I have just been looking at both the Sorrento and the X-Trail this week at
the Display in the Shopping Centre at Milton Keynes. Within the next 3
months I want to purchase a replacement tow car and both cars mentioned
would fit the bill and are of a very similar price. I have to say that I
liked the Sorrento it seemed well designed and put together. My concern
is
with the Kia, despite the avalanche of praise it has received is what
happens in the longer term with reliability and values. I suppose you
could
say that buying anything with four wheels on new is a mugs game!!! Out of
the two I think my choice would be the X-Trail particularly as it now
comes
with an uprated engine of 136hp. It is a smaller vehicle than the Sorrento
which would suit my wife. I now have to decide whether the X-Trail is
going
to make a better towcar than a Ford Mondeo 130hp diesel as I can acquire a
new one of the latter at an advantageous price.


David - Milton Keynes
www.caravantravels.co.uk
Details of our Caravan Travels in the UK and Europe with help and advice
and
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Do a comparison of the 2 cars on the What Car website and much of the data
shows in some ways a strange similarity: e.g. Power (138 and 134 bhp) and
torque (232 and 232 lb/ft) are virtually identical - so both cars will tow
well. Surprisingly the X-Trail is only 57 mm shorter than the Sorento,
though lower. Then look at the top speed, mpg and acceleration figures and
the X-Trail wins hands down.

I too sold a Discovery to buy an X-Trail and I am exceptionally pleased with
it. If you like driving (with and without the caravan) then the X-Trail is
much more car-like, is nippy and handles really well. If you want a higher
driving position, cumbersome handling and performance which is more
agricultural, then the Kia or Discovery fits the bill.

Bob


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