Is the Sorento's DCT transmission all it's cracked up to be or is it more headache than it's worth?
Kia Sorento dual-clutch transmission (DCT) models have been a hot topic for owners and car enthusiasts. The company claims it's a performance upgrade, with promises of faster shifts and better fuel economy than conventional automatics. However, some drivers are having problems with jerky low speed operation, hesitation and even complete failures. Supporters say the DCT delivers a more exciting drive and that there are many problems because drivers haven't learned to work with its peculiarities. The technology is flawed by its very nature to be used in a family SUV, critics say. Often, the debate is about whether the performance benefits of this type of transmission outweigh the risks and the learning curve involved.
I love the DCT in my Sorento. Once you get used to it, the shifts are lightning fast, it really wakes the engine up. All you need to do is change your driving style a little.
I have had nothing but trouble. It hesitates in traffic, hesitates when I need power, and I already had to replace it once under warranty. If you can, stick with the regular auto.
I think it’s great for enthusiasts, but maybe not the best choice for a family hauler. If you like driving and don’t mind some quirk, why not? It’s not smooth and simple, if that is what you want.
It’s fine 95% of the time, but that 5% when it acts up is really frustrating. The occasional headaches aren’t worth the performance gains, I’m not sure.
I was worried about the DCT horror stories, I have zero issues with mine after 30k miles. I think a lot of problems come from people treating it like a regular automatic.
It is definitely acquired taste. I hated it for the first month but now I can’t see myself going back to a regular auto. The key is to have its quirks and to learn how and when to adapt.
I regret getting the DCT. For daily driving, especially in stop and go traffic, it's just not smooth enough. I'm always afraid it's going to break on me.
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Discussions and Questions Is The Sorentos Dct Transmission All Its Cracked Up To Be Or Is It More Headache Than Its Worth
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