Kia Sorento AWD First impressions:
Auto ownership history over the last 5 years: Toyota Surf, Civic X Turbo, Prado 120 Series, Toyota Hilux Revo, Sportage (not necessarily mutually exclusive)
Reasons for choosing AWD over V6: Fan of the Magna Dyanamax system - grippier, better prospects on gravel, sand with the diff lock. Understand the limits here and that this is not meant for rock climbing and jumping curbs.
Excellent throttle response, maneuverability, braking. Vehicle adapts to your mood - bloody smooth when cruising and responsive when in the mood for a little adventure.
Better build quality and finishing than other PKDMs. Fully imported suspension, compared to the Agriauto crud found in Revo etc.
Horrible rims. Refused to take the car home with them still on. Understand the rims I chose might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I absolutely adore the Lenso Jager Dynas and want them on every car I own.
Powerful elevated ride height - much higher than a car but a bit lower than where you would sit in a Fortuner. Grand road presence (something I was apprehensive of but quickly ticked off)
Not the best looker, imho. Only digestible in darker colors. Terrible in white. On the contrary, Sportage, Fortuner etc look great in most colors.
To end on a controversial note: this is the most comfortable PKDM automobile I've driven. Suspension is dreamy and the leather seats are like a supermodel's buttocks. Litmus test: My parents actively avoided sitting in my Toyotas because of the hard seats and suspension. They absolutely love this.
Your mileage may vary.
