Overview & Reviews

When the midsize Kia Sorento first appeared, it featured a traditional, trucklike (body-on-frame) design that provided a level of ruggedness not typically found on crossover SUVs. Blessed with above-average off-roading and towing abilities, the V6-powered first-generation Sorento won our respect for its practical nature. It also boasted impressive value, offering the dimensions of a midsize SUV at a compact-crossover price point.

But the original Sorento was clearly out of sync with the crossover craze. Nowadays, most consumers want the more fuel-efficient and better handling qualities that carlike (unibody) architecture provides. So Kia provided precisely that with its second- and third-generation Sorento models. These newer Sorentos are among the best picks for a small or midsize crossover SUV thanks to their choice of four-cylinder or V6 power, roomy interiors, available third-row seat and extensive warranty coverage.

Current Kia Sorento
For 2014, the Kia Sorento enters its third generation. Although the styling is essentially carried over apart from minor front and rear end updates, the latest Sorento features a new chassis, a redesigned cabin and a new V6 engine. The stiffer chassis and revised suspension combine to improve handling and ride comfort compared to the second-generation version.

The Sorento's base 2.4-liter four-cylinder generates 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, while the uplevel engine, a 3.3-liter V6, makes 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. Both are matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, and there is a choice of standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

A redesigned cabin offers an optional navigation system with 8-inch touchscreen that also interfaces with UVO eServices, Kia's name for its suite of smartphone-enabled apps. A premium Infinity audio system is available, as are a power liftgate (with height adjustment), a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and a blind-spot monitoring system, the first such system available on any Kia model. Trim levels include LX, EX, SX and SXL.

In reviews, we've been impressed by the Sorento's intuitive controls and user-friendly voice-command system. Seat comfort in the first and second rows is solid, although the third row is best left for kids. On the road, the Sorento feels a bit underpowered with the four-cylinder engine. Considering the mere 1 mpg (combined estimate) difference between the two, the notably better-performing V6 is well worth the added cost. The Sorento is exceptionally quiet and the suspension soaks up bumps with ease. The Kia's handling and steering are far from sporty, but it's certainly sure-footed enough for a family vehicle. In city traffic and parking lots the Sorento feels smaller than it really is and in general is more maneuverable than larger seven-passenger SUVs. Poor rearward visibility can make backing into a tight space seem daunting, but the available rearview camera and parking sensors make the task much easier.

Used Kia Sorento Models
The second-generation Kia Sorento debuted in 2011 and was produced until 2013. As with the current model, it was available with four-cylinder or V6 power and had an available third-row seat. Thanks to a roomy interior, plenty of features and an attractive price, it's a great choice for a used crossover SUV.

Kia offered this Sorento in LX, EX and SX trim levels. Five-passenger seating was standard on all but the LX V6 and SX, which came with the otherwise optional 50/50 split-folding third-row seat that raised capacity to seven.

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 hp and 169 lb-ft of torque was standard on the LX. A direct-injected version of this engine (with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft) debuted for 2012 and was optional on the LX and standard on the EX. Standard on the SX and optional on the others was a 3.5-liter V6 with 276 hp and 248 lb-ft. All Sorento trims had a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive was standard, while all-wheel drive was available.

Even the base model came with alloy wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping multifunction steering wheel and Bluetooth connectivity. Upper trims offered standard and optional niceties like a back-up camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a ventilated driver seat, a panoramic sunroof, a navigation system, UVO voice activation and an Infinity sound system.

In reviews, we were impressed with the third-generation Kia Sorento. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine was a bit buzzy and overtaxed in this application, so we recommend going with the upgraded four-cylinder or the V6. On the road, the Sorento provided a smooth and quiet ride as well as secure handling. Seating was comfortable, and the available third-row bench could even accommodate adults on short trips, making the Sorento an affordable alternative to full-size three-row crossovers.

Prior to this was the first-generation Kia Sorento that was produced from 2003-'09 (there was no 2010 model). It debuted with a 3.5-liter, 192-hp V6 in LX or EX trim. LX models had either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, while the EX came only with the automatic. From 2005 on, the automatic was a five-cog unit. Both part-time and full-time 4WD were available, depending on the trim, and both systems included low-range gearing, a feature absent from the current Sorento. For 2007, all Sorentos were upgraded to an all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 engine good for 262 hp, and the interior received a different dash design and better-quality materials. For 2008-'09, a base model with a 3.3-liter V6 was introduced, and the LX got this engine as well; the EX, however, kept the 3.8-liter V6.

Standard equipment on the first-generation Sorento included air-conditioning, full power accessories, a CD audio system, multiple power points and 60/40-split flip-and-fold rear seats. Upper trims added items like alloy wheels, a sunroof, keyless entry, cruise control and leather upholstery. Dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and heated front seats were among the notable options.

In reviews, we noted that this Kia Sorento changed considerably over the years, so if you want more power and a higher-quality cabin, it's best to focus your attention on more recent model years. The late-arriving 3.8-liter V6 had plenty of power, and all Sorentos excelled off-road relative to car-based rivals. The cabin had an abundance of storage space, the front seats were well-shaped and three could be seated in the rear if need be, though knee and toe room were somewhat tight. Downsides included lackluster on-pavement handling and ride quality and below-average fuel economy. But if you're looking for an affordable SUV that can take on the occasional camping trip without breaking a sweat, a used Sorento's worth a look.

