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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  I LOVE MY KIA - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By CHARLENE - January 22 - 2:00 am

  IT IS A COMFORABLE, SMOOTH RIDING VEHICLE. HANDLES VERY WELL, TIGHT TURNING RADIUS. GOOD VISABILITY. A LOT OF LITTLE EXTRA TOUCHES.

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  Best Buy for A Man On A Fixed Income - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Jay Pee - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2003 Sorento EX 4WD 4dr in June of last year after researching it for about 6 months. This is my first SUV and I love it. I really bought it for myself but my wife has taken over it.I drive it about once a week. I love the sound of the exhaust. It makes you feel like you are driving a real truck instead of some tall wagon. The only bad thing I can say is that Im sorry I dont have two. By the way, we have over 25,000 miles on it without a single complaint. I can say that most of the Car Magazines do not give it enough credit for being such an outstanding SUV.

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  Very good car - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Nino - January 18 - 9:26 am

  I bought the car just two weeks ago. My only complaint is the fuel economy. It is 19 MPG: mixed city/highway driving which is lower than the advertised. Otherwise, this is a very good car. This is my first crossover/SUV type of vehicle and I love it. The ride is quiet and comfortable. The performance is great with the V6 engine. I synced my iPhone immediately and now I can play all my music through the speakers and make all my calls with voice activated commands. The interior design is simple but stylish and sleek. The car feels very spacious. Very comfortable driver seat. Overall, after two weeks of daily driving, I really like this car.

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  Awesome vehicle!!!! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By kaaos01 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  The Sorento has it all as far as Im concerned. For the money, you will never find another vehicle with the amount of equipment that this has. Combined with the warranty, you would be absolutely insane to consider another SUV in this class.

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  2012 sorento owner - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By srule - January 16 - 3:39 am

  Purchased our Sorento SX with all the bells and whistles over the internet through the Kia Depot in Santa Ana Ca. I challenged many regional dealers online for best price but the Kia Depot (Kai Ascencio) came in early with the lowest pricing with no pressure or attitude. We purchased the vehicle with little problems but I noticed a door ding (very minor) and inquired what the solution would be. Dealer said 2 days to fix. I said OK what do we do for 2 days without a car since we traded our primary car away. We settled on a free $400 car alarm instead of fix. I was very satisfied with the deal.

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  Great SUV for the $$$ - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By CPhil1919 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I love it. Its great to drive. Both my wife and I love to just ride around in it. All the extra storage is great. The built in garage door opener is great.

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  Love my Sorento!!! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By sorentoluver - December 29 - 10:00 am

  This car gives you the best bang for your bucks!! We have been looking for a SUV for awhile now.. We test drove a Highlander, CRV, Forrester and Jeep Liberty. But they dont impress us enough. We have never heard of KIA Sorento until we walked into the dealership one day, just to look at the lots and see what they have. We met this excellent sales guy and he convinced us that Sorento is truely an amazing mid-SUV in the market right now. We check it out, test drove it... went home and did more research on the internet... we went back the next day and bought it. :D

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  Finland - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By adrian567 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I decided to change our small but elegant 147 Alfa Romeo into a big SUV. There were 3 reasons for that: 1.We have a young white shepard dog for whome we try to prevent a double hernia. 2.We go quite often to Finland and specially Lapland, where a B-road is really still a B road, most good rally drivers are from Finland. 3. From the 1st of may im on pension so I got this "huge toy car". Its a fantastic mixture of goodwilling and controllable power, topped of with a great luxury for the passengers, including "Lumi" our white emperor.

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  Great Job KIA - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By KIT79 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Little compared to a Pathfinder or Escalade, etc (4x4 World), but overall fun and easy to drive and dart around town. Simple to park too. A bit plain in appearance but stylish enough to be modern. The warrenty cant be beat. The total package is cheaper then the competition (cmon Leather, all time 4WD, even Radio Controls for crying out loud!). Safety is a factor, 6 air bags ensure it! I have to put a 5 in Build Quality and Reliability, with it being new I cant honestly judge it. Yet. Not bad for a Korean manufacture, now if only my Samsung TV was just as solid.

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  Rusting - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By biggydee - December 23 - 7:42 am

  My fully loaded Sorento has been in several times since purchasing in November 2010. Two recalls, and one visit to fix the pull to the right. There is a constant squeek in the drivers seat. The Stereo cuts in and out. The ride is brutal. Everything in the truck rattles due to the harsh ride. I was disappointed to find out that the suspension was upgraded in the fourth quarter last year on all 2011 Kia Sorentos. Imagine my anger to discover that the tailgate is bubbling and has started to rust above the chrome strip. The dealership has decided to repaint it! You pay $43,000 for a vehicle and they are going to repaint it? Frustrating and upsetting.