Kia Sorrento EX replaces RDX
#1
Kia Sorrento EX replaces RDX
I've posted before about my husband and I trying out some RDX competitors. The Lincoln MKC most recently.
In our search we got to the KIA Sorrento EX last week.
And after some haggling and hemming and hawing, we found a dealer willing to take our leased RDX 2013 base in a trade for a 2015 Sorrento EX.
Why did we switch? Comparison:
Montly payment about the same, tho KIA is a full tech upgrade while our RDX was base.
KIA EX includes Voice Nav with 8" touch screen. Upgraded Infinity surround system. Panoramic sun roof. Heated and cooled front seats. Side mirror monitoring, power lift gate, memory seating, tho passenger seat also does not go up and down, it is set higher into the car so you aren't in a hole.
It's a slightly larger and heavier vehicle, but not as large as the MDX from what I can tell. Not as nible as the RDX because it's heavier. This KIA is more heavy duty feeling. Larger hatch area (we did not get the 3rd row seating). Back seat space about the same tho vehicle is wider.
We enjoyed the RDX, it's a very nice vehicle, but it began to feel out of date, especially our base, and the passenger seat was always a pain.
So for the same monthly lease payment we got into a newer tech equipped, more spacious and smoother riding vehicle. We felt OK about checking out S. Korean vehicles as we've been very impressed with the quality of Samsung products we've bought and feel the S. Koreans are making big strides toward becoming true competitors to Japanese manufacturers.
All the above is just my opinion which I thought I'd share as people often ask about comparable vehicles.
So I'll say goodby now. Everyone here has been great, helpful with much good information to share.
In our search we got to the KIA Sorrento EX last week.
And after some haggling and hemming and hawing, we found a dealer willing to take our leased RDX 2013 base in a trade for a 2015 Sorrento EX.
Why did we switch? Comparison:
Montly payment about the same, tho KIA is a full tech upgrade while our RDX was base.
KIA EX includes Voice Nav with 8" touch screen. Upgraded Infinity surround system. Panoramic sun roof. Heated and cooled front seats. Side mirror monitoring, power lift gate, memory seating, tho passenger seat also does not go up and down, it is set higher into the car so you aren't in a hole.
It's a slightly larger and heavier vehicle, but not as large as the MDX from what I can tell. Not as nible as the RDX because it's heavier. This KIA is more heavy duty feeling. Larger hatch area (we did not get the 3rd row seating). Back seat space about the same tho vehicle is wider.
We enjoyed the RDX, it's a very nice vehicle, but it began to feel out of date, especially our base, and the passenger seat was always a pain.
So for the same monthly lease payment we got into a newer tech equipped, more spacious and smoother riding vehicle. We felt OK about checking out S. Korean vehicles as we've been very impressed with the quality of Samsung products we've bought and feel the S. Koreans are making big strides toward becoming true competitors to Japanese manufacturers.
All the above is just my opinion which I thought I'd share as people often ask about comparable vehicles.
So I'll say goodby now. Everyone here has been great, helpful with much good information to share.
The following users liked this post:
justnspace (10-02-2014)
#3
KIA has come a long way to be sure. I have friends with the lesser Forte and Soul and they are a lot of car for the money. That said, I am a very loyal Honda guy and can't see myself switching. Enjoy it.
#5
Ive been working on it since.
it's so easy to work on and the parts will EASILY last for a while. just as long as my Acura TL.
maybe even longer because the Kia is so simple.
seriously, the brakes are easy to change and use the same design as the TL.
suspension is surprisingly set up well!
the car has 33k miles currently and I can see it lasting WAAAAAAAY past 100k miles.
of course, proper maintenance is required.
#6
Kia / Hyundai's are good vehicles. I really like the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T.
Btw, a new Sorento is coming next year. Not too bad looking.
2016 Kia Sorento Unveiled in Paris » AutoGuide.com News
Btw, a new Sorento is coming next year. Not too bad looking.
2016 Kia Sorento Unveiled in Paris » AutoGuide.com News
Trending Topics
#8
#12
Sorry OP, I just don't understand how a Samsung product has made you consider buying a S. Korean vehicle. There is no relation... at all. Personally, I am not a fan of Kia or Hyundai regardless of how much tech they put in their vehicles. Knowing they will place airbags to pass safety standards rather than add steel does not sit well with me. Also, the resale for these companies is brutal. Of course the dealer took your RDX without much hassle... they know they can sell and make money on it within weeks.
