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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  2012 AWD Kia Sorento 4 Cyl - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By dwendt - June 21 - 8:30 pm

  Just got my 2012 AWD Kia Sorento LX with GDI engine and love it. I purchased it at Towne Kia, in Denville, NJ, based on a recommendation of a fellow Kia owner. The final purchase price with tax, title taxs etc. was still less than the MSRP of the car so I was very happy. The car is everything I expected andd more, nice pickup, great turning. I looking forwaard to my first long drive.

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  2011 Kia Sorento - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Brooke Creekmore - June 21 - 12:30 pm

  Too new to rate reliability. purchased vehicle 01/18/10 so far its been great. I think the interior is nice, love having the Sirrus radio,bluetooth. I think its a good looking vehicle. The ride is pretty smooth, but i agree with other poster could have put better tires.

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  Love it but...... - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By A. Henson - June 19 - 4:53 am

  Overall, I love the Sorento; however, at <15000 miles, the rotors had to be replaced and now at <28000 miles theyre having to be replaced again. (Not my braking habits! Ive been driving for almost 30 years and never had a problem with brakes!) Also, Ive noticed the hesitation in speed/acceleration during driving. Sometimes its slow to respond in a stop/go situation (slowing to a near stop then accelerating again)...kind of scary. Ive been told its because the vehicle/computer is adjusting to my manor of driving.(? At any rate, still happy with the vehicle overall.

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  Just got it - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By dreamer - June 17 - 12:56 pm

  FWD LX with TRS, CPK, auto-dimming mirror and floor mats all under 20400+TTL Seems like a good deal. Car performs well. It is much noisier compared to a chevy traverse. Pick up is OK giver a 4 cylinder. Not much more to report at this time.

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  Love it!!!! - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By MELANIE TAYLOR - June 13 - 6:20 am

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  Beatifull eye catching Suv - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Bert - June 6 - 11:40 am

  I bought my 2016 Kia Sorento on Oct 31 ,2015 shiny Red Apple exterior and beige interior , wood trim on doors and shift knob,,it looked like a very expensive import Suv,,,heated front seats ,etc...well the tires pressure was 45psi and I was surprised because on the side wall of the tire says 44psi max but the mpg was 32 for the first few days, ride was very bumpy and I could feel every single imperfection of the road, so I decided to lower the tires pressure to 40 psi ,, ride improved a lot much smoother and quiet but mpg went down from 32 to 25/26 and that caught my attention very much,,I kept that psi for 2 weeks and mileage was very low,,so I went back to 45 and " Wow" my mpg went up again !!! Now I keep 42psi on the 4 tires and mpg average 26/27 , still good because 39 dlls gets me a full tank of gas for 1 1/2 week of driving..my only concern now is a very weird jolt on the transmission when I come to an stop, it launches forward lightly when I am waiting at the stop light and when slowing down to stop the shifting is lil bit abrupt, not smooth as it should be in a brand new car,,,engine is dormant in Eco mode ,,but very alive fast and powerful in sport mode, but every time the engine is turned off driving mode goes blank meaning you have to set Eco or sport mode again and again....overall I am happy with my Sorento I will take it to a Kia dealership to have the tranny and engine checked, but the Sorento looks are great ,comfort is superior if tires are kept at low psi,,noise is lil bit high at 60+ mph and you have plenty of room for long legs ,tall people and lots of hide away places under the rear back seat if you carry expensive items...and I am a happy owner of this gorgeous Suv..Sorento LX 2016

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  Ill Never Buy Another Kia - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Shannon - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I dont know where to start. This was my first new car purchase and I am so disappointed. I guess Ill just make a list: 1) recurring transmission problem (shifts hard) its intermittent and the dealership can never replicate it so they wont fix it 2) passenger airbag sensor only works intermittently, theyve changed the whole seat cushion twice, it still doesnt work 3) the air conditioning compressor has been replace twice and a pulley once 4) rear hatch rattling 5) horrible gas mileage, 6) terrible sound system 7) rear floorboard trim keeps popping off 8) air blows out all vents no matter what setting you have it on 9) headlights 10) valve cover gasket is leaking, I would not recommend it!

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  Good deal - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By nickppatel - June 1 - 3:10 pm

  Wife and I just purchased our Sorento EX AWD w/ luxury package and ABS. Had to trade in our Infiniti FX 35 for something less expensive on account of a new member of the family on the way. Make no mistake - this is NOT a Lexus, Infiniti or Acura. It IS, however, an excellent value and hands-down is the best bang for your buck. The ride is very smooth, although the steering is a bit unstable - it feels like if you were going fast enough and you cornered sharp enough, youd roll over. The interior materials are top-notch - I love the wood grain trim against the leather. We negotiated a good deal on the price - $23,700 walk out including ALL fees, etc.

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  Luxury and Value Combined! - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By Vikki Smith - May 29 - 4:26 am

  Luxury at a value price! Not a Lexus, not a Mercedes, but for 30k less than these, you cant go wrong! Due to the safety features, insurance rates are extremely fair and reasonable for a vehicle this size.

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  Great Value, Safe, minor inssues - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By sbettencourt21 - May 25 - 8:10 pm

  I have had my Sorento for almost 2 years now and it has been very reliable I have had a couple problems with sensors which were covered under warranty. I feel I got a great deal on the car and I feel extremely safe in it with my children. Repairs I have had to pay for were very low cost such as lights which have to be replaced on any car. The 4wd works great in the snow on steep hills I have never been happier with a vehicle and there is plenty of leg room for my height. however back seat would be a tight squeeze for 3. We currently only fit 2 car seats