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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  I did not want it - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By His Car - February 8 - 2:53 pm

  When my husband was in the market to purchase a KIA, I had a fit. Now that I have it, no problem. Love the fact you get so much as standard equipment. Gas mileage could be better for the size of the SUV.

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  EXTREMELY HAPPY SO FAR !!!!!! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Dolfan - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely LOVE my new Sorrento. I have a base EX model and had it a month now (1,000 miles) and I love more and more each day. The sound system is amazing for a factory system. The ride is superior for an SUV you almost feel like your gliding on some road surfaces. To get all those features for that price is unbelievable. I compared allot of vehicles and to get everything packed into the Sorrento you would pay 5 to 10 grand more. I am really looking forward to testing it out on the snowy roads this winter ! I am sure it will pass that test with flying colors also.

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  Great Start for SUV - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Wrigley - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Car only has 2500 miles but so far so good. Small defects found in fit and finish of interior - minor fixes to be done during first service. Ride excellent on 1 long trip. Gas mileage better than sticker - 22 - 23 mpg highway on silver grade fuel at 75 to 80 mph. City mileage 19 - 20. Love the EX luxury package for the price. Looked at Suzuki XL-7, Ford Escape, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Suburu Outback, Honda CR-V,and Land Rover Discovery. Based on price dependence we chose the KIA. Price independent choice was the Land Rover. Dealership experience was very good.

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  Great midsize SUV - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Dan - February 1 - 3:53 am

  We bought our 2005 Sorento two months ago and love it. Short of a brake lamp going out, we have had no problems whatsoever. The interior space is ample and we absolutely love the styling. More than once people have commented, "Wow, I cant believe thats a Kia." Wed highly recommend this SUV for anyone with a small family.

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  My Sorento - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By kfought - January 28 - 2:43 am

  I purchased my Sorento in March of this year and I love it! Its comfortable, rides great and has enough space for the family.

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  2005 Kia Sorento - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Jerry Kleinpeter - January 26 - 7:16 am

  The Kia Sorento has very high quality and performance. It has lots of standard features, including a double five star rating.

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  Gas Cap - Escape light / check engine light - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By terry137 - January 24 - 11:21 am

  Bought the 2008 Sorrento used about 6 weeks ago. Check engine light/escape light has started coming on and vehicle will not run over 20 miles per hr. I have bought a gas cap and it still has not fixed the problem for more than a day. This is described in the book as a reason the check engine light to come on. A mechanic said the vents that vent the gas vapors can collapse. That is the next thing to have checked. I was looking online to see if any recalls but did not find any. Surely, this is not an isolated problem.

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  Great value - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By M. Curtin - January 22 - 6:22 am

  You would have to pay $1000s more to get same features in an Acura, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, BMW or Mercedes.

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  2004 EX 4WD - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Mac9902 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a 2004 Sorento EX 4WD with luxury package, ABS, and spoiler. The car was for my wife who had fallen in love with the Sorento. I must say that for the 48 hours Ive had it Im very pleased. The build quality seems excellent. We have the EX with luxury package so it has all the bells and whistles. Pretty fun to drive, but I havent taken it off road yet. Ill update my reviews after Ive got some more miles on her. I rated reliability as a 5 because of the short time I owned the car.

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  Best buy - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Andi Lynn - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my Serento. I looked at other SUVs and there wasnt enough room or power. This is classy and tough to handle my life and well worth it.