kia sorento 138bhp/168bhp

highlander44
highlander44 Forum Participant Posts: 19
edited October 2017 in Towcars & Towing #1

I am thinking of buying a kia sorento 2006/2007 vintage some are advertised as having 138 bhp and some 168 bhp anyone know how you tell them apart, van weighs 1550kg so would prefer the bigger one  .

Comments

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,860 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2017 #2

    Highlander 

    I think it was at the end of 2006 that the Mark1 Sorento had a facelift and they introduced the 168hp engine. I have owned two Sorento's of around that vintage the original with the 138hp engine and its replacement with the 168hp engine. I have mixed views. The 168hp engine was much more powerful compared to the 138hp but the only problem was that the models with the higher rated engines lost the self levelling suspension and I never felt the car was as stable whilst towing. Having said that we towed all over Europe with both cars and had no problems with them. Your van is quite light weight given the towing capacity of both cars so either should tow with ease.

    David

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited October 2017 #3

    I think David is probably right about either being suitable. I tow a 1500kg 'van with a 2005 135bhp X-Trail which I have had for 12 years. Very pleased. 

  • KENNYG
    KENNYG Forum Participant Posts: 215
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    edited October 2017 #4

    I had a 2006 sorento manual 168bhp xt it had self leveling suspension.    I used to tow a 1500 Kg van never felt like had anything on the back of the motor if not mistaken it has a 125Kg nose weight. Hope it helps. 

  • KENNYG
    KENNYG Forum Participant Posts: 215
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    edited October 2017 #5

    Sorry my sorento was a 138 not a 168 they were updated late 2006.

  • highlander44
    highlander44 Forum Participant Posts: 19
    edited October 2017 #6

    Thanks for the info I am now the proud owner of a 168 bhp 2009 sorento auto thanks again for all your comments .

  • KENNYG
    KENNYG Forum Participant Posts: 215
    100 Comments
    edited October 2017 #7

    Enjoy your new vehicle.