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Hi all,

I've been wondering what these vehicles are like for towing twin axle vans(between 1450 - 1750kg's). The reports seem favourable regarding towing capacities etc. but other reports say they are pretty expensive for spare parts and servicing.

I know that most good 4x4's are all pretty much the same regarding performance and wondered where these fit in.

Jamsie

pinkfloyd,

A friend of mine from work has a Kia Sedona and I'm sure it has the same engine as the Sorento, he says it's a pretty powerful unit and he said it would be more than capable of towing a twin axle. I must admit though, I would hate parting company with my Landcruiser, it takes a bit of beating. The Kia is just another option when I do think about changing. Not a great admirer of Land Rovers, and although they are a great car I have heard a few horror stories about them and dealership problems.

Jamsie

pinkfloyd,

Oh no, what have I started. I have just remembered a thread that was entitled "which is the best 4x4" and it started all sorts of debates and got a bit out of hand to be honest.

All I asked was are Kia's any good, I think they look great and all reports have been very complimentary.

P.s, I'm glad you like your Landcruiser though, how do you think it compares to any similar vehicles you have had in the past ?

Jamsie 

Hi Jamsie, we tow a twin axle with the sorento and have no problems, the only problem is who is going to drive

As for expensive parts, cant comment as ours is still under warranty. Had its first service a month ago and cost £210.00 dont know how this compares to your service charges, but nearly half the cost of a friends disco. This is our second sorento, so that must say something.

Floyd, you are wrong about it having merecedes engine & gearbox, they are Kias own. We asked the question when we bought our 1st

Quote: Originally posted by pinkfloyd on 19/4/2007

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I believe they have the Mercedes Engine and Gearbox too....enough said........

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Give the sorento a serious look, it'll pull anything you care to put behind it, i've got mine chipped and it now kicks out 178 bhp, enough tork to pull down the side of me hoose !

Bryan

Forgot to mention max tow 2300 nose weight of 110kg.......not too shabby eh??

bcam,

Been looking at the specifications for the Sorento and they look quite impressive, my only concern is the 2.5 ltr engine. My Landcruiser is a 3.0 ltr Turbo Deisel and I wouldn't like to think I would loose any power especially when going up long or steep hills as the Landcruiser manages these effortlesly.

Might have a look at some over the weekend though, I really like the styling of them and you do see a lot of them towing twin axles so they MUST be quite good.

Jamsie

Jamsie

Diesel Sorento's are great budget un-refined engine oil burners.  Be prepared for questionable depreciation, hard plastic trim and highish road tyre and engine noise. Good towing vehicles with reasonable standard of comfort and gadgets depending on the model, quite capable offroad too. I myself would not like to drive 1000's of miles in one, but hey too used to the wifes motor for that.

You cannot go wrong with this car providing the usual inpections and maintenance has been done and i would not assume for 1 minute that Kia technician labour charges are very high either nor spare parts.

Go for one

HTH Mick

Hi Jamsie,

We tow a spectrum twin axle van with our Sorento and find it to be more than capable. Fuel economy solo 30 - 35mpg and towing 27 mpg. Servicing £180 first year, £204 second year [although i think £300 is the norm for year 2]. Insurance £232 fully comp.

Very little road noise and quiet relaxed motoring. Won the jd power survey for reliability and owner satisfaction in 2005 for 4x4's and was the only 4x4 to be in the top 10 for overall results [7]. Suspension tuned by porsche but as said previously it is quite hard. Caravan Club tow car of the year 2005, to top it off very reasonable purchase costs unlike quite a few overpriced and vastly over rated 4x4's.

Buy one you will be pleasantly surprised

Grahame