Kia Sorento BL
A rugged, body-on-frame workhorse that challenged the European SUV establishment.
- Power
- 170 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 11.8 s
- Top speed
- 112 mph
About the Kia Sorento BL
The first-generation Kia Sorento (BL) was a pivotal model for the brand, offering genuine off-road capability thanks to its traditional ladder-frame chassis and low-range transfer case. In 2006, it received a significant facelift that introduced a more powerful 170 PS version of the 2.5-litre CRDi diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). While its on-road handling was somewhat agricultural compared to unibody rivals, its high towing capacity and robust build quality made it a favourite for caravanners and rural drivers. It remains a respected budget off-roader, though early models are prone to chassis corrosion.
Kia Sorento BL specs
The Kia Sorento BL produces 170 bhp (127 kW) and 392 Nm (289 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 11.8 seconds and has a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).
| Make | Kia |
|---|---|
| Model | Sorento |
| Generation | BL |
| Trim | 2.5 CRDi |
| Years | 2002–2009 |
| Type | SUV |
| Body style | SUV |
| Country | South Korea |
| Engine | 2.5-litre turbocharged inline-4 diesel |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,497 cc (2.5 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 170 bhp (127 kW) at 3,800 rpm |
| Torque | 392 Nm (289 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 11.8 s |
| Top speed | 112 mph (180 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,965 kg (4,332 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 87 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Kia Sorento BL rarity in CarSpot
The Kia Sorento BL is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 0 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Kia Sorento BL fun facts
- The Sorento's suspension was famously fine-tuned with input from Porsche to improve its on-road manners.
- It was a frequent winner of 'Tow Car of the Year' awards in the UK, capable of pulling up to 2,800kg.
- Unlike its successors, the BL Sorento featured a longitudinal engine layout and a rear-biased four-wheel-drive system.
