BETTER THAN A MAZDA CX-9??---2019 Kia Sorento Review

If you think Kia is still a disposable brand, think again! This 2019 Sorento has quality like you have never seen from Kia. It feels solid, looks solid, and is backed by one of the strongest warranties in the industry! Please enjoy my review as I take you along the entire vehicle and show you how it drive out on the road. If you enjoyed this review please help me out by clicking the thumbs up button. Thank you for watching!
Link to Kia USA website!
www.kia.com/us...

[@SarahSharesCars]

I love how Kia has really stepped up their game! After driving so many it's becoming one of my favorite brands!

[@Ank_77]

My 2013 kia sorrento just hit 200,000 miles and going strong. Great Review

[@stephenhendricks103]

Purchased a 2018 Sorento SX-L about six months ago. A few comments. One of the main reasons we chose the Sorento over both the Toyota Highlander or the Mazda CX-9 was the size of the Kia. It's nearly a foot less in length than the Mazda yet it is equal or roomier in terms of passenger space. In fact it has more capacity and better features (including climate control) in the third row than the Mazda. For 2019 the Sorento grew about 1.4 inches in length, but that still makes it a full ten inches shorter. And while the Mazda does drive well for its size, there is no getting around dealing with the extra length in parking lots and city traffic. Physics is physics. The Mazda (and the Toyota) do have slightly more cargo space behind the third row than the Kia. But the difference is really not that important to my family. Even with the third row up, we still have room for groceries and a reasonable amount of room for other gear. And let's be honest, none of the mid-size three row crossovers is adequate for extended trips with six or more adults and luggage or other gear. If that's what you need on a regular basis, get a minivan or a full size SUV. In any event, our family of three and a big dog typically keep the third row stowed and in that configuration, the Sorento is cavernous. By the same token when we do take others out to, say, a local restaurant, it's nice not to have to take two cars. And when our 14 y/o daughter has a friend or two along, the third row provides a convenient space for them far away from parents. A real plus for everyone involved. Our 2018 model has a six speed transmission rather than the eight speed version in the 2019 model. I mention that because I haven't experienced the second gear sluggishness you found in your tester. I suspect that Kia added the two gears to help with fuel economy (a traditional weak spot for Kia and Hyundai) but I've found the six gear version to be strong in all gears. And we typically achieve at least EPA estimates with better than EPA figures on the highway. All in all, we found the top trim of the Sorento to offer more and better features than either the comparable trims of the CX-9 or the Toyota Highlander. Superior infotainment including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, superior materials, more comfortable seats, etc. etc. Add in the much, much better and longer warranty coverage for about the same MSRP (and as I found much better discounts) and it was no contest for us.

[@akshayd82]

Ditto, my experience!

[@ivan72087]

I’m a big mazda fan obviously lol. But ever point you made was very detailed and accurate I totally understand why you chose the sorrento over the Highlander and cx-9.....good choice my friend!!

[@06hilltopper]

I have the LX 2018 with the V6 and AWD. Just got back from a 600 mile trip (300 miles each way) and was pleasantly surprised that I got an average of 32 mpg. The transmission change might have been for fuel economy, but I think ECO mode and light foot driving can yield excellent results.

[@Davido50]

KIA? How can you even buy this?

[@SwimminWitDaFishies]

I test drove the Mazda but I hated the GPS/Infotainment screen popping up out of the dashboard and the control knob thing. I also felt that the Kia had a more “solid” feel than the Mazda.

[@arkongdrkong7331]

This car is one of those cars that age well. This will still look great after 15 years later.

[@RigiLiquid945]

Such an excellent review. Just watched again in 2022. I have decided to trade in my 2015 Sportage LX AWD for a 2019 Sorento LX V6 Premium.

[@jeffr.3464]

If I did not already own one, a 16, I’d seriously consider it. We like ours a lot. It has around 68k on it now and the maintenance has been minimal. Also it’s assembled in GA, USA.

[@MeishaLynnn]

The most thorough auto video I've ever seen! Awesome!

[@DriveAndBeDriven]

Excellent execution, Forrest! I'm actually currently editing my review of the 2019 Kia Sorento! I have to say, though... I was quite impressed with the Sorento as a whole. Not to mention, your review allowed for me to see the Sorento from a different point of view. Honestly, the improvements are very subtle and understated, but rather tasteful and thoughtfully implemented. Once again, great review! Keep up the stellar work!

[@vivrocks1124]

What a beautiful and very in touch review! Probably one of the best reviews on the 2019 Kia Sorento out there 😍👍🏼

[@NileshR12]

The full LED headlights & foglights look amazing! And I LOVE that interior color! It's a beautiful light brown!

