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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  Luv my KIA - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Luv my KIA - November 19 - 11:33 pm

  Looked at all SUVs and crossovers on market and this by far came out on top. For price and the whole package. Only SUV that came with heated fabric seats. Had a Subaru and loads of problems, nothing compared to the KIA. Great crossover, kids and hubby love it to. Have the 7n seater with awd.

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  My 3rd Sorento!! And I love it...most of the time - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By Happy Kia Customer - November 18 - 5:20 am

  My 2014 EX was a big jump up from my 2011 EX. My 2017 is an even bigger jump!! Great looking in and out! Drive is smooth and (mostly) quiet. Mostly everything has been improved over my 2014 (which I loved) except a couple of things. First, my 2014 was 100% free of squeaks, rattles, vibrations...noise. My 2017 has a couple of rattles on bumpy roads that can get a bit annoying. I get rattles with the sunroof but on very bumpy roads the rattles become vibrations and then its very disappointing...like various sections of the roof get loud vibrations...kind of kills the ride. I also get a little bit of rattle coming from around where the center console meets the dash board. I took everything out of the car like coins, phone/GPS wires, other stuff to make sure it was not any of my loose stuff. Although not consistent...I did get rattles from that section on bumpy roads. So that "noise" is also disappointing and kind of ruins the ride...when it occurs. Everything else is fantastic with this car. I thought the 2014 was a little small (aesthetically) for my 64" tall frame...a little girly is how I put it. But, this 2017 which is only a few inches longer feels like it fits me much better and I feel great (cool) driving such a nice car that also seems manly for me to drive...while still being very stylish. This car looks great from all angles inside and out...very proud to drive it and be seen driving it. Except for the rattles...all other fit-and-finish seems high quality! Materials are all good. Everything is like youd find on a more expensive model/brand....dear I say mid-entry level Mercedes. The only thing knocking this car down a peg or two is the rattles and vibrations...which is a big deal to me...especially since my 2014 had none. I also noticed that my cargo area doesnt seem to be as wide as my 2014. I would get my mountain bike and my dog crate side-by-side easily into my 2014. My 2017 those two items are squeezed right up next to each other...seems a few inches narrower than my 2014. On the other hand, it seems the cargo is a little deeper so that helps. Also, even though the 2017 V6 drives great (better than 14)...I do think that since it is heavier than the 14...Kia should seriously think about upping the V6 power by about 25hp and maybe get a 7 or 8 speed automatic like the competitors are doing. I do think my back up camera parking assist guides are not calibrated like my 14 was. I could drive my 14 backwards all over town just by looking at my dash video...the guides were very accurate. I knew if my guide lines were touching anything on my camera then I knew my car wasnt going to hit anything. It was excellent for parking backwards in tight spots and getting out of tight spots...I relied on it a lot...TRUSTED it! My 17 guideline seem off so I really have to rely on my mirrors to see the parking lines and be extra careful. If I just followed my camera Id likely side-swipe cars parked next to me. The camera lines dont match up with the real parking lines...so that isnt cool. Might have to ask my dealer about that. So, overall, Id give my 2017 a 4.5 stars and not a 5 because of the occasional rattles/vibrations (Kia should have ironed out for the 2017) and the backup camera guides arent calibrated well...not as easy to park or get out of tight spaces as my 14. Otherwise...I LOVE my 2017 EX V6 Sorento!!

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  Obsessed - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Nicole - November 17 - 11:53 pm

  Being a nurse, I needed a car that would be reliable enough to get me to work in all weather. I am beyond pleased with this car and saying Im obsessed would be an understatement.

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  Good deal - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Ravi - November 17 - 9:03 am

  I was looking for a car with value for my money. I didnt want to spend a load of money on features which are attractive but after a while we dont use it. Kia Sorento was perfect in my budget and the other accessories i was looking for. So far the car is running absolutely fine.

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  Great SUV for Good Price - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By charlesm1950 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I had been looking for an SUV that was safe, comfortable, reliable and fit within my budget. I test drove the RAV4, Saturn, CRV, Santa Fe, and Tribute before driving the Kia Sorento. I was impressed by the styling, similar to the Lexus RX-300, and the fit and finish. The engine had plenty of power and the quality seemed better than the Saturn and on par with the others. I placed my faith in buying a Kia on the success of the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sedona minivan. Ill keep interested parties informed of my long term experience in the Sorento town meeting group. Overall... a very enthusiastic thumbs up.

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  A Great SUV - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Sharlyn - November 11 - 6:53 pm

  I have had my Sorento for almost 3 years without any problems. The car runs great, takes trails with ease and is very sure-footed in the snow.

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  1500 miles - so far so good - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Brooklyn1951 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Sorento after considering several other SUVs. The Sorento was the only vehicle I was "excited" about buying. The deciding factors, in rank order, were- build quality, features, price and warranty. Gas mileage for highway driving is about 19 mpg so far. The Torque-on-Demand 4WD system and limited slip rear differential have worked great in our last 18" snowfall. The engine is wonderfully quiet and smooth. The transmission and 4WD system operate invisibly (thats good!). People are amazed at the quality and features of this loaded $26K SUV.

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  New Sorento Owner - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Ag - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up our Kia Sorento and love it so far. Great vehicle for the money. Many standard features only available as options from other manufactures. Only complaint so far is vibration or rumble while at highway speeds (50mpg or greater). Seems like tires but unsure.

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  Outstanding! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Irish Kat - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Prior to shopping for a vehicle, I did quite a bit of internet research, and had narrowed my search down to 3 SUVs; the first one I rejected because front seat area just wasnt user-friendly. I checked out the Sorento....WOW! Everything about it is perfect, from the first time I opened the door to parking it in my driveway. Now when Im driving down the freeway, I not only "look good".....I look SMART!!!

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  9 month review - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By darda71 - November 2 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased my Sorento March 2010 I now have 5,000 miles.. I do enjoy the vehicle except there a many rattles inside and the ride seems to be a bit harsh..not very comfortable.. The 4-cy is just adequate.. My car does not like to go up any hills/inclines.. the engine revs up to 4-5000 rpm and will not shift until I get to the top. Gas mileage is around 18mpg nothing great. Waiting to see how the AWD will be in the snow/ice. So far not overly satisfied with the vehicle.. but not the worst choice either.. I would like a better engine and better ride.