The Kia with the turbo diesel engine can be an excessive oil user if used for towing or in hot weather, but less in cooler weather. Kia state acceptable usage is 1 litre per 1500km apparently this is common all the diesel engines and the oli level should be checked every 500 km and is stated in the manual. Just be sure of the fact that you virtually do an oil change before your 10,000km service. If you can accept this then the car is otherwise ok all round
plenty of power, comfortable ride,
excessive oil consumption

Done 20k now and it just keeps getting better, everything just works the way it's supposed to. Nothing loose, nothing broken, had a Kia towbar fitted which is totally different to earlier models. Fits much more discreetly under the back of the car and doesn't rob as much ground clearance, and you don't lose any towing capacity.
Updating earlier post - fuel economy (8 - 9 lt/100klm), comfort, easy to drive long distances, ESP works (tight corner on loose gravel...oops), MP3 compatible stereo. Diesel pulls like a train, no smoke, no smell, and doesn't hunt back through the gears on hills just goes up and over.
Service interval for diesel is 7k (but only for oil changes), b****y cost of diesel has blown out.

I upgraded from a 2004 Nissan Xtrail to a 2011 Kia Sorento Diesel SLI and am very happy with the Kia (had it for two weeks so far). I had to wait 5 months due to low stock but it was worth the wait is my wife and I love the car. Very comfortable, great engine and no issues with quality. Also looked at the Santa Fe but I'm not a fan of hyundai styling.
great engine, econmical diesel, comfortable
maybe a bit on the expensive side

Having owned previously, a Pagero and previous to that Toyota 4WD's, I am satisfied that the Sorento is equal to any of these and in fact better in value, I am very pleased that I chose this vehicle and feel it has more to offer than Hyundai or any of the others of a similar nature.
Value for the money, very roomy and luxurious, a pleasure to drive, I own a 2003 Kia Sorento and my wife has a new Kia Cerato, well finished with many standard options that are normally extra's on other makes!!
No bad reports

If I knew that the Sorento was going to use so much oil, would never have bought one. Kia dealers are most unhelpful.
Reliable car, well built and very smooth engine.
Burns oil like there's no tomorrow. Kia dealers tell me that acceptable oil usage for sorrentos is 1 litre for every 1500 kms travelled. Have a Holden Colorado with 25,000kms and have never had to top up with oil. Costing me an arm and a leg for oil.

Love this car, probably the best I will ever own, have had nothing to do with dealerships as I get it serviced by others, no niggling problems, excellent value for money, feels like it will last a very long time. Engine is very quiet & unassuming, dont get a fright when you put your foot down, wow it really gets going!! Cant beat that 5 speed auto with overdrive.
Good handling, good power, feels very safe to drive. Am happy with the build quality & finish. Have done 20 000km so far & no problems at all
My fuel consumption is much better than most but still expensive to run at 12.5 litres/100km - am a careful driver

A great 4WD and would recomend it to anyone looking for a mid size 4WD, with the comfort of all modern features and auto locking hubs so you dont have to get out and lock wheels before going offroad
I like the room it offers great 4wd for the price I paid goes great on and off road does exactly what I need it to do
Uses to much fuel, parts are hard to find

Our 2003 model has only done 45k and so far no mechanical problems but have had the radio replaced twice. We take regular trips up the beach and find the vehicle handles everything with ease and even surprised some other brand owners with one short cross country trip over a rugged bush track they thought would stop us. Overall we have been very happy with the vehicle, except for the fuel economy.
Great looks, comfort, all the bells and whistles
Fuel economy

Absolutely brilliant looks great smooth quite and heaps of power so if u are looking for a suv this is the one for you
I have the global circuit with the 3.8 absolutely great car I drove the awd Territory 6 speed auto however the Sorento quicker quieter cheaper
The front shockers a little soft and the only other thing idont like is the indicator switch is too loud should have had elec seats and 17s also had a few probs with oxygen sensor prob fixed with new replacement

Great car to drive and getting used to firm ride. Have 7000kms on car and have had it off road once (beach & sand hills) very capable especially in low range. I traded a 03 honda CRV (pretend 4WD) which towed a 1200kg boat not happily. The Kia pulls it with ease. Longevity is unknown quantity but I have been advised to ensure strict adherence to service intervals to avoid any issues with Kia Warranty.
Impressed with solid feel of vehicle, ground clearance, acceleration (3.8 litre) leather seats, 4wd on demand, rear wheel drive, general finish
Ride quality, fuel economy (12.8 ltrs 100kms)

Very good, nice to drive, good fuel econ lots of power to overtake the 3.8 V6 works well, really good brakes .
I have just purchased a new Sorento 3.8 Lt V6 petrol ; What can I say it's all very good better then I expected and fuel is 10 Lt per 100 kl
it should have 17" or 18" wheels 8" wide 60 series rubber.