2008 Kia Sorento Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.17/5 Average
42 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2008, the Kia Sorento gains a new V6 engine for the base and LX trim levels. At 3.3 liters and 242 horsepower, the new power plant is smaller and less powerful than the 3.8-liter V6 found in the EX trim. In exchange, it offers somewhat improved fuel economy.

Pros:
  • Impressive list of standard features, solid construction, high-quality materials, decent off-road capability.
Cons:
  • So-so fuel economy, ride can get bouncy over broken pavement, mediocre braking performance in demanding situations, disappointing side-impact crash results.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 42.00
  • Buyers Remorse - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    This is a gorgeous loaded vehicle, I got all the bells & whistles in this model. BUT if youre commuting like I do, 120 miles a day + up to 20 in errands on lunch etc, its horrible on gas. Im filling up every other day and gas is going up. I traded in my 8 yr old Hyundai Elantra because I have 3 kids, 2 in car seats and a 12 year old who didnt fit in the back. The KIA is better, but still a super tight fit w/2 car seats and a 3rd child. The space isnt as "spacious" as I hoped for. Im trading it in this weekend for a 4cyl car. I cant afford the gas, Im averaging 18.3 mpg which is good for it, but I didnt realize how quickly its used up. If I could afford the gas, Id keep the vehicle.

  • Traded in Expedition - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I traded in a Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer with all the toys so please keep this in mind when I compare to my new Sorento EX with leather, sunroof, 6 cd, etc. Gas: The Expedition was getting an average of about 16-17 mpg. Thus far the Kia is getting 21-22 mpg for the same daily route taken to home/work. Space: It is lacking with comparison to the Expedition however is very consistent with a mid size SUV. They could have added about 4-6 inches in length to the cargo area to better round out the car, (I think the test should be to fit an average baby stroller in straight with having to put it sideways.) The front has plenty of room for me and I am above average in size, same for the passenger.

  • Great for the Money! - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    Sorento EX replaced a 2005 Mercury Mountaineer Premier. We wanted better gas mileage and smaller size SUV (no more hauling around gaggles of girls sports teams). Only gave up 3rd row seat (which we wanted to do anyway), passenger power seat adjustment/lumbar support (which would be bad but the seats are very comfortable), and a little on the stereo quality (but we are rectifying that with an aftermarket nav/sound next month). Comfort is very good, fit/finish is very good, ride is very good and stable (plus we can get our favorite Goodyear Tripletred tires for it). Performance was much better than expected, with the 3.8l V-6 really pushing the Sorento better than our older V-8 SUV.

  • Good deal - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I was looking for a car with value for my money. I didnt want to spend a load of money on features which are attractive but after a while we dont use it. Kia Sorento was perfect in my budget and the other accessories i was looking for. So far the car is running absolutely fine.

  • Happy new owner - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    Took delivery of vehicle in the morning, and took a 250+ mile trip in the afternoon - mostly freeway in hilly country. Got 22/5 MPG. Traded in 1997 Pathfinder - much the same size vehicle. Having a super time with the manual control of the automatic tranny. Vehicle is so quiet, and great fun to drive. So far, best choice of car ever made -- and the price was definitely right

  • This vehicle has been great - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    Okay the problems that people have been stating are easily solved. The rattling in the trunk, its the jack in the back, simply put a towl back there with it, the back seat trim is just to cover the hinges on the seat. They are not that important, and the airbag sensor in the passenger seat is working the way it should be, you just have to sit in the seat the correct way. Now to the car its self. It has been great 70k and no troubles at all. I do have to say though the transmission does shift hard sometimes but its not that big of a deal. Great power from the engine, it does suck up the gas though. Overal it is an excelent reliable car to have.

  • Some good, some bad - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    Traded sedan in, wanting to sit higher due to blind spots. My mpg averages 21, esp if I keep my husband, teenage son out of it. Not at all pleased with passenger seat sensor explanations . Most recent trip in was told that I do not weigh enough. Hello! At 140? I do not feel comfortable in trusting the air bag system at all because of the sensor issue. Transmission has had to be serviced already. Bulbs already have had to be replaced (both low beams -- 1 year old vehicle -- and bulbs not released to be sold outside of dealership at this time). Major inconvenience. Horrid sound system. Will trade as soon as I can w/out loosing a fortune.

  • We love it - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    The ride is rock solid, fun to drive and plenty of power, seems too tight and tough, enjoying it a lot looking froward to taking a nice long trip .

  • Lovin Kia - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I live in Cleveland, Ohio and wanted a 4x4 vehicle. The Sorento has been a dream in the snow. Ive never felt so safe (will do 55 mph on snow covered highway no problem). The 3.3L engine is amazing. After turning the ignition the engine has a great rumbling sound to it, but when its idling you might think the car is off. When you floor it the drivers youre blowing by get startled (LOL). The price, warranty, and quality are unbeatable. I have experienced the passenger air bag sensor light issue, but only once. Overall, the vehicle is a joy to drive.

  • Had this as a rental for one month - 2008 Kia Sorento
    By -

    This SUV is quick. It revs high and will throw you back in your seat when you get on the gas. The ride is very smooth even over bumpy brick roads Ive been on. I took in on a 200+ mile road trip and was very comfortable. The stock stereo system isnt bad and would be adequate for most people. Its really a sharp looking SUV, the inside isnt Lexus or Mercedes fancy, but if youre not trying to impress everyone with your fancy car, then who cares? Ive carried up to 8 people in this thing, of course, two were in the seatless trunk area. Seats fold down real nice to make a ton of cargo room. Definitely a good family hauler, would be great for long roadies or just tooling around town.

Kia Sorento Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area