Kia Sorento Prime

The third generation Kia Sorento was introduced in 2014 and went on sale in the summer of 2015. In Russia, the model received the designation Sorento Prime and was positioned as a representative of the premium segment. The crossover was assembled in Kaliningrad by the method of large-node assembly. Compared to its predecessor, Sorento Prime came out more vivid and memorable. Its feature is a massive nose with a large radiator grille. Korean designers worked on the appearance together with representatives from America and Germany. Sorento 3 was offered in five-seat and seven-seat versions. In the first case, the trunk has a volume of 660 liters, and in the second - from 142 liters (with the third row unfolded) to 605 liters. If you fold all the rear seats, you get a small van with a transport capacity of 1732 liters. The third Sorento received quite a rich equipment. Already in the “base” there were leather upholstery of the seats, electric driver’s seat, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control and lighting of the rapids. In 2017, the crossover has been slightly updated. The changes were minor and affected bumpers, grille, front and rear lighting. Inside, the updated version can be recognized by the four-spoke steering wheel, which replaced the three-spoke, and another climate control panel. Restyled cars went on sale in February 2018. In the crash tests according to Euro NCAP, the model received a maximum of 5 stars. The same high scores were earned during the American tests according to the version of IIHS and NHTSA.

Engines

Initially, the Kia Sorento Prime was supplied only with a 2.2 l / 200 hp diesel engine. Then the range diluted top-of-the-line atmospheric petrol V6 3.3/250 hp.

The 2.4/188 hp direct-injection petrol didn’t come out until 2017. the 2.4 GDI is a four-cylinder aluminum engine from the Theta-II family. He made his debut back in 2009.

After restyling in 2018, instead of a six-cylinder gasoline atmospheric 3.3 liters, a V6 with a capacity of 3.5 liters of the same power began to be installed. Both distributed fuel injection units belong to the Lambda family.

The 2.2 CRDi/D4HB turbodiesel is well known from its predecessor. But it became 3 hp more powerful and added 20 Nm of torque.

None of the engines are causing any serious problems.

Transmissions

Kia Sorento Prime was equipped only with automatic transmissions of its own development Hyundai-Kia. Before restyling - exclusively 6-step, and after - 8-step. Restyled cars with a basic 2.4 GDI were still paired with a 6-speed automatic, but already upgraded (with a modified hydraulic transformer).

A number of new 8-speed automatic machines failed at a distance of 20-40 thousand km. The boxes were changed under warranty. The problem affected a small number of diesel versions of 2019 release and more has not yet appeared.

All-wheel drive system

Under normal conditions, the entire moment is transferred to the front axle. In the case of slipping, the electronics send up to 50% of the force to the rear wheels. If necessary, you can block the clutch with a button on the central tunnel. Then the torque will be distributed in half between the front and rear wheels.

All-wheel drive transmission with electrohydraulic clutch Dynamax is familiar from its predecessor. Unfortunately, after a while, the characteristic malfunctions began to surface for her. First of all, it is corrosion and wear of the slash connection of the gearbox and differential (60 000 rubles for repair), as well as the slash connection in the area of the support of the right front drive shaft.

In order to combat corrosion, the manufacturer has installed additional glands designed to protect the slate connection of the dispenser-box from moisture and dirt. But this was not enough, as well as the lubricant laid down during the assembly.

Effective countermeasures, the so-called "prevention of all-wheel drive". Its essence is the removal of the transfer case for the purpose of inspection, cleaning from rust and lubrication of slime. For the same purpose, the support of the right front half is parallel undocked. The cost of the procedure from 3 to 7 thousand rubles.

Another typical ailment is the break of the basket of the all-wheel drive coupling. In this case, the repair will cost 10-18 thousand rubles.

It is worth noting that such incidents are so far isolated and characteristic, primarily for diesel versions.

Walking

In front are Macpherson struts, and behind - a multi-link with double lower levers.

The settings of the running gear allow you to forget about weight and dimensions. The Kia Sorento Prime seems more maneuverable than you would expect from such a large car. The suspension copes with irregularities well, but on a primer it turns out to be quite rigid.

An electric amplifier is used in steering.

The suspension elements are quite hardy. The front stabilizer racks can be knocked after 50-90 thousand km (from 600 rubles), and the rear - after 100,000 km.

Ball supports and levers' Silent blocks usually serve at least 100,000 km.

But the rear shock absorbers (6000 rubles for the original) sometimes begin to leak after 60-100 thousand km. Front depreciation racks (12,000 rubles for the original) care for more than 100,000 km.

The SUV weighing slightly less than 2 tons received brake discs of a relatively modest size. The effectiveness of the brakes is enough, but the factory front brake discs (4-5 thousand rubles per disc) sometimes leads from overheating, which leads to a beat during braking.

Other problems and malfunctions

Occasionally, the owners of the third Sorento had to change the exterior handles of the front doors due to the extinguished backlight.

The panoramic roof hatch may stop closing after 2-3 years of operation. It will require maintenance of the mechanism and guides - cleaning and lubrication. Other owners had to face a warranty replacement of the electric motor and sliders.

Fogging of the headlights is a fairly common problem that dealers are reluctant to solve. Finding damage to the bumper, the service refuses to change the headlights. Unfortunately, they can indeed be damaged (cracks occur) when the bumper comes into rough contact with the obstacle. It's all about the failed design of the block headlight mount.

Leather upholstery of chairs can deteriorate after 20-60 thousand km. Usually, there is a scuffle or cracking in the driver's seat.

In cars with air conditioning for the third row of seats there were cases of through corrosion of the rear circuit tube (in the area of the right rear wheel).

Engines

• None of the engines are causing any serious problems.

Transmissions

• The problem affected a small number of diesel versions of 2019 release and more has not yet appeared.

All-wheel drive system

• If necessary, you can block the clutch with a button on the central tunnel.
• Unfortunately, after a while, the characteristic malfunctions began to surface for her.
• First of all, it is corrosion and wear of the slash connection of the gearbox and differential (60 000 rubles for repair), as well as the slash connection in the area of the support of the right front drive shaft.
• In order to combat corrosion, the manufacturer has installed additional glands designed to protect the slate connection of the dispenser-box from moisture and dirt.
• Its essence is the removal of the transfer case for the purpose of inspection, cleaning from rust and lubrication of slime.
• In this case, the repair will cost 10-18 thousand rubles.

Other problems and malfunctions

• Fogging of the headlights is a fairly common problem that dealers are reluctant to solve.
• Finding damage to the bumper, the service refuses to change the headlights.
• Unfortunately, they can indeed be damaged (cracks occur) when the bumper comes into rough contact with the obstacle.
• Usually, there is a scuffle or cracking in the driver's seat.
• In cars with air conditioning for the third row of seats there were cases of through corrosion of the rear circuit tube (in the area of the right rear wheel).

And yet, Kia Sorento Prime is worth a look. Yes, it is not without technical shortcomings, but they are easily eliminated, and their number is small.

• Engines: None of the engines are causing any serious problems.
• Transmissions: The problem affected a small number of diesel versions of 2019 release and more has not yet appeared.
• All-wheel drive system: Unfortunately, after a while, the characteristic faults began to surface.
• Driving: In front of the Macpherson struts, and behind – a multi-link with double lower levers.
• Other problems and malfunctions: Fogging of the headlights is a fairly common problem that dealers are reluctant to solve.

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