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:

• 

  Well made in America - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By joncab5 - March 19 - 12:03 pm

  We have owned it for 18 months and have 28,500 miles. Not one problem yet, except some minor recalls. I really like the leather, climate controls, navi is just as good as Lexus. Great 3rd row when you need it. This car is perfect for our family and has done well on long trips.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Great Car - March 16 - 6:43 pm

  72,000 miles and not a squeak, rattle, or repair. Drives like the day it came out of the dealership. Wonderful car, great value.

• 

  So far, so Good - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Ivory_babe4u - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the Sorento 4x4 on the 14th of March 2003. I love it so far! www.kia.com Check them out. I went online and picked out features I wanted. Called my car company and they had the exact one just coming in. Is that service or what? like when you take the key out and you left your lights on, when you open the drivers side door the lights automatically go off! I have been caught more than 1x needing a jump. :-) I also like the features that windows work after key is removed from ignition until drivers side door opens. This is my second Kia vehicle.

• 

  great design, but flawed! - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Doug B. - March 10 - 5:20 pm

  This is a company car; we wanted something fairly new with a warranty and the Sorento fit the bill. I am impressed with the ride, the handling, the comfort (I am 68") and the storage. Despite its low horsepower, I find it to be a quick when you mash the pedal. What really impressed me is the storage, all the reviews by car mags complain about the lack of storage but I found it to be more than enough. Dealer service has been exemplary. My personal car is a Lexus LS400, and the dealer treatment approaches the Lexus dealer. With every service they wash the car, amazing. Only complaint is the check engine light.

• 

  Yes, I bought a Kia! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By RRG - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Yes, I bought a Kia! At first I was nervous about doing so, but after months of research and test driving other SUVs on the market, it became obviously clear that the Sorento was the SUV for us (the warranty helped ease my mind about buying a Kia as well. I love the way it looks (I call it my generic Lexus) and with the luxury package on the EX model, it has all the features you need in a vehicle. It rides very nice and the seats are very comfortable, it is an all-around great vehicle. Weve only had it for 3 weeks, but already have put on more than 1,000 miles and it seems to be doing great.

• 

  davids sorento - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By cybergasm - March 10 - 10:00 am

  so far with only 3k miles showing on the clock it has a flawless vehicle to drive so far. like the handling, hate the steering tho too light all the time absolutly love the stereo system in it too.

• 

  Temperamental, unreliable BSD system - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Cecile - March 4 - 2:39 pm

  We bought this beautiful, expensive car specifically for the added safety features. From the start, we have had ongoing problems with the blind spot detection system. It randomly fails. This happens under all types of road and weather conditions, without warning. The system sometimes spontaneously resets itself, and sometimes it does not. Our smart key entry also failed once. We could not enter the vehicle with either of our smart keys...we had to pull out the manual key to get into the car. On another occasion, the entire sound system failed! This lasted until we turned the car off and restarted it. Needless to say, our vehicle has been in and out of the dealership service area many times...with absolutely no resolution to the problem. This is the most beautiful, most expensive, and most unreliable car that we have ever owned. KIA should replace the car with a reliable one!

• 

  What a Difference - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Burntbyford - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I have to admit that the Kia was not my initial first choice for an SUV. I actually bought a Ford Escape in April because I had not heard of the Sorrento at that time. Unfortunately(or fortunately)at 4 months old my Escapes engine caught fire due to an engine (fuel injector) malfunction. The Escape was totalled in less than 20 minutes. Now I have the more comfortable and more reliable(they dont blow up)Kia Sorrento. The Kia is 150% better than the Escape and it cost less!! I guess I should be glad that Ford made such a poor quality product because now I am happier with my KIA!! :)

• 

  Bang for the Buck - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Ed K - February 25 - 2:00 am

  After looking at most SUVs in this class, I was taken back by the quality of construction and features offered in this SUV. Then match it with a warranty unmatched in this price range, they had me sold. After 6 months I love it as much as the day I bought it. Kia could use a little work in the bang for the gallon area.

• 

  Lexus Wannabe - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By nutin2it - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased our 2004 Kia EX and love it so far. The fit and finish inside and out are on par with other more costly SUVs - and even better in some cases. The fat Michelin tires are a plus. The styling is right on. Kudos to Kia on their first attempt at directly competing with other SUVs in this ever changing market. Unfortunately, the less than great gas mileage (although on par with the Ford Explorer) and louder than expected engine noise are its only drawbacks thus far. Excellent service department at the dealership.