The following users liked this post:
5 Acuras (10-04-2014)
#13
Sorry OP, I just don't understand how a Samsung product has made you consider buying a S. Korean vehicle. There is no relation... at all. Personally, I am not a fan of Kia or Hyundai regardless of how much tech they put in their vehicles. Knowing they will place airbags to pass safety standards rather than add steel does not sit well with me. Also, the resale for these companies is brutal. Of course the dealer took your RDX without much hassle... they know they can sell and make money on it within weeks.
In 70s, when Japan became famous for their quality products the high quality standards were reflected in electronic goods, automobiles and most of the other products. Perhaps this analogy can help you see the relation between a Korean product and a Korean vehicle.
#15
While they may have gotten way more reliable of late, their reputation hasn't caught up and - like another poster said - resale suffers accordingly.
#16
Let's see what we have here... a new member with 2 posts both praising Kia/Hyundai on an Acura Owners site.
Can anyone say "troll"?
Urban Dictionary: troll
Can anyone say "troll"?
Urban Dictionary: troll
#17
Kia cars are a good value but the SUVs are a bit pricey. We cross-shopped the Sportage and Sorrento before we got the RDX. I couldn't believe the sticker prices on comparably equipped models. The salesmen were a bit snobby as well.
#18
Let's see what we have here... a new member with 2 posts both praising Kia/Hyundai on an Acura Owners site.
Can anyone say "troll"?
Urban Dictionary: troll
Can anyone say "troll"?
Urban Dictionary: troll
The following users liked this post:
justnspace (10-06-2014)
#19
Member since Oct 2014 = troll
One who posts a deliberately provocative message to a newsgroup or message board with the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument
#20
Lack of evidence? I work in emergency services. I know who walks away from collisions and who doesn't/can't. Kia, in particular, have been known to add airbags to pass inspection. Specifically lower airbags for your legs. And yes I have witnessed this. There is no doubt, in 2014, both Kia and Hyundai have increased their quality. But at nearly the same price as Acura...easy decision, IMO
The following users liked this post:
Al Dente (10-06-2014)
#21
some you dont know when you are getting trolled and when you arent.
Im all for Kia and you all chose to pick on the other pro kia member...
remember, opinions and different points of view are what makes forums interesting. THAT doesnt mean you're getting trolled.
Im all for Kia and you all chose to pick on the other pro kia member...
remember, opinions and different points of view are what makes forums interesting. THAT doesnt mean you're getting trolled.
#22
#26
The following 2 users liked this post by opboarding:
justnspace (10-07-2014),
VR1 (10-17-2014)
#27
Kia's are great in the beginning - lots of features, safety and technology for your money but you take it up the ass when it comes to resale. Kia is still that shitty car brand I remember growing up, it's hard to wrap my head around them actually making a decent product when not to long ago they were building the Sephia.. I guess the same can be said about Honda - my parents said when Honda came to North America their product wasn't anything to write home about and look at them now. Maybe when I'm their age I'll be buying Kia's instead of Honda's.
Congrats on the new Sorento, hopefully you enjoy it more than your Acura!
Congrats on the new Sorento, hopefully you enjoy it more than your Acura!
#28
I have to admit that my Kia experience is rather limited. I drove a rental Sedona in May. Perhaps it was because it was a stable mule but it was easily the biggest POS I've ever been provided as a rental car....and I've been renting cars since the 70's. I know that rental car companies are keeping cars longer but this one only had 8,000 miles on it.
#29
Comfy is correct, it is time to relax and ratchet things down.
The following users liked this post:
13ILX 6MT (11-10-2014)
#30
I thought the Sorento was a good value for what you get, and you get quite a lot. An odd thing swayed me to Acura though. It seemed to me like the RDX had the more comfortable driver seat. I thought the Sorento seat was a bit too firm. Anyone else notice that? Maybe it was not so bad, but it just seemed almost like sitting on a wooden board from what I recall.