[@MasizoUrek]

Bought this and very satisfied ❤❤👍

[@NileshR12]

That leather color looks beautiful 😍🔥🤩!

[@giofromtexas2679]

So glad Kia is taking a leap of faith and going outside the box with their interior color options! This particular package is stunning 🤩🤩🤩 way to go kia!👌

[@NileshR12]

The orange termperature read out is very similar to how it looks in my family's 2015 BMW X5, & the fact that the temperature is in orange like a BMW & Audi is actually kind of a smart move to make it look more premium & upscale since they did it at one point. It doesn't look outdated bc it looks fine in the X5 my family has

[@wesxander4329]

Part of review you said it is sluggish to accelerate. I have found that only issue when using comfort or economy. When I switch to sport mode for passing it easily accelerates extremely fast. The 6 cylinder is much better than the 4 GDI.

[@WaynePilot]

Good review from a consumer's perspective, different from those cliches of reviews. Very helpful to a prospective customer like me who's considering and comparing the competitors in the class.

[@dlisch]

Amazing review! You covered everything well. Thanks

[@justinfontaine5539]

Looked at them all including the MDX and the Lexus RX and the CX-9 was the winner for our small family. Driving still matters and somehow Mazda took a 200"inch long 4300 lb suv, put a turbo 4 in it and made it fun to drive. People get too hung up on having a 6 cylinder in this size vehicle which is odd because there are so many others that have 4 cylinder motors including the Audi Q7, the new Sante Fe, Suburu and the Atlas. Mazda tuned this engine/transmission perfectly. Plenty of useable power ( key word "usable") and reasonably good fuel economy if you can keep your right foot out of it. Interior and exterior looks are unparalleled for the money.

[@cargueone1971]

Justin Fontaine having driven all the new Mazda products, I feel the them no sportier than the competition. Also, people get hung over by the Turbo because companies like Mazda and VW gave people a bad taste in the mouth from being unreliable. The turbo in the Mazda speed 3 would not last past 100k without a rebuilding the engine. The VW would blow head gaskets and eat timing chains. Turbos maybe getting better, but if you are going to keep it a long time, V6 is the way to go. If you are leasing it, the Turbo will do fine. My problem with the CX9 is that it's just a stretched Mazda (2014/18) 3 platform. That's really stressing the structure. Mazda 6 is also a stretched 3. The new 3 went to a less expensive, non independent rear suspension new platform. I'm guessing that the new CX9 and Mazda 6 is finally getting their own platform.

[@davidilijevski8942]

Most turbo engines are not as efficient as there numbers indicate. Small engines with turbos in big vehicle's have to work that much harder which generates more wear on the engine .a larger natural aspirated engine does not have to work as hard and is not as complex as a turbocharged engine .small turbocharged engines are also prone to have reliability issues and generally not as great for longevity of there motors.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Justin Fontaine you are right on point. I got to spend a whole week with a Mazda CX9 grand touring all-wheel-drive as a rental car for a vacation that I took up to the mountains. I was very impressed with the powerful turbo 4-cylinder and perfect amount of room for three adults and one child! The other adults in my group were very impressed with the Mazda!👍🏻👍🏻

[@madmaxine12]

I just found your channel and really like your reviews. You talk about the things that I always want to know about, and your camera work is very good - I see the things that I would want to see. I especially like how you show the interior and exterior lighting at night. I think today's new cars make a special statement when their lights are on full display.

[@NileshR12]

Forrest this has an 8" touchscreen which is one of the smaller screens in the segment compared to the 2019 Highlander but Kia made the screen bigger with the 2021 Sorento bc they made the optional screen a 10.25" center display

[@lisarobinson3521]

You gave a really great review!!

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks Forrest! I haven't reviewed EVEN ONE Kia yet...but thanks for inspiring me! We don't get a lot of Kia on trade in at Lexus ;)

[@dalex7777]

We traded my wife’s Lexus RX Hybrid in for a Kia Sportage SX 2.0 Turbo. She loves it! We text drove and had Lexus RX as loaners but Toyota/Lexus Entune was not only frustrating but dangerous how distracting it was for the driver. It’s 2019 and > $50K Lexus still doesn’t have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay?!? Kia/Hyundai have had it since 2015 on vehicles costing less than $20K. Sad. Toyota is targeting an older driver that remembers what their brand meant in the 90s (which is where the LandCruiser/LX570 comes from...) Younger, value, safety and technology savvy drivers are buying Genesis/Hyundai/Kia with good reason.

