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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  My research paid off. - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By thgoldsboro - July 21 - 2:23 am

  The style and color are unique. I find most other SUV exteriors boring. I am very impressed with the acceleration the longer I own the vehicle. The ride is a bit rough on the small choppy sections of road. I absolutley love the interior. Very practical space, cubbies and niches. A very usable environment without any wasted space. The back seats folds level flat. I had a hard time finding that feature in any other comparable SUV. Climate system is powerful, cools fast and maintains a constant temperature. When placed on cabin air, outside smells and smog go unnoticed. My best experience however, was the dealership. Always treated well and there is never a question of the coverage.

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  Great SUV but one problem - 2013 Kia Sorento
  By kr2880 - July 21 - 12:29 am

  The car looks and handles great on local and on the interstate. However, when I am waiting at a red light with the SUV in drive, there is a definite vibration that you can feel through out the car. I have had the car checked by Kia service including the District Service MGR and have been told that this is normal for the SUV. For an SUV with a sticker price close to $36000, I didnt expect a vibration to be considered normal! Hopefully KIA will come up with a fix!

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  Great vehicle with electrical problems - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By KB in NM - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a rugged, yet comfortable and good looking SUV. Just pulled a loaded 1500lb pop up and it did very well, better than my old Cherokee - Load Leveler really works. Love the sun roof, heated leather seats and comfort. Dont like the intermittant electrical problems the dealer cant find - clock changes to 1:00, radio stations change by themselves, bad interference in AM stations even with the device thats supposed to fix that problem. Audio controls on steering wheel are badly placed because Im always accidentally hitting them. But still a great vehicle worth owning, and the warranty makes the decision easy!

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  Exactly what I was looking for!!! - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By ontheroad09 - July 15 - 8:38 am

  I needed a 7 seater suv...but I did not want to go over a certain amt. my friend told me to go to yonkers kia. she got one from there and she said they were great. I called and spoke with Jaslyn. she was great and knew that what i needed. I came in and spoke with John I took my car hom.e with me the same day. everything was so nice and professional. the manager said he would make it happen for me and he did. I will tell all my friends and family to go see Yonkers Kia. thanks

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  Im happy (so far) - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By agentzero - July 11 - 11:53 pm

  Ok, my wife was extremely reluctant to go with Kia, we turned in a Murano as the lease was expiring. For the $$$ though, there was nothing coming close to the deal Kia was willing to swing. $36.4k sticker for $29.5k plus tax. 3 year old loaded Pilots go for that around here. If you can find a 2011 on the lot, thats the key, theres no way to get $7k knocked-off a 2012, and IMO opinion the differences from the 11 to 12 were not huge. 11 was the major redesign year.

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  Worst suspension - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Migs - July 10 - 2:40 pm

  Its almost perfect until it rolls onto small road bumps. Bad noisy annoying suspension! It drives nice on smooth roads but never on the smallest pot holes. Do not buy if you drive in NYC/ Jersey city roads. This issue should be recalled by Kia with all the complains all over the Internet. I want to drive other customers sorento who says they have no suggestion for improvements.

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  Top Notch! - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By joatrades - July 8 - 1:25 pm

  I bought my Sorento used in 06 with 12,000 miles on it. Now have 89K. Love the fact that it is a true 4x4! The rear end is just like a truck, unlike most newer SUVs (including the 12 Sorento!) Never had issues with lights but brakes are below par as is the sheet metal (thin), fuel economy is not great either. Paint, A/C engine, & tranny all are top notch. Very reliable & would buy another 05 or 06.

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  Problems with the headliner - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Astons - July 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a our first brand new car we purchased! We were very happy until we noticed the headliner was not completely attached to the top of the car on the inside. They had to completely replace it! They ended up breaking the the back panels to replace it and those are on back orders! From then on it seemed something was wrong with things that were taken apart. They told me it was because we had a higher mileage car. It only had 18,000 when this h append. Im hoping this problem gets fixed and we have no more issues. Over all I love my Sorento!!

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  Never Imagined a KIA - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By jclaeys - July 7 - 8:27 am

  Good looking, good driving, incredible fit and finish, better than Toyota, better priced, the reviews dont lie. New 4cyl. GDI engine has plenty of spunk...gas mileage may be the same for the 6 cyl. but if you want to pay 5K more for it, youll get more power and smoother performance....spend 5K somewhere else IMO.

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  Hard to beat this KIA head to head - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By firstsergeant - July 4 - 3:01 pm

  "We bought this vehicle in 2012. My wife drives this SUV on business trips everywhere." Although, most people do not like the harsh ride, its designed to be a very stable and has a controlled stance. The engine power of the 3.5 is fine. With nearly 280 h.p. this vehicle will deliver. We have accumulated 85,000 miles so far. Its very easy on tires, brakes, and still has the original shocks and struts. The engine, transmission, and driveline are fine. The handling of the car still feels like factory new. We prefer the Bridgestone H/T 684 tires. They wear extremely well and even. The navigation, back-up feature, and interior lighting, (red) are great features. Buy one. Good for 200K.