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 for the Money! - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Armtek - February 5 - 3:46 pm

  Sorento EX replaced a 2005 Mercury Mountaineer Premier. We wanted better gas mileage and smaller size SUV (no more hauling around gaggles of girls sports teams). Only gave up 3rd row seat (which we wanted to do anyway), passenger power seat adjustment/lumbar support (which would be bad but the seats are very comfortable), and a little on the stereo quality (but we are rectifying that with an aftermarket nav/sound next month). Comfort is very good, fit/finish is very good, ride is very good and stable (plus we can get our favorite Goodyear Tripletred tires for it). Performance was much better than expected, with the 3.8l V-6 really pushing the Sorento better than our older V-8 SUV.

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  Love It! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By livelarge_egb - February 5 - 6:46 am

  I have had my Kia for 2 1/2 years, went from an Expedition to the Sorento. Wasnt sure at first, but it has been nothing but good to me. I get compliments all the time, have not had one problem, and when it is time to purchase a new vehicle, it will be a Kia. The only thing I dont like is the lack of room in the back seat. I even get a free oil change on the anniversary of my purchase. Overall, it is worth every penny!

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  Great KIA Sorento - still going great. - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Lane Ward - February 4 - 12:37 pm

  Good performance and value. Excellent functionality and quality. So glad we have it. Great buy.

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  kIA SORENTO - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By elmin - February 3 - 2:00 am

  After test driving several mid size suvs, I fell in love with the Sorento as soon as I saw it. It drives great!

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  Never again - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By eo64 - January 31 - 10:02 am

  105K miles and it threw a rod, now its as worthless as that 10 year /100K mile warranty. Never missed an overpriced, scheduled maintenance or 30K mile service. A lot of good it did me.

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  Hyundai Owner makes the Switch - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Gene - January 29 - 6:04 pm

  I have had a 2010 Hyundai Veracruz replaced with a 2013 Santa Fe Sport Turbo. Price drove me to Kia for the value. I loved the Turbo in the Santa Fe and was worried about a non turbo 4 cyl Kia Sorento. However price of a lease was the major factor. I was ready to accept less as the Santa Fe Turbo had some very nice features. To my surprise the 2016 Sorento has impressed me more than I could imagine. First is it solid, totally. Closing the doors it has the feeling of a tank. The ride is the best of all the Hyundais by far. The loose suspension of the Veracruz is gone and the somewhat hobby horse feeling of the Santa Fe Sport is gone. I assume the longer wheel base is the reason. It rides solid and smooth, the steering is tight and responsive. Yes the 2.4 litre engine is not the Hyundai Turbo but it has what it needs to do the job. The car is the LX model with the convenience package. A great car at a very reasonable price and we get more cargo space and leg room then the Hyundai. I could not be more happy. 5000 miles later all is well. No Problems at all. Went to the dealer for a Oil Change and Tire Rotation and they performed 2 computer programming upgrades and a tail gate latch fix what was a problem on some but not mine.

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  Pretty Good SUV - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Walkers - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Like the veh except the ride. First off the suspension is too stiff. Second there is a high frequency viabration over 60 that drives me nuts. you can feel it in the seats, steering wheel and see it in the mirror. Also there is a roaring sound along with the vibration. I have had the tires balanced and checked for round. No luck. I took it to Kia. They changed the drive shaft. No luck. The factory rep, Great guy, had a engineer come from the factory. The drive shaft was changed again. No luck. The alignment was checked and was ok. They are now going to replace the gear box. If that dont work I get a new vehicle.

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  New purchase and am loving it. - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By Evelyn Osorio - January 28 - 8:54 am

  I purchased it from Fette Kia and everything was great. The dealer and sales rep both were very accommodating. Im very impressed with the Kia brand. they have definitely come a long way. Ive always been a Honda fan but decided to give Kia a try because I was getting all the things i wanted the 6cyl - AWD the convenience package for a very good lease. they worked with my budget.

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  Update- 5 months and 6,000 miles, still loving it - 2013 Kia Sorento
  By richardar6 - January 28 - 7:24 am

  First, let me tell you that Im picky. Ive owned a lot of vehicles, from cars, to Suvs, to pickup trucks. I love to drive, and the Auto Shows are my Disney World. I wanted a lot for my money and I wanted a well made vehicle that will last. I got what I wanted so far. 6,000 miles so far and not 1 issue. Do I get advertised MPG? No, but I never have on any vehicle Ive owed. I didnt get the V6 because I wanted great MPGs. (even the Honda fit I use as company car doesnt get advertised MPG) Anyway, I researched, I test drove, and I got exactly what I expected. Very happy with my decision!

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  Kia doesnt honor warranty - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By mikes - January 24 - 5:50 pm

  Had a 2003 Kia Sorento for 5 years. Initially had an issue with a leaking gasket that was fixed under warranty. 5 years later, the catalytic converter has failed and Kia wont cover even though it is within the warranty window. Kia immediately looks for fine print excuses to not honor the warranty. We are stuck with about $5000 in repairs to transfer case, catalytic converter, spark plugs, belts etc. Basically, left with a cheap throw away car.