it with the 7 year warranty.

Forget it. I have a 2018 GT line and although it has a 2000kg tow capacity, it only has a 100kg limit on the tow ball which means you can pull a box trailer or a jet ski. The only camper in all of the Jayco range that you can legally tow is the JPod. VERY disappointed with this aspect of the car.

I have a 2017 GT-Line, and have towed a small van with a tow ball weight at or around 100kgs. It towed it fine, no issues whatsoever. In saying that I wouldn’t tow anything heavier. Fuel consumption was heavier as you’d expect but nothing outrageous.

Ball weight and towing weight are very different.
We tow a lot and our ball weight limit is 150kg and our caravan weighs 1700kg. The down force or ball weight is 142kg.
Each rig you tow will have a different down force to the ball and it can usually be measured with good bathroom scales (150kg) and a piece of wood about 100 x 100mm square/round and about 450mm long placed between the hitch and scales.
Cheers

Kia do offer a rear spring upgrade which increases the ball weight to 150Kg. This should be a lot closer to the towing limit of 2000kg.

"Jurgens" brand caravans have a 16ft Sungazer model which has a tow ball download weight of only 75 kgs. The maximum allowable loaded weight of the van is 1650kgs. The Sorento should tow it with ease.

I don't know answer to this question, you might have to call KIA for an answer

@ Emms. Thanks for your response. I'm very happy with the Kia Sorento....Great Family Car!, However To my disappointment I have asked people at the service/parts desk and the response I've gotten (Twice) Is......Please wait a minute and I'll ask the mechanic...and both instances when the person returns.....The answer is our head mechanic hasn't had to changed a timing belt or chain on the Sorento so he's not sure. Hopefully when you come in for the next service we will have an answer for you.

I think because dealership service centres are combined with makes of cars such Kia, Ford, Honda & Subaru and fall under the same service centre they have mechanics that are 'Jack of all trades and experts of none'!.

It has a chain that should last the life of the engine.

Mount it from the underside not the topside - always best to ask an auto electrician to be sure

Yeah the smart sensor is located on the left side of the smooth black piano finish area. If you have one that's small and doesn't cover that. It's worth giving it a try. Worse case is you just take it off if the smart cruise radar isn't working. Otherwise roof is the best area. You could also experiment on mounting it higher or lower to see if it interferes. I'll have a look at that area next time I open up the bumper. It's relatively easy to take out the whole bumper to do install work like this. Do let us know if it works please. I have a 27" light bar but yet to attempt It as mounting location is a little tight in that area.

Anyone?

We bought the SLI Diesel for $49K, but have heard people haggle for less. Platinum's have been sold for around $55-$56K with a few extras. Good negotiators can do well at KIA.

We just went through a broker and negotiated on a brand new 2017 Sorento GT-line for $55950 drive away.

We have the 2011 Platinum with the dark charcoal leather so can't answer your first Q. Our vehicle air con struggles if the vehicle has been sitting in the sun. It gets quite hot inside even though the exterior colour is silver and it has factory tinted windows. particularly if the front seats have been in the sun, and noticeably more so than our last vehicle, a Nissan X Trail with similar specs. We try and make sure we use a sun shade when parked. The dual climate system works well on a longer run but i can,t answer for the 3rd row as we havn't used it back there. I had it re-gassed recently which helped slightly. The engine is operating well and has plenty of grunt despite age, although I haven't run it on a dyno to check specs against factory. Oil usage has been insignificant between changes. It does have a rough spot / vibration at low revs below 1300rpm but is otherwise typical diesel and works well with the 6 speed auto. The fuel economy is excellent for the size and performance.
All the best with your purchase.

We have the 2015 Kia Sorento Platinum in sunset red. We have the two tone upholstery - no probs. Air con is very very efficient. Love the heated and cooler seats. Read my earlier post on product review re e gone missing.
Lesley