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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  Noisy clanking and knocking suspension - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By FABNY - November 4 - 4:50 am

  Nice quiet ride on smooth roads at all speeds. BAD suspension. Rattles and knocking sounds from front right side only on minor bumps.Did this from day 1 and now over 3500 miles still the same. Even a new one at dealer did the same thing. 3 attempts to fix at dealer results in "COMMON TO THIS VEHICLE"! Come on Kia lets get this fixed or its bye bye Kia forever.

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  Luxury SUV for a great value - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By Paula - November 4 - 2:33 am

  We are very pleased with this vehicle. It provides a very planted, quiet and smooth driving experience. All the bells and whistles are appreciated including the warnings which are very helpful to aging drivers. We researched this vehicle for over two months including Mazda CX-9 (handles great but less substantial and sub-par navi/entertainment), Honda CRV (smaller, intrusive lane keeping assist), Honda Pilot (top end 9 speed tranny has a bad rep and too high to enter/exit), Suburu Outback (entertainment system sub-par, noisier 4 cyl., 6 cyl harder to steer) and Highlander (runner-up, great vehicle but no Apple CarPlay and less luxury features). The Sorento has great acceleration for an SUV (V6), handles reasonably well considering its size and gets good gas mileage (typically 24-28 highway, 19-22 around town). We leave it in normal mode, seeing little/no difference with ECO mode in gas mileage. Beyond the basic character of the vehicle we like the adapted cruise control, heated steering wheel and seats, ventilated seats in hot weather, and the navi/entertainment system (easy to pair phones, Apple Carplay, Google search using phone hotspot and KIA navigation, and the appearance is very appealing).

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  All I can say is WOW - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Darlene - November 1 - 6:44 am

  Awesome car and great dealer experience at Keffer Kia in Mooresville, NC

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  real fake lexus - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By stev s - October 26 - 10:00 am

  excellent suv. lexus look alike. only wish had better mpg.

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  MY NEW SORENTO - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By FRNKIE "G"... - October 26 - 10:00 am

  MY NEW KIA RIDES LIKE A CAR AND IS BUMPY ON UNPAVED ROADS. EXTERIOR DESIGN IS EXCELLENT. INTERIOR DESIGN IS GREAT WITH ALL THE ANEMENITIES YOU WOULD EVER NEED IN THE "EX" SERIES. THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS VECHICLE ON THE LONG HAUL IS V/G. AROUND TOWN IS NOT SO GOOD WITH VERY POOR MILEAGE CITY/HIGHWAY WAS A LITTLE BETTER. A/C WAS ALWAYS ON ? A GREAT VECHICLE AND THE PRICE IS EXCELLENT ALSO. FOR MY MONEY THE EX VERSION IS CMPARABLE TO VECHICLES OF WHICH COST MUCH MORE THAN THE SORENTO. THE SORENTO IS EASY TO GET IN & OUT OF WHICH IS AN IMPORTANT FEATURE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.

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  Well they sure did Surprise me ... - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By Joe.L - October 26 - 6:23 am

  I love this SUV, Kia really stepped up this time. The 262 Hp really makes her move and gives you that extra passing power when needed. We just got our first big snow for the year and it did very well in 9 Inches of snow. I felt in control and very safe when driving even when I saw much bigger SUVs all over the road. I would tell anyone that is looking for a mid-size SUV this is the one hands down. Plus the auto 4x4 - it knows the road better than you do.

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  Good deal, poor fuel economy on AWD V6 - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By AP - October 25 - 6:26 pm

  Got a decent deal on a EX V6 AWD with sunroof and rearview camera. Good power and handling but disappointed with extra stiff ride and shocks/struts noise. Fuel economy no where near EPA estimate, getting 12- 14mpg in mainly city driving. Recommend test driving a few types (I4 vs V6 vs AWD) and monitoring fuel economy reading on odometer before buying. Make sure your comfortable with the stiff ride on rough roads.

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  Sorento 2012 LX 2.4 Front Wheel Drive - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By frjohn42 - October 23 - 4:17 am

  I have already driven my Sorento 2,000 miles in 6 weeks and I can say that its a very comfortable ride. Being a big person, 6ft 3in with a offensive linemans build I am comfortable. I purchased the 4 cylinder front wheel drive, base model w/ convenience package, i.e. park assist on the mirror and auto dimming, remote start, heated seats, cargo net, cargo cover, sorento floor mats. I have been driving with the ac on most of the time and I have been getting about 21-22 miles per gallon city driving and about 25-26 on the highway.

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  Kia a keeper - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By chef - October 22 - 2:13 am

  Having owned several other mid-size SUVs and then switching to a wagon that I was displeased with, I decided to look again into the SUV market. I came across the Kia Sorento here in Edmunds and after reading the reviews, decided to give it a hands on look-see. On a rainy, cold day in Western NY, the Kia responded very well to the slick, sometimes icy roads, both on the highway as well as the local streets. The acceleration on the highway was seamless up to legal 65 and a notch above - it ran smooth and handled firmly which I liked. Excellent vision from the plush cockpit gives one a full view of outside, while the seating is comfortable yet firm.

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  I love my new Sorento!!! - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Little Al - October 21 - 8:32 pm

  After months of searching for a crossover/ midsize SUV, Ive finally found it with the Kia Sorento!! Ive looked at Hyundai Sante Fe Sport, Nissan Murano, Nissan Rogue, Ford Edge and the Lexus RX350. I was on the fence with all of them until I decided to check out the KiA Sorento. I fell immediately in love with the Sorento. The interior is luxurious with a lot of well appointed materials. I got the SXL AWD 2.0LT with the merlot nappa leather interior with glossy black exterior. Its a sexy looking SUV !! Plus that panoramic moonroof...OMG...amazing!!! The drive is smooth, the seats are very very comfy with 14 way adjustable seating along with 4 way adjustable headrest. This is a very reasonably priced car with all the bells and whistles. I wish Sorento had a lever to automatically fold up and down the second row seats though but thats ok. My only regret is that I didnt get the technology package (adaptable cruise control, surround view and a few others...) . Nevertheless, Im very happy with my purchase. I actually look forward to driving to and from work now :-)