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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  Sold on Kia! - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Scotty - December 22 - 2:40 pm

  I found the Sorento to be very solid and smooth on the road. The controls are easy to reach and well laid out. I bought it for my wife and she loves it. Not too high, but high enough..not too big, but big enough. Its great! Within the price range, it has the most features, the longest warranty and looks the best of all of the other vehicles that we looked at. Coming out of a steep turn requires more manual input to straighten out than other cars I have owned. Its not bad, but noticeable. It is a little rough over bumps and rough roads, but not as bad as some, like the 05 Jeep Liberty that we looked at was worse. We like the tight suspension. This is our first Kia, but not our last!

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  First Kia - very impressed - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Lynda G - December 18 - 2:23 am

  We are Hyundai people and this is our first Kia product. Needed something with room for camping and great gas mileage. I drive 800 miles per week for my job. During the first 3,000 miles this Sorento was getting between 23-24 mpg. Im now at 9,000 miles and getting 27-28 mpg. The ride felt a little stiff at first but is now feeling settled and Im enjoying this vehicle very much. I will review again at 20,000 miles and let you know what is happening! Go Kia!

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  KIA Done Right - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Dave - December 14 - 9:21 pm

  Never would have thought I would have chosen a Kia, but after weeks of comparing, test driving all the options out there and comparing some more Kia was the clear choice. Not a small 4 cylinder econo box and not as big as a the full size 7 passenger SUVs, just right for usually 5 passengers with option to flip up to get 7 seats. Ride is quiet and comfortable. Visibility is good. Technology works well with clear displays and easily understood controls. The only minus is the steering. It is way too loose. We have to always select the sport option or the Kia wanders on the road. Overall a great buy.

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  My new SUV - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By faye - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I to was just going to test drive, but went straight home. I get second looks asking what is that. The only problem is not good on gas. A did not come with floor mats. Love it.

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  10 Month Review...whew!! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By luv2nou2 - December 10 - 6:13 am

  Purchased the car in March 2010. We currently have 8,200 miles on the car. It has gone through 1 Recall (lighting issue in door panels) and 1 service repair on rear window (would not go up or down) had to tape window up. The power regulator on the window had to be replaced. Those are the only service issues weve had. Whew!! The average fuel economy we get is 21.8 MPG. We took it on a 2,500 mile drive earlier in the 2010 and saw 25.8 mpg. Not bad considering we traded a 2007 Mazda CX-9 AWD that got 20 mpg no matter how we drove. All in all this car is a good bargain for the amenities that come standard. Lost the Euphoria about 2 months in tho. The Mazda held it for 3 years.

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  An Honest Review - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By FL Sorento Owner - December 9 - 2:46 pm

  This is an excellent value buy for those looking to seat 7 with features galore. Power with the V6 is very good. No rattles and the build quality appears to be very good; only time will tell if it lasts. The ride is fine on smooth surfaces, but rough over bumps and holes. Make sure you test drive it for more than 5 minutes. The backup camera is nice, but it looks warped on the mirror, I would suggest getting the Nav system where the camera is displayed there; much better. Having driven a fully loaded 1999 Jeep GC Limited for 11 years, the Sorento compares favorably in all areas except for ride comfort, driving visibility, and towing. Pretty good for a vehicle that cost $7k less

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  Fits like a Glove! - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By Me Carr - December 8 - 11:52 am

  I did my research and test drove almost every mid-size SUV under $50,000. After a year of looking, I kept coming back to the Kia Sorento SX Limited AWD. It fits my needs like a glove made just for me. Its sporty, sexy, luxurious yet still has the power to tow 5,000 lbs and cargo space to help a friend move or bring lumber home from the hardware store. The Sorento has the best turning diameter out of all the SUVs - do a donut (slowly, of course) and feel the difference it makes turning into a parking space! Im a little short and if I had two wishes to make it better - it would be to reduce the height of getting in and out of the vehicle and changing the drivers seat headrest, minor details for such an amazing SUV.

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  Love This Car. Read Why. - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By junglejoe - December 7 - 1:43 am

  I have had the Sorento SX V6 for a year now and I have not done anything but change the oil. I love the front seat adjustability and the Heated and Air Conditioned drivers seat. Fast for its size and handles good. Stereo sounds great, bluetooth works good, the a/c control in the back is very welcomed as is the heated steering wheel. I love this car more than any other I have owned except for maybe my first car as a kid, a 1964 Ford Galaxie LTD. I have had Mercedes 420, VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI, Jeep Grand Cherokee, MIsc vans and sports cars but the KIA is the best value!

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  Our Car... - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Heather - November 27 - 10:06 pm

  We got everything we were looking for with our Kia. After looking at the Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner and the Jeep Liberty, I am so glad we chose this car.

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  GET ONE NOW!! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By jason sheets - November 27 - 2:00 am

  EVERYTHING I WANTED< NOTHING, ELSE COMPARES...PRICE, WARRANTY, SAFETY... ASK FOR MIKE WATSON!!!