Kia Sorento I 2.5 DCR (140 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.9 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Kia Sorento:

The Kia Sorento is a series of two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive family SUVs manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 2002 through four generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sorento transitioned to a larger car-based platform which placed it into the mid-size crossover SUV class, and has been developed alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe. It is presumably named after the Italian city of Sorrento, although Kia did not confirm this....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I Overview:

Kia Sorento (I). With 314 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1985 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15.5 s). The top speed reaches 167 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2003
Adult Occupant 25 points (68%)
Stars 4
Expert Note:
The Kia Sorento I achieved a respectable 4-star rating for adult occupant protection in 2003, indicating good crashworthiness for its time, though child and pedestrian protection were less impressive.

2.5 DCR (140 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The automatic transmission further dulls acceleration (15.5s 0-100km/h) compared to the manual diesel, making it feel more sluggish but offering smoother power delivery.

Fuel Economy

Slightly worse fuel economy than the manual diesel at 8.9 l/100 km combined, but still reasonable for an automatic SUV of its size and capability.

Best Use Case: Urban driving, drivers preferring automatic convenience, and less demanding highway use where ease of driving is prioritized.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Robust body-on-frame construction, capable off-road
  • • Spacious and practical interior with good cargo capacity
  • • Strong value proposition, especially in the used market
  • • Generally considered reliable and durable
  • • Powerful diesel engine (2.5 DCR) offers good torque for towing

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption for petrol engines, particularly the V6
  • • Sluggish acceleration, especially with the 2.4L petrol and automatic diesel
  • • Dated interior design and materials by modern standards
  • • Limited advanced safety features compared to newer vehicles
  • • Ride can be firm on rougher roads due to its rugged nature

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Kia
Model:Sorento
Generation:I
Modification (Engine):2.5 DCR (140 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:2002
End of production:2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:140 Hp @ 3800 rpm.
Power per litre:56.1 Hp/l
Torque:314 Nm @ 2000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:D4CB
Engine displacement:2497
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Diesel Commonrail
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Engine oil capacity:8.2 l
Coolant:10 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:91 mm mm
Piston Stroke:96 mm mm
Compression ratio:19.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:15.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:15.5 sec
Maximum speed:167 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:14.2 kg/Hp, 70.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.3 kg/Nm, 158.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:14.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1985
Max. weight:2610
Max load:625
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1900 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:890 l
Fuel tank capacity:80 l
Size:
Length:4567 mm mm
Width:1857 mm mm
Height:1730 mm mm
Wheelbase:2710 mm mm
Front track:1580 mm
Rear (Back) track:1580 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesVentilated discs
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/75 R16; 245/70 R16
Wheel rims size16
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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