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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  Our new Kia Sorento is great - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By Dave C - September 25 - 12:07 am

  My Wife and I just purchased this Kia Sorento V6 AWD with the SX trim level in a beautiful red. This was a demonstrator with about 2800 miles on it so we got a great discount from the $45,000+ price. We originally were talking with the dealer about a lower EX trim level model but we were able to negotiate for this higher trim level at about the same price as the lower EX trim because it was a demonstrator. This is a fantastic car with the safety and technology packages on it. One of the coolest features is the smart cruise control which maintains the distance from the car in front of you even down to a full stop. The lane keeping alert is also very helpful. The UVo voice activation feature is nice so you dont have to take your eyes off the road to tune the radio or make a call. The ride is very comfortable and quiet even on rough roads and at high Interstate speeds. The leather power seats have multi position adjustments which are quite comfortable and these happen to be heated and cooled. The only nitpick is that there is no daytime running lights feature and the lights dont come on automatically with the wipers. Kia engineers should fix this. Otherwise this car is great. It gets high ratings from Consumer Reports, Kelly Blue Book and J D Power. The Kia warranty is an industry leader. The value Kia puts in this vehicle is tremendous. The features on this car can be had on vehicles twice the price. This is the first NEW car we have had in our 40 year marriage and we are very satisfied with it.

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  Things That Make you go Hmmmm - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By tombeaman - September 24 - 7:52 pm

  Ive got about 1500 miles on my new Sorento so far, and there are SO many things that I love about it. It seems to be a great value, a very comfortable car for the money. There are some items that make me scratch my head: The so-called third seat...REALLY? That is crazy in every SUV I have been in. Give it up, people. If you want a third row, get a mini-van. For the Sorento, getting that third row not only gives you a couple of seats that only an 8-year old could sit in, it also loses you some handy storage bins! How stupid! Another poorly designed feature is the power rear hatch. The Sorento has a great feature that allows the hatch to raise just by approaching the car...that is cool. What is NOT cool is that the hatch will open up while you are in the garage and then bang your hatch into your garage door. If that happens (say, your fob button gets pressed by your other keys), then you go out to the garage and open your garage door, causing hundreds of dollars of damage! This is not a problem with only the Sorento, but I never thought of it until I owned an SUV. Beware! A feature that I am having trouble with is the Automatic Forward Braking system. Its supposed to monitor traffic ahead and warn you or apply the brakes if needed to lessen a collision. A great safety feature...that turns off dozens of times each trip...about once every four miles! Accompanied by a "ding ding!" I feel like its going to be Christmas all year round! Its going back to the shop tomorrow, so well see if they fix it or not. My next whine is the leather seat warmers. Why would the switch have to be engaged every time I start my car?? And why have a switch that requires multiple taps to cycle through the options, instead of a two-or-three position switch? My other cars with this feature have an Off-Low-High toggle switch, and when you a running errands the heater comes on to the last setting. But the Sorento has to be turned on each time, and then you have to push the button repeatedly to go from high to medium to low heat. Now, after that list of complaints, I still LOVE how it drives. A powerful engine (a little too touchy on the gas pedal), smooth tranny and ride, tight turning radius, great visibility. I am happy, but I do wish those things on my list were not so puzzling. Another oddity about KIA is that accessories cost twice as much if you wait to get them after the sale. Seems to me that a posted price for an accessory should be the same whether the item is installed at the dealer or at the port. And another thing??? Hire someone who actually knows English to write your owners manuals! UPDATE: The Forward Braking problem is already a service advisory from KIA. So the good news is they are on top of it. The bad news is the fact that it was not done properly to begin with, and now the part is on order. Ill update this again as the repair process proceeds.

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  FACT: Sorento Is A Great SUV - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By L. walker - September 22 - 1:30 pm

  My experience with Sorento has been very good. The engine response is much better than all other SUVs I drove in its class. It is tight, firm seats, good sound system, sure stopping and solid suspension. I receive compliments on the appearance of my ice blue Sorento...would recommend this vehicle as an excellent buy.

