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:

• 

  Luv my Sorento - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By pecksorento - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I never thought I would ever buy a kia in my life until I test drove one. I was shocked on how well it performed on the road. Not to mention how sharpe it looks on the outside. Everywhere I go someone compliments me on how good it looks and if I like it or not, and I tell them I love it.

• 

  "Time to go" - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Thomas Colegrove - May 17 - 11:34 pm

  This is a peach! My health precludes me to purchase a new car for my wife. She is short and has difficulty seeing over the hood, other wise I would keep the car. She will be most of the future driving. This is a great car!

• 

  Love the Sorento - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Paul - May 17 - 11:46 am

  Weve had our Sorento for a month. Never thought Id buy a Kia. Great look. Great value. Great features. Best unexpected car buy weve ever made. Going for the loaded package worth it to get the sunroof, it really opens up the interior. The navigation/voice commands still hard to learn. Bluetooth doesnt always pull in the whole address book.

• 

  new toy - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By msweetpea1975 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive, little much on gas but about the same as all suv.

• 

  Good but no cigar - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Scotlad - May 11 - 10:13 pm

  Overall love the Kia but transmission issues and poor gas mileage are spoiling the experience. We keep hoping for some long term improvements.

• 

  My 2nd Sorento - 2014 Kia Sorento
  By wnicholson - May 10 - 7:20 pm

  I originally had a 2012 Sorento that I travel in for my work. The vehicle was very comfortable, a pleasure to drive, no fatigue after a long road trip, I liked my 2012 Sorento. When it came time to trade I went back to the same dealer I purchased my 2012 Sorento from and they showed me the 2014. WOW! I really liked it. The 2014 Sorento looked like the 2012 but the changes that Kia made a a very good vehicle into a great vehicle. My 2014 is is much quieter, hardly any road noise and 0 wind noise, the ride is great, the new seats are even more comfortable and the general overall appearance is just great. The Bluetooth and voice command are also flawless! You wont be sorry with a Kia!

• 

  Get the facts and give it a shot!! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Bob_Hog - May 10 - 10:00 am

  We compared other midsize SUVs but found the Sorento to have all the same features as the more commonly known brand SUVs in the USA, but for about $5,000 less.

• 

  Update of 9-24-2010 Review - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By sarge - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Like any 1st year new model, things go wrong. Took in to dealer to check on "soft brake pedal". If I pumped it (which should not be done to ABS system) it would be firmer. Well, it turns out needs new master cylinder! Never heard of one going bad on a new car! Dealer has to order. The sun roof chatters going back. Had grease put on at last service. Still does it. May need new rails! Headlight beams set too low. Needs adjustment. Steering wheel seems not level. Car drifts to the right with hands off wheel. Hope 4 wheel adjustment fixes it. Kia customer service has been great! Wheel adjustment normally is not under warranty. But I wont be charged. See my 9-24-2010 comments about our rating.

• 

  Every ride make me smile! - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Geowizard - May 7 - 7:41 pm

  Hands down, the most comfortable, quiet, refined ride of any car I have ever driven. The styling is great, the car just sounds solid when closing the doors, and the thought Kia put into the design shows throughout. We went with the top model and the extras that brings makes long trips really enjoyable. I have driven Sorentos as rental cars over the past 7-8 years but vowed Id never own one due the the fairly harsh ride. But the 2016 is a true game changer!! Its the first time my wife has ever said "I love this car"! Me too!

• 

  sorrento lx 7 passenger - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By dad with 2 girls - May 1 - 7:03 am

  we were looking for an economical lease and after test driving a Chevy traverse, mazda cx9 and the kia, we felt the kia had the best ride and most features for basically being a base model. the 4 cylinder is more than enough powerful and very good on gas. This car was at least 100 dollars a month cheaper than the other options with more features. as far as negatives go they are very small.....the trunk button on the key fob does not pop open the trunk, it just unlocks it which is kinda annoying because with my other cars if you press the trunk release, the trunk pops open. other than that great driving car with great features at a great price.