[@draashi2004]

Superb review man 👏👏👏

[@jordancatcher6663]

Nice car. Kia in general has been producing some pretty nice cars lately. The refreshed optima is gorgeous in white in the sxl trim , the refresh if the sportage is much improved , and the new forte may not be the best but is certainly more in line with the competition. The one Kia model I'm waiting to hear news on is the Cadenza (The facelift should be coming up for 2020 , right ?)

[@alicemayes-ellison]

Grear Job!! Can the illumination color change if so how?.

[@scottbheir707]

In a couple years this channel gonna have 1 million subscribers

[@SwimminWitDaFishies]

6:33 You closed the door and it sounds solidly closed, but then you pull the handle and you say that you’re not feeling enough of a click, so it’s like the door wasn’t fully closed. If the door wasn’t fully closed, it would be illuminated on the dash and you would be hearing a chime, right?

[@paulh6517]

Without a doubt a CX-9. I have driven the Pilot, Sorento and Forester. Hands down the CX-9 is the handler of the bunch, the best looking and the most quiet. No squeaks or rattles either. I am going to buy one this week. If you have a large brood, I would suggest the ponderous Pilot but get the 6-speed auto not the 9-speed. The cx-9 gets the best gas mileage too.

[@gregblack8550]

Cx9 for sure. The grand touring and signature models are awesome!!

[@johnnytampocao7671]

It's a nice car but i would still prefer the Mazda CX9 it feels more elegant...

[@dalex7777]

Drive them back to back. With the Kia in the SXL trim, I think the interior will surprise you. I know someone who owns a Mazda MX-5 and wanted a Kia Sorento. She feels like she settled compared to the Kia.

[@NileshR12]

Come on Forrest, it doesn't have a "mom SUV profile", it has a practical profile for cargo space & passenger space in each row or at least for the second row with the cargo space in use

[@jaredshelton4718]

The Sorento is the best in class.

[@JustaPersonTryinToHuman365]

I test drove just about every brand of midsize and compact SUV besides the higher brands like Acura, Mazda, Volvo, Lexus and so on but all I liked was a fully loaded Toyota RAV4 for $32,000. My last choice was Kia, but I liked the Sorrento S trim for 34,000 and it had 4,000 off MSRP, so I pulled the trigger on the Sorrento since it has the v6 and just about all of the features of the fully loaded trim, minus the leather, cooled seats, moon roof and a few less camera features, but the S trim gets the remote start, push button start and the upgraded rims Plus of the 7 dealers I went to, kia offered better warranties than those around me and way better service, served us food, they even when as far as looking at other dealers prices to match their price if we found it cheaper ( tho on this specific model the price matching wasn't an option due to the MSRP rebate) and they gave me 4,100 for my trade in when all other dealers around me we're only offering 1,500. I was more than happy to walk away with a semi loaded mid size SUV with tax title and trade in for 37,500 OTD in orange country California I wish I could have afforded the SXL and not just the S but man that's an additional 6 grand, I feel like I made the right choice buying the mid level trim

[@wm5723]

If you want to see for yourself how well Kia builds their vehicles here is an easy way. Sit inside the Sorento open and close the door. You will notice how incredibly solid the door sounds and feels on the Sorento. Then do the same with Toyota Highlander or Mazda CX-9 not even close. Especially the Highlander sounds like an empty tuna can. This is just one example of how well Koreans build their cars. I’ve owned 14 Toyota’s they are an excellent product. Kia gives you better value with equal or even better quality. Top of the line CX-9 has a pop rod for the hood. Ridiculous when the car is over $40,000

[@wm5723]

Forrest's Auto Reviews At this year‘s auto show the current top model CX-9 still has the pop rod for the hood. I asked the Mazda representative how they can still have this type of hood support for a car that’s almost $50,000 basically no response.

[@justinfontaine5539]

By far the CX-9 has the most solid feeling door close. The Highlander does not do well there. The door pull on the Sorento kills it for me. @@forrestsautoreviewsofficial

[@randyharrington2653]

@@forrestsautoreviewsofficial Mazda ain't any different than a Ford

[@blvckpearls6694]

w m lol at an empty tuna can

[@isamisam19]

People think if the cars looks good then they should buy it. What matters is RELIABILITY.