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  Truly, an Amazing Value!! - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By Steve - September 22 - 12:12 pm

  We have now owned our Sorento EX Touring v6 for almost exactly one year. It is simply an amazing car, rock solid in 22k miles. I have owned Audi, Infiniti, multiple Porsches... And this cars refinement is as good or better, hard to believe. We cross shopped the XC90, GL 450 and this has all the features we wanted at literally half the price! We rented a loaded Volvo for a week and couldnt wait to give it back, so many minor annoyances. Kia is tops with CR and JD Power, and the safety features are top shelf. If you have a family, you simply have to test drive a Sorento. Tons of safety features, powerful v6, super comfortable ride and whisper quiet cabin. Much quieter than the XC90, 7db quieter than the Q7. Put up the rear sunshades and your toddler will be out in no time ! I honestly dont know know they are making money at the prices these are selling for. Lastly I will say this, the Sorento and Cayenne sit side by side in our garage. If one of us needs a car..... with or without kids, the Kia gets chosen 100pcnt of the time. Porsches are incredible machines - thats the highest complement I can give the Kia. It is the closest thing to a perfect CUV you will find.

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  Solid Value, - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Phil - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Shopped/drove $19-23K competition(used Edge, Mariner, CX7, CR-V, Pilot, Highlander, old MDX), we drove both 4/6 cyl Sorento. Kia dealer experience better than expected. Ultimately new Sorento V6 LX final price was competitive with other cars that were 4 years old and had 30-40K miles. Kia 100K mile warranty is world class. Have 1500 miles. Would give car a solid B. Ride is compliant but a bit tough over pot holes. Comfort is very good. V6 engine is strong, idle is not perfect, gas mileage only fair. Visibility from drivers seat takes getting used to, but mirrors are big. Base radio has good features but only fair fidelity. Bluetooth not solid. Got third seat, still good room. So Far So Good.

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  "Very Happy" - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Pleasantly Surprised - September 5 - 9:56 pm

  I wanted to buy a Sorento several years ago but was unsure because Kia wasnt established. I sure am glad I didnt wait any longer. My Sorento has been fantastic. I just went on vacation and we had plenty of room in storage and middle row. I drive almost all highway and the gas mileage has been wonderful.I have been getting around 27-28 mpg. I know that is still short of what they say it should get but Im not disappointed considering the size and weight of vehicle.My wife is due for a new car soon and we will be looking at the 2011 Optima. Good job Kia.

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  1st new car in 20 years - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By GSK - September 4 - 8:50 pm

  Make sure they are happy with a slightly smaller 3 row SUV. It is driving great. Only minor issue is that a side view mirror popped out when I was folding it in. I was able to easily replace it. It doesnt pop out if Im careful when I fold it in and make sure not to touch the mirror itself. Still driving great. No problems.

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  Great for the Price! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Jeff Pottberg - September 4 - 11:25 am

  Started with a lease of the 2011 Sorento AWD. Was looking for a safe AWD for my daughter to use in college in New England. This model is great in snow and has a very tight turning radius. Didnt get many options as I was looking for a base model under $25K. I ended up buying out the lease and still like to drive it. Just came back from a 3,000 mile road trip with it and even though I have back problems. I found it comfortable to drive for long periods of time.

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  Good Ride - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By John - August 29 - 8:16 pm

  Lots of fun to drive. The tide is better than reviews show. Great ride for the price. Have experienced minor electrical problems with the outside temperature display.

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  Great Value - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Dave - August 27 - 12:53 pm

  Love it so far. We tested similar foreign and domestic vehicles, and found the Sorrento to be the best value overall. It has everything we need for a family of four. The instrument panel has a clean look and the dashboard controls are simple and straightforward. The ride is quiet at all speeds, and so far is very comfortable in the seating area. For this size vehicle, the cargo area is adequate for everyday use, and the rear fold down seats are easy to operate. The powertrain is strong and easily accelerates even at highway speeds.