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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  Very Impressed New Buyer - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Dave - October 22 - 2:30 am

  Recently purchased a 2016 Kia Sorento SX after thorough review on this site and several others. Opted for the SX trim since we really wanted the UVO navigation package and other features that came standard at that trim package. Very impressed with the acceleration of the V-6 3.3L engine, smooth handling, and solid suspension. I think that there is incredible value in this vehicle and that it compares favorably with luxury SUVs that command prices 10-20K higher. Of the very few criticisms that Ive read regarding the 2016 Kia Sorento, one was the limited available interior space with the 3rd row. I think its important to keep in mind that this is a mid-sized SUV that is not intended to constantly haul 7 people around but rather provides you the option of extra seating when youre in a jam. Went for a test-drive at Cowboy Kia of Conroe and was very impressed. I was able to negotiate a great deal and am a highly satisfied customer and new Kia owner.

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  So Cal EX Sorento - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Lilscooter-SoCal - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I love this thing.....it runs & looks great BEST CAR I HAVE Ever Purchaed !!

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  KIA - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Dave61 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a new KIA Two weeks ago. I took it on a trip up to Reno NV and It preformed wonderful in every respect. It had plenty of power for the many hills. Everything worked perfect.

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  Kia does not honor warranty - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Lisa - September 27 - 6:10 pm

  Horrible experience with this model and Kia Corp. Major issues with airbags, electrical , paint, faulty engine parts etc. One of the most undepenable cars I have ever owned. In a 30 year period. Most expensive in short range ownership also. Kia Corp. does not seem to care about the long term of the consumer for their products. If they did they would honor a problem on their known faulty parts. I will NEVER buy or deal with a dealership that has anything to do with this foreign make.

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  Our 3rd Sorento-outstanding features for the price - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By Don - September 24 - 8:41 pm

  Our first Sorento was an LX back in 2012 then we traded for a 2014 EX V6 and just last week traded that one for a 2017 Limited. The wife loves the fact that the Sorento can be outfitted with 3rd row seats and I love the features for the price, notwithstanding great dealer support and warranty. Our previous Sorentos have always been dependable. I almost traded our 2014 for the 2016 but it was the 1st year of the re-tooling and dealers were getting MSRP pricing plus it didnt have auto braking with the front collision warning system. Our dealer had a great price on a brand new 2017 limited and we traded. I chose the limited for several reasons: to get some of the same features our 2014 EX had (such as ventilated front seats) we had to go to the limited trim. But I also liked all the other features the limited offered so we chose this trim level. You cant get any additional options on this trim level as they are all included, except for any extra dealer options (like a cargo net, mats, etc). There are a number of great features on this car. To begin with, the sound deadening glass and underbody makes for a really quite highway ride. The interior redesign is very functional. The power seat on drivers side has many new features on lumbar support and leg extension support at front of seat. The LCD display and Navigation/Audio/Bluetooth/Climate displays are much more user friendly. It seems there are on-screen prompts to almost all functions to help you. The audio system is outstanding. The menu choices have been broadened and are extensive: you can download Yelp, Pandora is included, SirusXM Traffic, Apple Car Play and Android Auto just to mention a few. You still have the UVO system (download POIs you create on your own Smartphone or PC and Parking Minder). We love the new Android Auto. You hook up your phone via USB and you basically have Google maps and voice support at your command via the cars system. The Lane change warning is a nice feature. You still have Blind Spot monitor which we loved on our 2014. Adaptive Cruise control is really neat. You set your cruise speed and if you come up on a slower vehicle your vehicle automatically adjusts its speed to the vehicle ahead until you move out of the lane and pass which time your car goes back to the speed you originally set. The surround view cameras give you front views, backup camera with obstacle warning and cameras on underside of each outside mirror give a computer generated image of a birds eye view of your car. This is nice when parking in a tight space you can see on the screen how you are fitting between two cars or other obstacles. There is an electric parking brake on the Limited which automatically releases as you drive forward. There is also a feature called Auto Hold which when activated allows you to take your foot off the brake when waiting in a line of cars at a light or a stop sign. Once you come to a complete stop the "auto hold" holds your car just as if you have your foot on the brake, but you can relax your foot and as you step on the accelerator to move forward it automatically releases (part of the electric parking brake system). The full ceiling panorama roof remains a great feature. And of course with the 2017 model you have auto braking in advance of a frontal collision situation. Havent tested out that yet as no way to really simulate it in a situation without risking it not "seeing" the potential frontal crash. You also have 1 USB connection port and 2 additional USB charging ports as well as 3 12v ports and one 110v port. Sunshades are on the 2nd row windows, the V6 is the only engine to go with in my opinion, and in the Limited you have heated/cooled front seats and heated 2nd row seats as well as a heated steering wheel. Yes I know that is a lot of features which some are just luxury items, but at $46,000 MSRP with most dealers discounting off that, you would be hard pressed to find another vehicle with V6 and 3rd row seats with all those features at such a good price.

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  6 Months and Counting - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By tomahawk95 - September 23 - 3:37 am

  I have had the Sorento for 6 months and about 9000 miles and most all is well. The DVD player and back-up camera sometimes has given us issues and the Navigation System is complex, but I still grade the vehicle out very high. I am 62"/275 and I am very comfortable when driving. The Sorento has great gas mileage (hwy 24+/city 18+). We have 4 kids (11,9,5,3) and they have plenty of room. When buying it came down to the Sorento and the Traverse and though the Traverse has a larger cargo area when the third row is in use the Traverses fuel economy was lower and price was higher. I will post more results in the future.

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  This SUV is AWESOME!! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Mac - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I was in the market for a car when a friend of mine suggested that I try the Sorento. I was so glad I did!! This SUV is as awesome as the title says. This venicle has been off-road and on the city streets of Chicago. If any of you know about the highways in Chicago, you know theyre almost as bad as going off-road. However, Ive hit potholes, roadkill, branches, DEEP standing water (thats really cool), curbs, etc. and theres absolutely no rattling in the car. NONE!! Ive got close to 23,000 miles on my EX and except for the gas mileage, Ive found nothing wrong with it!

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  Kia Sorrento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By mahan228 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Sorrento! I have not had one ounce of problems since purchase. This is my second Kia to own. I loved my Optima and hated to part with it when I did. But, I love the space and the ride in my Sorrento!

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  Excellent - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Irvin - September 20 - 12:16 pm

  We own a EX 2x2 purchased in July of 2003. I was initially afraid to buy a Kia. I took a test drive, studied the long list of standard equipment (even a full sized alloy mag spare), then purchased our first Kia. A comparably equipped Nissan/Toyota is $8,000 more. I was impressed with the engine smoothness & quietness at highway speeds. I believe the engine horsepower is under rated by at least 30HP. This SUV weighs over 4100lbs and stills merges with California freeway traffic (70-75 mph) with ease. Ive only had one problem, a small rattle in a door, that was fixed in the first month. The styling, reliability and long list of outstanding features make this SUV the best buy on the planet.

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  Transmission Breakdown - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Michael McDonald - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in February 2010 (in Texas), KIA Sorento broke down out of state (Ft. Bragg, NC) Thanksgiving week 2010. KIA had vehicle towed to nearest dealer - A+. KIA provided rental immediately - A+. KIA Dealership reported transmission and drive shaft would need to be replaced. (Vehicle started but would not move and made grinding noise). KIA now states "We do not have a follow back policy" meaning Im supposed to pay for vehicle to be returned from near Ft. Bragg NC to where I reside in Texas - F. Anyone know the law? I have owned 7 KIAs including this one, you would think KIA would reward such loyalty?