[@DoritosResidue]

I have to agree that's why I switched from Honda to Kia

[@isamisam19]

M Navarro good luck with that

[@DoritosResidue]

@@isamisam19 my last Honda crv had 3 recalls plus alignment problems. Tell me about reliability again

[@isamisam19]

@@DoritosResidue if the recalls are not about engine or transmission its still good

[@DoritosResidue]

@@isamisam19 whaa? That does not make sense

[@cbilmn1044]

Impressive review

[@my2011soul]

You remarked that the touch screen is small and may be one of the smallest in the segment? I thought an 8 inch touch screen, which is what the Sorento has, is pretty standard segment wise.

[@SwimminWitDaFishies]

Forrest's Auto Reviews You’re supposed to be driving, not watching a screen

[@VeddeRob]

Prefer the Kia simply a better warranty is enough for me.

[@tonyrock5313]

I'm waiting for the 2021 Sorento.

[@arkongdrkong7331]

Hardly any reviewers talk about it's superior chassis rigidity. Korean cars have much better chassis than the rest because they use steel they call gigasteel. They are strongest steel industry have to use for car and all Korean cars use them in their chassis construction making them super rigid.

[@jamescross2229]

Interesting what you say about all the power and torque only being available up the top of the rev range. Except for in the USA, there is a 2.2 turbo diesel option which is perfect for this car. Only 200HP but 325 foot pounds of torque, at 1800rpm. it really suits the big cruiser feel of the Sorento. Here in NZ the Diesels outsell the petrol options by about 4 to 1. Same for the Santa Fe. Nice Review, though I think it might be an 8spd auto , rather than 7. Cheers

[@stephenhendricks103]

James Cross: Thanks for mentioning the diesel option. Kia has hinted that the diesel will be added to the Sorento in North America later in the 2019 model year . The elimination of the turbo4 option in 2018/2019 leaves the KIA with only the (imo) underpowered 4 cylinder naturally aspirated engine and the V6. Frankly, I suspect that it isn't already available as a result of production capacity for the engine. As you note, the diesel option is overwhelmingly popular in Australia/NZ as well as in Europe. I'm guessing that they simply don't have the production capacity to add the option for North America without ramping up production.

[@jamescross2229]

Stephen Hendricks I think the 2.4 engine is pretty poor too. I'm surprised they didn't keep the 2.0t, especially when the competitor cx9 has a turbo petrol engine which is great by all accounts. And the xc90 is 2.0t and seems amply powered. . Come on Kia!

[@stephenhendricks103]

James Cross: Kia's market strategy depends on a very broad price range for the Sorento, from around $25K to $47K depending on the trim. With that in mind, I think they felt they had to retain the non-turbo 4. But the turbo 4 was neither fish nor fowl, neither powerful nor fuel efficient. It just didn't sell. And given the long term strategy of selling the diesel in North America, I think they felt the turbo was the odd man out. But I also suspect that they hoped to replace it simultaneously with the diesel. And for one reason or another that just didn't happen. At least not yet.

[@dalex7777]

+Stephen Hendricks: Kia has changed strategy and announced the 2.2Td will not come to the US. With their new emphasis on Electric and announcement of electrified drivetrains I’m wonder what will be in Sorento’s future regarding Hybrid or EV power.

[@Daniels656993]

I purchased the 2019 SX trim and couldnt be happier. I love everything about this SUV....oh wait....theres one thing I dislike and that's that I have to purchase navigator software upgrades when they come out. For instance the latest North American map upgrade retails for over 200$ cad!!

[@Romans_116]

Kia needs to change that "tiger nose grill" just remove both top and bottom curve and just make it flush with the rest of the trim.

[@sdube1000]

Coming soon

[@gabrielsirialevario3505]

Esta muy bonita, buen trabajo de kia

[@MsSapphire07]

I know exactly where you were doing this review. My neck of the woods Good ol Benbrook!

[@anthonyrobles587]

does it come with a cd player?

[@20796mayur]

hi does it have heated rear seats?

[@Alex-pn5bk]

This looks the same as this gen in 2018. What r the updates?

[@Kaiju007]

Hockey and car Progamer 8 speed Automatic Transmission is the most noteworthy update. Then the LED headlamps, bar style tail lamps, both bumpers, grille, updated instrument cluster, updated infotainment, new Drive Modes, slight suspension tuning, 1.5" longer, and a few other minor things!

[@DriveAndBeDriven]

@@Kaiju007, Spot on! 👌🏽

[@Kaiju007]

Ricky Holmes forgot to mention new steering wheel and controls, new shifter, new ice cube fog lamp design, DRL or LED signal moved to the bottom of the headlights, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Monitor, wireless charger, improved 360 camera, higher resolution navigation screen, Harmon Kardon instead of Infinity, better MPG, retuned steering feel, and no more CD Player. I think that's all.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Elisha Jesudason: Excellent compilation of the changes. One of the things about KIA that I respect is their attention to updating their models within a model generation rather than waiting for a new generation to add features and correct weaknesses.

