Overview & Reviews

The 2011 Kia Sorento has been fully redesigned. Major changes include a switch to carlike unibody construction, more powerful engines and a new third-row seat.

• Long warranty.
• Decent-sized third-row seat
• Plentiful standard features
• Sporty handling
• Punchy optional V6

• Five-passenger model lacks a sliding second-row seat.
• Suspension tuning is a bit too firm

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 312.00

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  Dont waste your money - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By sandersfam - September 2 - 10:00 am

  We have had one problem after another with this vehicle since driving if off the lot! First, the turn signal housing went out completely and had to be replaced. The back-up camera has never worked correctly and is finally being replaced after several trips to the dealership service center. Now, the service engine light is on and the engine is missing out or dying altogether - in the middle of traffic no less! Weve never gotten the gas mileage (not even close) as advertised or on the sticker. Now, today, we get notified of a safety recall due to wiring and possible fire hazard! This is our first non-Chevy purchase and our last!

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  twitchey & in the dark - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By david nixon - December 2 - 10:36 pm

  The steering on the Sorento is just plain bad! This vehicle has electronic assist steering and has zero play in the steering wheel. A vehicle with has no play in the steering wheel is difficult to drive as very little movement in the steering wheel will cause the vehicle to move in that direction. I do remember when I took driver Ed. the teacher spent a session explaining why the steering wheel needs some play in it. As we drive we move the steering wheel a bit at a time to keep the vehicle on the path we want it to go. If there is no play just the smallest movement will cause the vehicle to move back and forth and make it very uncomfortable to drive. I would think on an icy road this would be very dangerous. Also the back up camera is so dark it is all but useless. In the daytime the reflection on the screen makes it very difficult to see and at night it does not show up well. I think the back up camera is more dangerous than not having one as the driver has to lean over towards it to try and see it better to no avail. I went to a Kia dealership and they looked at both problems and they explained to me that is the way they are built and there was no fix for the problem. The service manager agreed that these were problems but he apologized as there is no fix! I called Kia and the rep at Kia consumer contact said I test drive the vehicle and signed the contract so I would just have to put up with it!

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  2011 Kia Sorento EX AWD 3.5 L (6CYL) - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Steve - November 27 - 10:16 am

  I bought the Sorento because I liked the style and features including AWD for the cost. Also that Kia built a state of the art facility in Georgia which provides American jobs. Like any new vehicle, the first test drive seems pretty good. Soon after I bought it it didnt take long for the buyers remorse to set in. Within days the transmission seems to twist or knock harshly half the time you start the engine. The brake pedal is hard and wont let you start without pumping it to release? When parked on a hill the vehicle the transmission seems to not engage like the brake is still on. It also surges forward a bit while driving on the freeway and the gas mileage is not near what advertised.

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  Follow up review - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By jaedee33 - August 24 - 8:00 pm

  I purchased my sorento in 1/2010 I have had problems with sunroof not being fitted correctly and constant problems with Gas Mileage, Automatic AC, front seats not being secured properly and most recently Transmission problems. I have accumulated 15000 miles already and this week my car started out of nowhere slipping gears and revving unintentionally and even chirping the tires from each gear took it to a locale dealership and was provided with a rental car (dodge avenger) and notified i needed a new transmission after 15,000 miles Ive never experienced something like this and will no longer recommend or promote any Kia products. I was told it would be 2 weeks until i get my car. We will see

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  poor mileage - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Randal McEwen - August 23 - 4:10 pm

  I purchased this auto based on research. One of the main reasons was for the advertised mileage.I have to say I am extremely dissapointed. I normally drive my autos ten or more years,but not this one.

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  Unreliable car. - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By nat16 - April 25 - 8:33 am

  "I have Kia Sorrento for 4 months only and it was in repairs twice already! 4000 miles on the car. Last month was an oil leak.This month - the transmission stopped shiffting and I couldnot stop the car! Unreliable! I always bought american cars and had them for 10-11 years, with regular wear and tear. This is the first time that I decided to buy non-american car, and let me tell you, you get what you pay for! GARBAGE!!! For $ 6000 more you can buy Ford or Jeep and have no problems! Do not buy this car, unless you want to have a big problem in a couple of months."

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  Not good at all - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By not pleased - April 2 - 6:36 am

  Drive far on a daily basis due to job location. Have had this car for about 7 months. In may the car would not start at all. Had to be towed to the dealership! Apparently a loose cable came loose and had to be tighten. July. Car back in dealership car turned off while in motion. No I did not put in neutral it was in drive and the car turned off. Dealership cant find anything wrong. Sorry Kia better luck next time! Safety is a big concern!

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  Nightmare - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Lrnosbig - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Loved my Kia Sorento until 20,000 miles. Then the nightmare problems began. Front axle broke in a busy intersection, ripping up the transmission (risked my life). Waited 3 weeks for parts. Took a deep breath and trusted the vehicle again. 2 weeks later the front CV boot failed on the freeway (risked my life again)! Kia headquarters would not buy it back. Kia dealership said "no thank you." They wouldnt even accept it as a trade- in. We ended up taking a huge loss on it as a trade-in with a different car company. Buyer beware. Id like to hear from other folks after they have put 20,000+ miles on theirs. Ill never buy another Kia product again.

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  Do not Waste your Time or Money - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By djruss84 - February 1 - 4:04 am

  I purchased my Sorento SX in november of 2010. About a month after my purchase the engine decided to blow up the day before christmas eve!!! The engine let out a loud screechy grinding sound then the car stoped dead in the middle of a busy intersection. I was without my car through the holidays then it took Kia over a Month to get the engine to the dealership. Also the paint on these are Rice paper thin and just a simple pebble with chip the paint to bear metal and it will rust within a few days if you do not inspect it daily. I would stay away from any KIA and spend a little more for a brand with a better record of quality.

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  I should have known better. - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By deacontull - January 26 - 1:07 pm

  At 1K miles this thing rattles/squeaks/pops more than a 15 year old Dodge caravan. Highway MPG is awful (24 if Im lucky). After the first washing, I noticed crud in the paint. No mechanical problems yet, but Im not encouraged. I deliberately waited a year or so for them to get the bugs out before buying, but clearly that doesnt cure cheap. I let the allure of long warranty, looks, and the array of features on the "convenience package" suck me in and blind me to the lack of quality. My bad. Do yourself a favor and ignore the sparkle. Pay a few extra bucks on a quality vehicle like Toyota or Subaru. This vehicle is no bargain.