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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  2011/100,000K miles and still awesome!! - 2014 Kia Sorento
  By Wolf family - July 21 - 1:53 pm

  still runs like a beast!! Sharp/edgy look, Drives/handles very well in the snow/rain. I have 4 kids so this 7 seater is perfect. The last row is good for small children because it is a tight fit and little room for cargo behind that-but otherwise a great family SUV. we absolutely love our Sorento!

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  ONE GREAT SUV - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Garrick Costa - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The Sorento is a great vehicle. We just love everything about it. This is our second Kia, our first one was a Spectra and we loved it also. I just cant belive how much you get for so little money. It is very capable off road and on road it is quiet and very refined. I work for a Jeep dealer and i think that the Sorento is every a lot better vehicle then a Liberty for a lot less money. As long as KIA continues to make top notch vehicles like the Sorento i will be a customer for life.

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  Sorento is a home run - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Shaniqua - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The Sorentos handling ease gives a confidence on the road not found with my previous 14 years of SUV driving. Stability, exact performance and security really please me. QUALITY of vehicle build is really treasured, no rattles just a quiet engine PURR and power with all the amenities of the finest EURO vehicles.

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  no comparison - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By jtocatlian - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my EX model three weeks ago. I had looked at all the luxury SUVs. There is no difference between this vehicle and the Lexus RX300, or Acura MDX. I felt I couldnt afford not to get this car. Between the warranty, the price and the absolute quality and luxury of this car I am thrilled with my purchase. It rides like a dream and I have every luxury imaginable. This time my husband was right!

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  Good car but had problems - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By Chezjuan - July 16 - 11:40 pm

  I like the body style, passenger and cargo space, and power of the 2007 Kia Sorento, but I have issues with the quality of the car. Not only were there two recalls that affected the safety (front seat airbag sensor, stop lamp switch) but my car had several engine problems. Also, the OEM battery would not hold a charge and had to be replaced within 6 months.The biggest problem was that the car would refuse to start intermittently - the engine wasnt getting fuel. To get it to start, I would have to pull the fuel pump relay and replace it, then the car would work fine. After a year of trying to fix that (under warranty), the car started cutting out when driving so I replaced it.

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  Vermonters review - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Jay H Karpin - July 11 - 3:13 pm

  The vehicle is excellent in deep snow but I have had the 4WD fail once at about 40,000 miles and now the cruise has failed at 51,000. It is better on stability than any other 4WD that I have had and I do drive a lot of interstate at 65 mpg. The one other problem I find is the rear tailgate door is difficult to close with the pull down handle on the inside.

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  A WHOLE NEW SUV - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By ivngrfs - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Its just such a nice vehicle to have. Having an intimidating V6 engine that even impresses V8 owners its quite fun. Plus having the freedom in mind that it is cover for 100000 or 5 years gives you an edge over other SUVs. All I can ask for in my Sorento is a sunroof. Unfortunetaly I was buried in negative equity with my RIO CINCO that I had to settle for the LX model with the nice rims on the EX, and the roof rack. Its still a very nice vehicle. I really recommended for all new shoppers. It just takes the SUV into another time zone. I have people advising me to put 20s on it or if that if its a LEXUS. WELL DONE KIA.

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  Burned twice by Sorento - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By OCgrassgirl - July 7 - 4:43 pm

  I made a deal with the dealership to trade from my defective unrepairable 03 Sorento that had major electrical problems to a new 05 Sorento and within 2 weeks of receiving the replacement vehicle I began having major transmission problems. At 10,300 miles now they have tried everything to repair it and now want to replace the transmission. Have had the defective clock replaced 3 times and it still doesnt work. LOOK ELSEWHERE! When something seems too good to be true it usually is!

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  Happy So Far - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By esmith1172 - July 6 - 8:51 am

  Ive had my Sorento LX V6 AWD since 10/2010, aside from 2 minor recalls (which is not a bad thing), things have been good. Had a jerking/banging issue when truck started which was due to a transmission update which the dealer mechanic reset to factory specs, now everythign is fine. Kuhmo tires are ok. A little scared hearing the horror stories since I only have 10K miles on it, but, only time will tell.

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  Very competitive value - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By 3Bricks - July 6 - 2:03 am

  Buying decision came down to 2016 Ford Edge Titanium or 2016 Kia Sorento EX Premium. Actually preferred the Edge, but not to the tune of a $5500+ price difference. Driving feel is very good with ample storage and easy to use controls. Put 1100 miles on in the first 10 days without any issues. Hard to beat the warranty.