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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  Please Be Careful! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By seaojoy - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my Hyundai Santa Fe for the Kia Sorrento LX, BIG MISTAKE!!! Poor gas mileage, over-steering, and by far the most DANGEROUS aspect to this SUV are the BLIND SPOTS that the Sorrento is plagued with. The front hood slope makes parking w/o hitting a curb or stall barricade impossible. Complete driver and passenger side blind spots. Finally, because the rear cargo hatch window is situated so high, you really cant see smaller cars directly behind you. Ive been driving for 34-years, and this SUV terrifies me.

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  A Great Gift to the World of SUV - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By George M - April 23 - 2:16 pm

  Sure everybody, all of us have our ups and downs, but your gonna have to go a long way to beat the little Sorento, What a great gift to the RV world! I cant wait to get a new one, Im sure it will be even better if thats possible. No complaints here!

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  Take another look - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Richard - April 21 - 5:33 pm

  Traded in a 2013 Sorento for the redesigned 2016 EX V-6. Outstanding vehicle. Quite, plenty of power, excellent handling. I will definitely keep this one. Also have a 2011 Kia Optima EX fully loaded and love it. Traded in a Hyundai XG 350L in for it. Have 79,000 miles on it now with no problems. I will continue to buy Kias. UPDATE: Had the vehicle now for 10 months, 14800 miles. Still completely satisfied. Get around 26 city/30 highway. No complaints. Would definitely buy another. Extra alarms like the back up warning and cars in your blind spots are very nice features.

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  Update vs RAV4 Review 09-24-10 - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By sarge - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Never buy 1st year model! The latest on my Kia is the master cylinder went bad. Always had a "soft" brake pedal. Took it in to be checked. Needed a new master cylinder. Had to order new one. Dealer "fixed it"? two days later. Next morning pedal almost went to floor! Back to dealer. I didnt find ant TSB on a problem w/brakes. Wont get back for three days! Also problem w/pulling to right. Mechanic cross rotated tires to fix problem. Said was "radial pull". I already had tires rotated at last service. Didnt help. Havent driven it much since brake problem, so cant verify if fixed. So what is the big deal on the warranty if you have to continue bringing it to dealer for repairs!

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  2011 Kia Sorento - Just off the lot - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By fourwinns86 - April 21 - 10:00 am

  To be fair, Iva had the car for 3 days. Did lots of research before buying and was very impressed with this car. Ive had minivans for the past 20 years so this was the first itme in a while that I have been able to actually buy the vehicle I wanted. So far it has met all my expectations; handles great, quiet on the HWY, 25 mpg with only 200 miles on it. Got the 4 cyl FWD drive and it is a great combination of price and performance. I will be back once Ive had the car for a while to update this review but so far very impressed.

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  Best SUV Ever! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Katherine Allen - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I test drove all of the SUVs out there and they all drove like trucks. The Kia Sorento drives like a car more than a truck.We took it down to Miami for a trip and it got 20-22 miles per gallon.

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  great suv - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By jwmII - April 10 - 2:00 am

  We now have 6700 miles and have not had a problem. I was really impressed when we went on vacation Christmas week and had to drive thru snow on mountain roads with up to 20" and this suv not only got us to our destination but it never lost traction!!! We passed numerous suv and 4wd trucks having traction problems.

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  worthless - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By moonvilla - April 8 - 11:30 pm

  This vehicle is of extreme poor quality. The electronics started to fail immediately (e.g. radio, remote device, doors locks). Lack of quality control is appalling.

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  I am sure I will buy another Kia in 2007 - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By E. Thomas - April 8 - 4:03 pm

  I love this SUV. It handles better than my Blazer Extreme did. And it has a lot more room. It is a beautiful SUV. It has good pickup and gets about 20 miles or more to the gallon -- for this big of an SUV that is great. The seats are comfortable and the ride is excellent. I plan to buy another one in a few years. I also test drove a Chevy Blazer and bought the KIA because of the way it drove and handled.

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  16000 miles of fun - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By a3photogod - April 6 - 11:06 pm

  Just an update on our Sorento. Problem free after 16000 miles, and not just highway miles. 4x4 works great, been on the beach in NC, and running in the snow in PA. Fuel economy average on highway is 21 mpg (5 speed stick), 14 city. Still looks great, no squeaks, no rattles. Prefer to use 5w30 synthetic oil for performance. I have really tested the 4x4 system, on trails and especially on the beach (no roads in the northern Outer Banks). Great SUV, would love another for the wife.