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2003 Kia Sorento Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
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Foundation for Sorento is a rigid ladder-frame chassis featuring a long wheelbase and broad wheel track.
Suspension elements consist of a double wishbone design up front and a live axle in back with multiple links. Stabilizer bars front and rear are also aboard.
Steering, utilizing a rack and pinion, shows engine-speed sensing power assist for the LX version or an electronic boost on EX that varies with the vehicle's speed.
Brakes amount to vented discs in front and back with hydraulic vacuum power mechanism on dual circuits.
The powerplant -- a 3.5-liter V6 with dual overhead cams and multi-port electronic fuel injection -- generates 192-hp at 5,500 rpm and 217 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm, yet it operates with regular unleaded 87-octane fuel.
All power translates through an electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
Sorento's 4WD equipment varies. The primary version is a part-time system with shift-on-the-fly engagement via a rotary knob on the dash, while the rig for the Luxury Package operates all the time with torque on demand, automatically shifting the engine's power as needed from rear wheels to the front ones to maintain constant traction.
MORE DATA
Where Built: South Korea
Seating: 5
Number of Rows: 2
Crash Test Ratings:
- NHTSA Frontal Impact/Driver Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
- NHTSA Frontal Impact/Passenger Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
- NHTSA Side Impact/Front Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
- NHTSA Side Impact/Rear Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
- NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating: Not Yet Tested
- IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test: Untested
Length in Inches: 179.8
Warrantees: 5 years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/100,000 miles corrosion, 10 years/100,000 mile powertrain, 5 years/unlimited mileage free Roadside Assistance.
Weight in Pounds: 4,255
Towing Capacity in Pounds: 3,500
Maximum Payload in Pounds: 2-Wheel Drive - 1,202. 4-Wheel Drive - 1,213.
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 21.1
Destination Charge: $595
