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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  Who would of thought? - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Renob - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Well I went and test drove just about everything in the 20k to 30k price range then I went to Kia. I was shocked I had never seen a Sorento, They looked great but then I drove it and WOW. Kia has made a believer out of me; I got the EX with everything except 4x4 and love it. All the other SUVs could not even come close, The Kia is a joy to drive and with all that leather and a nice 10 speaker sound I have to fight with my wife to drive it. It is by far the best bang for the buck and with their warranty you won’t have anything to worry about for a Long time. So do yourself a favor and go drive a Sorento.

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  I love my Kia - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Cathy - April 11 - 2:00 pm

  Easily one of the best driving SUVs Ive ever owned. Steering is very responsive and the ride is quite comfortable and smooth. It handles as well on a city highway as it does on rough terrain. My husband and I use it to pull our boat, which it does with relative ease. I would recommend the Sorento to anyone looking to purchase a SUV.

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  Sorento - 2014 Kia Sorento
  By Maureen Morgan - April 10 - 6:12 pm

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  Glad I Found This Car! - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Hoosiersec - April 10 - 1:40 pm

  After researching for nearly two months for my new SUV, I finally found the best built car and most comfortable to drivein its class. The looks of the car are head turning and the performance has been great. Although I have only the car for less than a week, I have zero regrets for my final decision. I had test driven the View (tinny and cheap feeling), the Pathfinder, 4Runner and Pilot, and wasnt sold on any of them. Although my needs changed throughout my search (thought Id like the 8-seat potential), but always left the dealerships unimpressed. The value and performance of this SUV are unbeatable. I have driven a Jimmy for the past four years, and am glad to finally be out of it!!

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  Honest Review - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By kehaak - April 7 - 9:11 pm

  I purchased my Sorento late November 2010 replacing a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee (V8). I did about 6 months of research and test drives before I made my choice. I travel for work quite a bit and was looking for something with better mileage. I currently have 12,000 miles on the Sorento and nearly 70% are work related. The mileage was very disappointing at first, only averaging 21 MPG. After the first service, the mileage spiked. I am currently averaging a little over 24 MPG. I didn’t change my driving habits, maybe coincidence? I had one issue with the Sorento, the rear brake calipers were faulty and leaked brake fluid basically giving me a dead brake pedal. I took it to the dealership when I noticed the issue. They were very helpful and accommodating to get this fixed. This happened on a Friday. The dealership gave me a loaner out of their stock and I picked up my Sorento the following Tuesday. As mentioned in other reviews, I do get a little bit of a rattle in the middle/lower dash but this only happens when the interior of the car is cold. Living in Northern Illinois, the roads are far from perfect and any car hitting multiple pot holes and road damage is going to make noise. I am very happy with this Sorento. It was a great replacement against the Cherokee and the Sorento V6 seems to have as much get-up-and-go as my old SUV. For price/options/warranty, no other SUV/Crossover can compete. For an additional piece of mind, I paid an extra $500 through my dealership to get bumper-to-bumper warranty for 10 years/100k miles versus the standard Kia power train warranty.

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  tons of fun - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By bablewis - April 1 - 10:00 am

  this suv has been tons of fun off road and on road it is classy but manly the options are far more than expected in a suv that you can buy for less than 25k greatttttttttttttt suv.

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  i like my kia sorento - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By brenda lee - April 1 - 10:00 am

  i cant ask for a better suv i love my suv

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  Return Customer - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By beartrouble - March 29 - 4:23 pm

  Its hard to believe all the features which are standard in the EX model, especially the safety features. This is our second Kia. The first was a 2002 Sedona which was totaled on the freeway in a rain storm. The driver walked away with only 2 minor bruises. After seeing the damage to both cars, we went straight back to a Kia dealership.

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  Owned for one month - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By PB51 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 2001 4 cyl Toyota Highlander which was having engine problems at 60,000 miles. This vehicle is peppy and feels more solid than the Highlander which I did also like very much.

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  My Kia Sorento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By jefiner4 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I love the pick up and go that my vehicle has! Its fun to drive and has more cargo room than my old Dodge Grand Caravan! The way it turns on a dime and stops quickly make it great for parking in tight quaters. I love taking it on long trips because of the way it rides and handles and sounds!