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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  Never buy a Kia - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By andy - January 25 - 1:36 pm

  I am so pissed at kia, I have to rant. I am so pissed that I paid almost $30,000 for a V6 sorento to tow my boat and I cant use it. two dealers told me it can tow 3500 pounds, the brochure and website says it can tow 3500 lbs. I get the vehicle home buy a hitch and then I see in the owners manual that everything I was told was wrong. Kia advertises the 4 cylinder tows 2000 pounds, but the owners manual say not to tow with it. They advertise the v6 tows 3500 pounds but the owners manual say it tows 2000 pounds. After dealing with Kia on this issue I will never deal with them again. Sorry about the rant review but I have to get it out.

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  who would have guessed! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By gilligan - January 21 - 2:00 am

  simply put, what a greatvehicle. I am a street saleman in my car all day. A joy to drive, and the car turns heads. Have had more comments than i can count. Well put together, great performance.

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  Nice vehicle - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By sar34 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Before buying I tested the Nissan Pathfinder and Murano, the Infinity QX4, and Exolorer. The Sorento had the best ride, although the Murano was close. But a comparably equiped Murano is $7K more.

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  Fun / Great Deal / Looks Great / Smooth - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Alarm Man - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Overall, we love it - looks great and fits our needs forthe price. A sturdy well built excellent warranty vehicle. If in the market, these are better than Fords or Chevys any day !!!

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  The Best bang for the Buck!! Period! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By kiasorentolvr - January 17 - 10:56 am

  I bought my Sorento for my wife to take to work and drop my son off at school. It really suprised me how nice this truck is for the price!!She loves it and gets compliments on it all the time. I hesitated to buy an SUV (Ive always driven cars) but when I looked at the features: Wood grain, Leather, heated seats, Sunroof, auto Climate control and the sticker price I figured I couldent go wrong! It rides a little stiff because it is built like a truck (body on frame) but that is good because if my wife gets in an accident (heaven forbid) then I know she has a better chance of walking away. Not to mention the standard side curtain air bags that other SUVs dont even offer!

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  2012 Kia Sorento EX - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By fernatt - January 15 - 1:03 pm

  Just picked up my first Kia product this past weekend. I was looking for a two wheel drive base EX, but no one seemed to have those, so I "settled" for the AWD. It takes a bit of a hit in MPGs, but for an AWD SUV, its still getting great mileage. No complaints so far, but well see how it holds up over time compared with my usual Nissans.

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  Love the Car, Hate the Mileage - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By sresnick - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle. However, I didnt realize when I bought it that the mileage would be so ridiculously low. It seems like they should have had a freeway driving gear, as most of my miles are done on the highway and my mileage is still averaging 15.5 mpg. How can a V6 Vehicle get the same mileage as a full size V8 suv? Regardless of this, the car is superb and is a great value at purchase time. With gas at $2.25 per gallon, it is difficult to stomach the mileage. I also think the car is a little bumpy when you drive about 60mph on the freeway. Other than that, the car looks great and has nice features.

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  The best SUV hands down for the money - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Sandy M. - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my Kia Sorento. I have owned a Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota 4-Runner and the Kia is by far the best in its class.

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  kia sorento 4x4 ex - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By yucca47 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  wake up people great suv great price. put it up there with a lexes 330.drive it then you decide. the koreans have built a great suv loaded for 25000.

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  NEW AND HOT - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By SUE ST GEREMAIN - January 15 - 2:00 am

  WENT FROM A $64,OOO BMW LUXTURY CAR TO A 2004 SORENTO AND DONT EVEN MISS THE BEMMER. LOOKS ... STILL GET... PERFORMANCE AS GOOD AND I,M PICKY.. WOULD DOO IT AGAIN TOMMOROW