[@dalex7777]

+Alex They updated the frame for the front passenger taking it to an IIHS Safety Pick+ from 2016-2018 Top Safety Pick. Also new headlights and Lane Keeping Assist added on top of existing Land Keep Warning. The 8 speed automatic, and separate climate controls that don’t require the infotainment screen are the major upgrades. New front grill, lower air dam, fog lights and back lower bumper. On the 2019 SXL less gaudy chrome wheels. (In my opinion the SX, the same on the SX-L Turbo, Snowflake wheels have the better design.) The SX gets the 360-degree camera surround view monitor as an option for the first time in a the Touring package. With that package you can speck a 2019 SX up to an SXL only missing the rear heated seats and the Nappa leather from the top trim.

[@lynnnabors4608]

no remote start ??

[@dalex7777]

Remote start is an option.

[@josehuertas2441]

Is there remote start??

[@VirtueAce]

I like the paint job

[@amirshahi205]

This is what we call a review !! Thanks

[@justinfontaine5539]

This is the second review I've seen where the reviewer points out that the door latch feels like it doesn't engage solidly and when you pull the handle it comes all the way out before it does anything. Not good.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

My similar 2019, has an 8sp transmission-NOT 7sp.

[@bill7481]

How does the CX9 compare to this car in terms of solidity? Thanks for another great review, Forrest.

[@Davido50]

Leaps an bounds better.

[@ProfessorSnape22]

Do u do night reviews

[@frankiemck40]

It’s just hard to believe that with all the standard equipment remote start is an after- market option! My $36000 Accord comes with remote start from the factory.

[@djaz1054]

The material, fit n finish is way way better then the mazda, it looks mascular compare to the mazda the ride is way confortable then the mazda. Very steady sturdy

[@chrissobless5265]

Total bs.

[@tekz6435]

Looks like a minivan wannabe CUV-ish. Not that far from the Sedona other than the rear doors not sliding!

[@a.edwardsnycta5785]

The Sorrento actually sits on a modified Sedona platform

[@johnnyboy7011]

Mazda cx9 is the best

[@deloresstewart1460]

Lovin it

[@princeyi17]

Mazda is the best

[@lorinjones3007]

👌🏽👌🏽

[@ConnecticutDashcam]

Still can't match the driving dynamics and build quality of the CX-9

[@justinfontaine5539]

You don't have to wind the crap out of CX-9 motor to get to all that torque. Immediate power from 1500-5000 rpms.

[@joshuar4535]

IDK, for $45k I would get an Acura RDX, Lexus NX, or Infiniti QX50.

[@joshuar4535]

+Joshua Jacob IMHO the Sorrento's third isn't that usable.

[@joshuar4535]

+Joshua Jacob I wouldn't say all 3 row crossovers. The Pilot actually has a decent 3rd row. So does the Atlas, Ascent, Pathfinder and Traverse. You might be able to include the Explorer and Durango in there.

[@joshuar4535]

+Joshua Jacob Brandsnob? I'm just saying from experience. I actually fit in most of those vehicle's 3rd row. I'm 5'9 tho. So mileage may vary.

[@joshuar4535]

+Joshua Jacob You're good fam. 🖒

[@joshuar4535]

+Joshua Jacob I get what you were saying. We're cool, LOL.

[@my2011soul]

You said that this 2019 Sorento with the V6 is equipped with a 7 speed transmission. I was under the impression that the Sorento with the 4 cylinder comes with a 6 speed automatic and the V6 comes with an 8 speed automatic. ????

[@stephenhendricks103]

You're correct, Barry

[@mieczyslawgrudzien9380]

Beide sind gut nur jeda hat andere Meinung 👍

[@angelescamilla5841]

Nah the CX-9 is better

[@Noposwowskis]

love this car but it drives shitty like a minivan which i REALLY hate. they gotta make a dedicated suv and it'll sell more

[@a.edwardsnycta5785]

It's basically a modified Sedona.

[@Davido50]

No KIA or Hyundai ...ever.

[@Davido50]

@Ricky Holmes Ohhh ok we will. Be proud driving in a dorky KIA. Ur a true American!

[@bombardierrecreationalprod1023]

Nope°

[@renierebales4232]

Haha. You are wrong in extirior. Beacause the mazda is best in class the kia is not. Press dislike beacause the cx9 is more better looking then the kia. Lol