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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  Fun To Drive - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Hilja - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Totally enjoy driving this vehicle. Very comfortable. Smooth ride...roomy backseat. Love the storage compartments that are located everywhere. Nice exterior style. I have the indigo blue with pewter for a color and have received many compliments on its look.

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  take a look at KIA - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By drcolor - May 11 - 2:00 am

  great suv.we had been driving a chevy blazer so we are accustomed to a truck ride.looks good,rides well.great design. lots of room.

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  All the bells & more - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Art - May 7 - 1:43 am

  I have owned my Kia two years in Nov 2006, It is a 2005 EX-auto 4X4. It has so many options I havent found them all...3 garage door opener, compass and exterior temp. Great climate control AC and drove it a year before I discovered the lumbar adjustment for the power leather drivers seat. The 6 disc CD changer and sound system works flawlessly. It would have been outrageous if they had turbo charged the engine. It climbs steep N. Georgia mountain slopes but down shifts twice for more RPMs. It hugs the road in sharp high speed curves pretty well and the AWD kicks in without a hitch. All said, for the money ($27,000) less the power and 15-17 mpg, a full set discs at 12K miles, its a cool little machine.

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  An Awesome Buy - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By heavenlyvalvkc - April 28 - 2:03 pm

  Bought this on Saturday and went off roading on Sunday. It did great over the different dirt and rock roads. The seats could use a little more padding for me, but over all we were very happy with this purchase. This was a great purchase for Arizona and we look forward to taking it out again for more adventures. I only wish this was a 7 person vehicle so that we could take all 5 boys out offroading.

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  Way to go Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Sorento user/andre - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my first purchase of an SUV and my first purchase of a South Korean product and lets just say Im very impress with the product so far.I look at products from Ford,Nissan and Honda and when I look at Kia, I was very suprise how well the product was put together.

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  Awesome!!! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Tinman67 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I read many reviews about the Sorento before purchasing. All were good, but all had the same complaints, mediocre gas mileage and somewhat rough ride. I found this to be true also, but the ride is not really that rough, actually smoother an our PT Cruiser. I am thoroughly impressed with the overall design and performance of my Sorento. I think Kia hit a home run when they hired Toyotas head engineer to design it (he designed the Lexus SUV). I would buy one again in a heartbeat. Keep in mind that this is the only SUV in its class with a FULL FRAME and rear wheel drive. It is a quiet ride, good acceleration, extremely nice highway ride.

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  I love my Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Kevin Lawter - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I love it,if I had to buy another one I would in a heart beat. I think it is a very sharp looking SUV.

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  Great Mid-sized SUV - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By mogulman - April 23 - 8:43 am

  Live in Colorado. Really like the power of the 6-cylinder engine in the mountains. Fuel economy is really pretty good for the type of driving I do, also. Getting about 20 MPG. Love the panoramic sunroof, audio system, and GPS. Bluetooth and Speech recognition work well also. All wheel drive has worked fine in the snow so far. Car is brand new, so there arent a lot of accessories yet. 276 HP engine moves this along well.

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  Great ride - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By newschaser - April 22 - 2:00 am

  The Sorento rides and handles much better than the Xterra (which I was considering). The 4WD has gotten me out of sugar sand several times already. I put a vehicle through its paces as it is used for work, and the Sorento has met all challenges it has faced so far. From orange groves to woods to beaches to city streets, the Sorento is equally at home. I an getting about 17 mpg with mostly stop and go driving.

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  Do not recommend - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Dana - April 21 - 4:00 pm

  Spent $30,000 for brand new Kia Sorento. Since purchasing it in March 2010, it has been back to the dealership on five different occassions for two different mechanical issues. Biggest issue is it feels like the car is "downshifting" constantly at speeds around 25 mph. Was just told yesterday that car already needs a new drive shaft. Second, the car has a constant rattle that sounds like its coming from under the car on the passenger side. Was told that would most likely be dealt with in an upcoming recall due to bad struts!! I find it totally unexceptable that this 2011 car has already had all these issues. Worst purchase of my entire life!