#31
I own a 2012 TL SH-AWD. I rented a KIA Optima last year to drive down to Myrtle Beach from Maryland. Why? Because I didnt want to vacuum or brush sand out of my TL.
Yes, KIA vehicles are nice. I will be lying if I say I wasnt impressed by the Optima, but will I buy it to replace my TL? Not a chance. I can see myself driving an Optima as a daily commuter, but when I want to roll in style, I am rolling in my TL.
Just my .
OP >> Congrats on your purchase. I hope you enjoy your new ride. Its not about what others think, its about what you like. Afterall, it is your money. You buy what fits best for you.
Yes, KIA vehicles are nice. I will be lying if I say I wasnt impressed by the Optima, but will I buy it to replace my TL? Not a chance. I can see myself driving an Optima as a daily commuter, but when I want to roll in style, I am rolling in my TL.
Just my .
OP >> Congrats on your purchase. I hope you enjoy your new ride. Its not about what others think, its about what you like. Afterall, it is your money. You buy what fits best for you.
#32
I own a 2012 TL SH-AWD. I rented a KIA Optima last year to drive down to Myrtle Beach from Maryland. Why? Because I didnt want to vacuum or brush sand out of my TL.
Yes, KIA vehicles are nice. I will be lying if I say I wasnt impressed by the Optima, but will I buy it to replace my TL? Not a chance. I can see myself driving an Optima as a daily commuter, but when I want to roll in style, I am rolling in my TL.
Just my .
OP >> Congrats on your purchase. I hope you enjoy your new ride. Its not about what others think, its about what you like. Afterall, it is your money. You buy what fits best for you.
Yes, KIA vehicles are nice. I will be lying if I say I wasnt impressed by the Optima, but will I buy it to replace my TL? Not a chance. I can see myself driving an Optima as a daily commuter, but when I want to roll in style, I am rolling in my TL.
Just my .
OP >> Congrats on your purchase. I hope you enjoy your new ride. Its not about what others think, its about what you like. Afterall, it is your money. You buy what fits best for you.
#33
The Optima had regular, non-vented seats, so I cannot comment on that.
#35
Congrats Texdriver. I hope the Kia serves you well. I think the brand is doing a lot right these days in terms of design and content. Although not their best styling effort, the K900 is a pretty amazing car. It's hard not to be impressed if you can look at it objectively.
For whatever it's worth ...
Kia's brand perception still painfully lags behind reality - Autoblog
For whatever it's worth ...
Kia's brand perception still painfully lags behind reality - Autoblog
#37
#38
Resale value(or residual value) is a huge factor in lease pricing so it should be a consideration. The only time resale value wouldn't be a factor is if you buy and keep the vehicle for about 10 years or have some money to burn..
#39
It's not all black and white, but Texdriver said the payments were the same. Unless we don't know about some hidden down payment, it matters not what the back end numbers are. Heck, if all the safety and features are there AND the consumer is happy, it really doesn't matter what the MSRP is either.
The following users liked this post:
HotRodW (10-13-2014)
#40
I didn't realize that our buying a Kia would elicit all this pro and con. Just to give a little more info about the debated things, we have a 3 yr. lease, nothing down, 56% residual (generous but good for us as it kept the payment down). We don't care about the resale value as we will just give it back to the dealer. The vehicle is very nice, rides well, spacious and full of fun tech.
My post was not meant to sell Kia's vs. Acuras, we had leased Lexus RX350s for about 12 years and wanted something different, then the RDX, not as nice as a Lexus but less per month, and now the KIA, very nice and same monthly payment as the RDX. All good vehicles, variety is the spice of life. Coach Rick gets it, probably because he's a fellow Texan, go Cowboys! But anyway, everyone should get the vehicle they like and others should not get judgmental.
My post was not meant to sell Kia's vs. Acuras, we had leased Lexus RX350s for about 12 years and wanted something different, then the RDX, not as nice as a Lexus but less per month, and now the KIA, very nice and same monthly payment as the RDX. All good vehicles, variety is the spice of life. Coach Rick gets it, probably because he's a fellow Texan, go Cowboys! But anyway, everyone should get the vehicle they like and others should not get judgmental.
The following users liked this post:
HotRodW (10-13-2014)