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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  Wow - I love my Sedona - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Jnels - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Awesome so far, I love it

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  Just bought and hot to trot - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By new sorento owner - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck, for the money I spent, I am so glad that i didnt pick one of the other trucks i was concidering.Not that the others were bad and belive me i drove almost everyone of them. but to tell you the truth none of them would even come close to the performance and styling that i have found in my new SORENTO

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By RBCOL - January 8 - 6:43 am

  Very comfortable, lots of power, no noise from the outside, good gas mileage.

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  The real deal! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By carlos27 - January 7 - 11:07 am

  Had my Kia Sorento EX V6 for 1 month. Engine is great, very quick! The suspension is the problem. If you are considering it, please take a spin in one, go over some bumps, even the reflectors in the road, you will not like it. The suspension is too tight! It is an SUV and not a Corvette. I hate the suspension. I called Kia to try to deal with it and they say that is the design of the car, no other SUV handles rougher road as bad. REALLY look into it before buying the car!! If I had to do it all over, I would not buy it again!

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  Another new happy owner. - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By KIAguy - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Most SUVs I looked at were practical but really did not excite me. I liked the Lexus but it was too steep for me to justify. The KIA was a stand out. For 20 grand Id feel foolish buying a Lexus. I really like the look and feel of the car from day one. And one month later this KIA continues to grow on me. This is my first new car and I feel really good about this car!

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  A little bit of shake - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Jeffrey - December 31 - 10:00 am

  We purchased my 2011 kia the last day in Feb. March 2nd I had to drive to Ohio for a family emergency. What a nice drive. Thank goodness for cruise control as before you know it youre going way over the speed limit. As of this date there are a few things that I would change or do differently. Third row seat is a waste for us.

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  Will never own another Kia - 2013 Kia Sorento
  By Christina - December 25 - 3:29 pm

  Kia does not stand behind its product. My mothers 2013 Sorento had engine failure at 80,000 miles. The car was regularly serviced and she only drove it to work and back. Kia says that even though they have a 100,000 mile warrenty they can not honer that because she bought the car used 3 years ago. Kia has tons of lawsuits against them right now for this reason. Please research before buying.

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  NOT A RELIABLE CAR - BUYER BEWARE - 2013 Kia Sorento
  By Nicki - December 20 - 10:57 am

  I bought this car second hand from a dealer that my husband and I have purchased other cars from. I was very excited with my purchase because I spent time reading online reviews of owners which overall were pretty much positive. I bought the car in early 2015 and it was a 2013 model with 45,000 miles. I drove the car for almost 3 years with no issues. At about 70,000 miles the car starting to give me problems. And by problems I mean major costly issues. Within 8 months I had to have the AC Compressor replaced, engine oil pan replaced, rear back-up camera replaced, and then finally when the engine died I called it quits and traded in the car. The reason for the engine failure was because the oil sensor failed and the car was sending oil into the engine. The car did not drive any differently nor was there any alert on the dash board! I just happened to take the car in for an oil change and the dealer said they couldnt return the car to me and explained what was wrong. After about 3 days of fighting with the warranty company to cover the cost of replacing the engine I had my car towed to another dealership and traded it in. I was disgusted that a warranty company would not cover what was clearly a glitch with the car. They do not have to worry about me ever purchasing a Kia.

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  I love it - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By swood515 - December 18 - 12:06 pm

  I love my Kia. I have had no problems or issues.

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  Electrical Issues - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By terlstarr - December 15 - 8:23 am

  I love my car with the exception of the electrical issues I have been having for over a year. I cant count how many headlights and brake lights I have had to replace because they keep blowing! Also the interior dome light chooses when it wants to work as well as the lights on the vent control located on the dash.