< P1.4M budget. Sorento LX A/T or Optima???

**abejr** · January 3rd, 2014 01:57 AM

Guys last late Dec, I was already decided on getting a new Sorento 4x2 LX (2.2L CRDi) Mahogany Brown instead of the more accessory rich Sportage CRDi simply due to the Sorento's size.

I went to a Kia dealer to check out their owner purchased AWD Sorento earlier (same color... But it's AWD and they added a few mods like OEM fog lamps, rear spoiler, back up sensors and roof rail), but I was a bit turned off by some minor scratches and in cabin dirt. I'm still thinking the price is too close to the brand new 4x2. Wow turbo Diesel engine at 190+ hp. I've read the reviews by the Sorento owners, of course. And I've never had an SUV before so I kinda want one.

Then the Snow White pearl Kia Optima caught my eye! Shoot! Though the engine is not GDi nor turbocharged, it's a steady MPi CVVT 2.4L ThetaII engine that can do 180hp. But the exterior is wow. Sleek but not overly modern. It's a design that's attractive through the years. And the interior is feature rich. Usually for top of the line mid size sedans but this one had it all. Double panoramic sunroof, cruise control, paddle shifters, push to start button, keyless entry, auto climate, Bluetooth, back up sensors, led tail light and rear "fog light", DRL led up front... The works. And with a limited time offer, it'll be the same price as the brand new Sorento 2.2L CRDi 4x2!!! I also like the color as is.

Truth is, I've always wanted an SUV but I also wanted a pearl white vehicle. The Optima is about P150K or more cheaper than others in its class so that leaves the Mazda 6 out, also CX-5. I'm not a fan of the Subaru looks, I also prefer the Sorento over the Montero; while the Santa Fe is P400K higher.

I don't have kids; my wife and I would probably use it mostly for city driving but either way it'll inspire us for more out of town trips. Lol. I don't need the cargo space on a regular basis.

Which do I go for???

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**Walter** · January 3rd, 2014 09:14 AM

Kia Sorento is better suited for Metro Manila conditions. Potholes, flooding, etc. The novelty of the Optima's tech gizmos will wear out.

**Egan101** · January 3rd, 2014 09:30 PM

As good as the Sorento 4x2 CRDi might be but given the choice, I would go with the Optima. The Sorento may have the bigger space and grunt of a turbo diesel but midsize cars offer a much more comfortable and stable ride.

**romeocharlie** · January 3rd, 2014 09:37 PM

I'd go sorento all day..

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**slapz** · January 4th, 2014 12:30 AM

5 seats din Sorento diba? Optima nalang. :D

**yebo** · January 4th, 2014 09:38 AM

Iba pa din ang suv. I'll still choose the Sorento (or any suv) over a sedan of the same brand any day. Gadgets? E di yung ex sorento kunin mo. If you can afford 1.4M definitely upgrading to a 1.7M ex will not be too hard to do.

**abejr** · January 4th, 2014 05:38 PM

Thanks, guys. Grabe, I took the missus earlier to check the Optima out. Though she was impressed by the interior of the Optima, parang keen pa rin siya sa Sorento. We didn't see a proper 4x2 Sorento earlier. Only a modified one to have almost identical EX look. So not apples to apples.

I was leaning towards SUV na lang with just mods over time so parang Sorento na lang. Kakainis lang that the Optima is almost complete na as is. Grrrrr... 😆

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**abejr** · January 4th, 2014 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by yebo

Iba pa din ang suv. I'll still choose the Sorento (or any suv) over a sedan of the same brand any day. Gadgets? E di yung ex sorento kunin mo. If you can afford 1.4M definitely upgrading to a 1.7M ex will not be too hard to do.

*Yebo, price for the EX is P1.8m+. Too much na yon, pare. Thanks. Siguro panay after market gagawin ko. Lol.

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