User Reviews:

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  Love it - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By rodshep436 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Sorento for almost 1yr and love it. We have appx 20000 miles so far and have not encountered any problems. Still no rattles..... Only thing I dont like is the gas mileage. We get about 18mpg in town and 20 out on the road. Whats amazing is after a year of owning this car Im still getting stopped in parking lots by people who just want a closer look to make sure it really is a Kia.

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  The Best Choice - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Rhull-Stewart - June 7 - 10:00 am

  when my husband and I were looking for a SUV we were going crazzzzzzzzzzy . A co-worker of mine told me about the Kia SUV .So looking for a new car for awhile we road by a Kia dealership and went in .To my surprise we have one and we Love it ..............Thanks Kia

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  Very Impresive - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Jay Stern - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Extremely impressed with the vehicle and all the base options that came with it, heated seats, back up camera, 3 rows of seats, 17 inch wheels. It drives over bumps more like a truck, but around corners is amazing. The ground clearance is just as good as my old jeep. I think they know they built a good product especially by backing it with a full bumper to bumper 100/10 warranty. I love this vehicle.

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  Extrememly Pleased - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By janel - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought the EX V-6 August 18th. Have approx. 1600 miles on it. Love everything about my Sorento. It is black with black leather. Originally looked at the Equinox and decided Kia was a better fit for me. I just felt more comfortable in it compared to the other. Love the leather seats, panoramic sunroof, fit, finish, and comfort. Mileage has been around 22 mpg and thats just beebopping from here to there, not many highway miles yet. Has everything I wanted at a reasonable price. Now notice there is an SX line and a couple new colors. Would have liked to had the choice to go with an SX but still would have chosen my EX.

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  32 MPG my [non-permissible content removed] - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By mjwitz - June 4 - 11:47 am

  Let me start out by saying this is a nice SUV. Quiet smooth ride. Decent power with the 4 banger. The brakes are solid. I did not get 4WD to get better mileage. If I had it to do over I would have gotten the 4WD because the mileage sucks anyway. I do combined driving and get 23.5 MPG. No where near the stated 32.

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  What a deal - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By yuppietrucker - June 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought this SUV for a trip to CT in DEC. We did a side by side comp on the internet, and issues such as hip/shoulder room were a major factor. Then we went to test drive, and it was all we wanted and more. We dont drive vehicles hard, so our mpg is 18 city/21.5 Hwy. We are still finding out little features that are a pleasant surprise. The $$ savings are just icing on the cake.

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  Good Bang for the Buck - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By tgbobbi - May 30 - 1:14 am

  We bought our Sorento in September and have 4K miles on it. We were impressed initially with the features that came standard and were won over by the options added that made it more affordable comparatively speaking to the Honda CR-V and Toyata Rav4. Power is a little something to be desired but not horrific by any standard for small 4 even when loaded with the family. The interior features are well designed except and the seats are comfortable and roomy in the front and spacious as well in the back. The biggest issue I would have is the noise and ride from the suspension. Ive heard that the newer versions have dampers and Ill chekc with my dealer concerning that. A great buy!

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  Bang for your buck - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By macmarty - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Drove 300 mi. trip to Palm Springs,CA. got 22 mpg. No cmplaints. Car does have a firm ride and does have cabin noise over rougher paved fwys. Thanks for the great sound system. Kind of a learning curve re: remembering all the voice commands that you need to know for radio, bluetooth, nav,etc. No problem with sunroof wind noise or pulling to the right some owners have experienced. Looked at Edge and Murono simirally equip., they were 6-7K more. Didnt need the 3rd seat, but no option with the EX/SX models. This is my 4th Kia and have had pretty good luck with all of them, thanks to the 5 yr. 60K warranty. looking forward to see how the AWD lockup will work on ice and snow roads in Big Bear

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  Great Value in a Midsize SUV - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By benson10 - May 27 - 11:05 am

  I started out looking for a Kia Optima ... gorgeous car ... but couldnt find one that suited (color/equipment). In the process I discovered the Kia Sorento for just a few bucks more than an Optima. I liked the size, the styling, the higher driving position, the fantastic warranty, and the gas mileage (4 cyl). So far I am highly satisfied with my purchase decision. I am averaging about 28mpg, but that includes a lot of highway driving. The seats are terrific, with great lateral support. I didnt get the third row seat, so I have under-panel storage in their place. My overall impression at this early stage is: I cant believe I got this much vehicle for only $24,450!!! Check it out.

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  Awesome Car @ Awesome Price - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By NC KIA SUV Owner - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Researched and drove all SUVs $ 20 to $25K - new baby and all the stuff that goes along with one. Sorento by far impressed my wife and I. Safety features alone sold us. The styling, creature comforts and quiet interior was icing on the cake. We have base model LX and love it! Very impressed with power, smooth ride & reliability only service has been oil changes.