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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  Great Buy - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By dvbeem - September 9 - 3:10 am

  Love this vehicle. Have driven it about 1200 miles (city and highway). Engine has great pickup. Comfort is excellent. Very nice inside and outside styling. A little dissappointed in the city mileage. Advertised at 19 mpg and getting 15.5-16 mpg. Highway mileage is excellent at 29 mpg. Overall an outstanding vehicle. I definitely recommend it.

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  Could be better.... - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By SterlingBlue - September 6 - 2:50 am

  Overall I love this vehicle. It is fun to drive and it suits me much better than a sedan. However I bought a black car and the paints finish looked like someone had wiped down the vehicle with sandpaper. I noticed the defect the day after purchasing it. I fought for 12 months to get it fixed. Neither Kia nor dealer would take responsibility. I have had the car waxed/buffed/shined at least 20 times by professionals and the scratches will not go away. Shame on you Kia!! For this reason I will never buy from Kia again.

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  Best New Purchase I have made - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By rsigler - September 5 - 4:56 am

  I purchased my SUV one week ago and couldnt be happier. I have had no problems and the more you drive it the more you like it. I have purchased a few new vehicles over time and this one is exceeding my expectations and is my favorite.

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  Great value, great warrantee - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By colokiaguy - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Solid vehicle loaded with standard options including key safety features like side curtain airbags. Performed great in recent blizzard. Very roomy compared to others in its class. Cant beat this value. Other than the rough ride this is a great vehicle.

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  I cant believe I bought a Kia! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By CnB - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I still cant believe I bought a Kia! My husband and I just had a baby and we refused to buy a four door car so we started shopping around for SUVs we looked at every one of them and almost bought two, the Xterra and Santa Fe. Thank God we didnt. I love the space, the way it drives and the way it looks! We call it our cheap Lexas! I would recommend it to anyone! I LOVE IT!!!:)

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  Very Happy - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By rami_cohen - August 31 - 7:46 am

  I bought the Sorento three months ago and I am very happy with it. The V6 engine is very powerful and the car accelerate much better than previous cars I owned. I personally like the rough ride. I also find the noise level to be pretty low compared to my Accord.

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  Buyers Remorse - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By SRM - August 31 - 7:03 am

  This is a gorgeous loaded vehicle, I got all the bells & whistles in this model. BUT if youre commuting like I do, 120 miles a day + up to 20 in errands on lunch etc, its horrible on gas. Im filling up every other day and gas is going up. I traded in my 8 yr old Hyundai Elantra because I have 3 kids, 2 in car seats and a 12 year old who didnt fit in the back. The KIA is better, but still a super tight fit w/2 car seats and a 3rd child. The space isnt as "spacious" as I hoped for. Im trading it in this weekend for a 4cyl car. I cant afford the gas, Im averaging 18.3 mpg which is good for it, but I didnt realize how quickly its used up. If I could afford the gas, Id keep the vehicle.

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  Who knew you could love a Kia? - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Melissa C. - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I must say, we almost did not even look at the Sorrento, simply because it is a Kia. We were going to shop for a late model 4 Runner or Pathfinder. This car is wonderful!! We actually found a "used" Sorrento with 4k miles on it and its got EVERYTHING! All the aftermarket goodies, tow pkg, luxury pkg, step sides. I really am so happy with this purchase, and the 10yr/100k mile warranty that comes with it so I know I can keep it for many years to come. Also see if you can swing an aftermarket leather package into your deal, it makes the seats feel like Lazy Boy recliners! I highly recommend the Sorrento, I would, without a doubt, buy this SUV again!!

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  MADE IN USA (well, 56% of it anyway!) - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Kippster - August 27 - 8:03 pm

  Ive had my AWD EX w/Limited, Premium and 3rd row seat, for a week now, so far, so good! I promise to post updates every 1000 miles or so. My criteria for a SUV was simple (or so I thought). Get the same or better fuel eff as my 03 Acura TLS (which was trouble free until transmission issues at 125k); 23/27. Only averaging 20 mpg in mixed driving so far, well see if it gets better. And, it needed to be made in the US. Easy right? Not so. Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsu, Acura? All overseas. Plus, I loved the monkey sock puppet commercial! Kidding. 60, 000 B2B, 100,000 eng and trans wtty. 4 cyl is a bit noisey on the otside, but not inside. Smartkey, nice leather, upgraded stereo w/nav, try one

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  PLEASE, NO OTHER PROBLEMS - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By DOROTHY - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I HAD BEEN SHOPPING FOR A JEEP OR TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. I BOUGHT A KIA SORENTO EX, AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED 6 DAYS LATER FROM MY GARAGE TO THE DEALERSIP FOR REPAIR. IT WOULD NOT START. IT HAD 260 MILES ON IT. IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, AND WILL BE IN THE SHOP FOR 4 DAYS WHILE WE WAIT FOR A PART TO COME IN. IM NOT SURE I MADE THE RIGHT DECISION ON BUYING THE KIA.