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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  Giving KIA a try - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By J. Cox - November 16 - 6:58 pm

  Owned the 2017 KIA SXL 2 weeks now. Traded in a 2015 Toyota Highlander Limited. This was the second Highlander weve owned before trading. First of all the KIA has twice the warranty of the Highlander, This Kia is not a cheap car, in fact, I could have bought a comparable Highlander for about the same monies. But this KIA is every bit the vehicle the Highlander was, in fact, Im more impressed with its quality build.

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  Four Week Review - Kia Sorento EX - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Lee Martines - November 15 - 11:03 am

  My new Sorento EX has the luxury pkg, ABS, rear spoiler, trailer hitch and first aid kit options. After some heavy negotiations, my equivalent cost for this $27000+ vehicle was $22000. I have been pleasantly surprised with the performance so far after only four weeks of ownership. A recent 1200 mile trip at speeds of 80-85 MPH produced a shade over 19 MPG. Comfort was great for my 6 3", with two exceptions: Using cruise control, there is no handy place to rest the right foot, and the parking brake is located where it is in the way for resting the right leg. The ride was good, except for inferior roads, which telegraph most of the bumps. Its too new to evaluate reliability at this point.

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  Happy with purchase, would buy again - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Marisol - November 13 - 11:53 pm

  I owned a Kia Spectra before and it protected me in a serious accident. This truck is very sharp looking, I get comments about it all the time. Very roomy inside, lots of extra features. The clock doesnt work right but the dealer already knows. The car is a little skittish on wet roads.

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  Constantly Asked About My Sorento! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By BWRYANAZ - November 10 - 10:00 am

  My mechanic husband had two requests when I purchased my new car - no V6s and no SUVs. Anything else was fine. Researched lots of cars on the web and found the KIA Optima, but at the dealership, fell in love with the Sorento. Once I drove it, I would have no other. The Sorentos power, performance, handling and features has won over the hubby. Weve taken it on two major trips this year where strangers constantly approached us asking about the Sorento. Ive recommended it to so many people, KIA should pay me!

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  Had it for a week and LOVE it! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By VegasGirl - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my SX last week at Findlay Kia in Las Vegas. The dealership experience was STELLAR! As for the Sorento, I am so glad I was delayed in my purchase, almost bought an EX limited V6 and am thrilled with the upgrades of the SX. So far, I love the mood lighting, the NAV system, and the smoother ride (compared to the EX). I also like that this trim level does NOT have the plastic bumpers like the EX and LX, its a little beefier in its appearance. I upsized from a RAV4 so the gas mileage isnt as good but its much bigger, more luxurious and has 276 HP which for me means going up hill without having to turn off the a/c! Get compliments every day! More to follow. Thanks Kia!

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  Super happy ! - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By ajpoltz - November 4 - 6:01 am

  WOW ! Never expected so much usable power from the base L 2.4 4 cylinder. First new car in 15 years and I shopped them all hard. Rav 4 boring , small and oil burning issues. Honda CRV CVT transmission farce, vibration problems. Escape too small. CX-5 smaller and no reclining seats, cheap feel and vibrating engine. Rogue CVT junk. Equinox rough feel poor cornering. The Sorento blew these all away in my test drives and feels even better after 1000 miles. 22 MPG in city driving, excellent cornering when pushed hard and pretty smooth ride. Very quiet on highway . The other car makers are losing so many sales due to Kia product and their own mistakes (see above comments and google it ) .Japanese coasting on reputation and counting on buyers whose parents had a great Honda or Toyota. I feel even better with my decision and would have had serious regret with several of the other choices available in this class. The kids love the far reclining rear seats and a LARGE dog kennel fits in the back (5 seat model). Interior quality, feel , comfort and intuitive controls and beautiful dash. I like the L base because of price and I dont need to add weight or complexity. The 6 speed transmission shifts nice and you can manual shift ( without it up or downshifting on its own except at stop it goes in to first gear) Lots of torque and power from down low 2000-4000 is sweet and engine is never strained .

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  my Sorrento is Great ! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Robert Garonzi - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Im very satisified with my purchase. I have recommeded it to my friends and coworkers.

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  My 1st SUV - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Johnny220044 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Whats not to like? The only option my EX has is ABS. Great sterio, great alloy wheels, 65k mile Michelin tires, the best warranty of any like SUV. Great looks(Lexus eat you heart out), great colors and two tone match up, good ground clearance, could have better gas milage but the V-6 is needed to tow 3500 pounds. Im not a fake wood kind of guy, but there isnt that much. All around great SUV. Oh yeah, NHTSB 5 stars.

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  kia sorento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By jousters1 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  great car for the price

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  Surprise I own a KIA - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Ten - November 4 - 2:00 am

  IT really is a great SUV.