Large SUV/4WD: Gold Star Value Awards 2014

The Kia Sorento shows why buying a diesel can add up

1. Kia Sorento Si
THE base Sorento diesel costs just $1500 more than the petrol version, yet simultaneously slashes fuel use from 9.8 to 6.6L/100km and delivers almost 100Nm of extra torque. It’s plainly the pick, though the manual version (as considered here) is perhaps not as liveable as the auto for urban duty.

Considering the amount of metal for the money and the big Kia’s genuine off-roadability, the $39,990 ask is reasonable, while a 69 percent three-year retained value means depreciation is manageable. Factor in cheap insurance, a 12-month service interval and a five-year* warranty, and the Sorento is a smart buy.

2. Hyundai Santa Fe CRDi Active
IT MAKES sense that Sorento’s platform-buddy would feature at the pointy end. It was topped – just – due to its slightly greater depreciation and insurance costs. Bet Hyundai wishes it kept the chassis all to itself.

3. Mitsubishi Pajero GLX
MITSUBISHI’S Pajero is something of a Gold Star Value Awards regular. Its recurrence in the results correctly suggests that its value equation is rock-solid. Works far better in the bush than the ’burbs.

*STOP PRESS: Since pubication of this article, Kia has increased its warranty to seven years/unlimited kilometres

Notable classmates: Mazda CX-9 Classic FWD, Holden Colorado 7 LT / Number of cars crunched: 13