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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  Warning! Under investigation for faulty engine - 2013 Kia Sorento
  By Kris - February 23 - 9:12 pm

  Car had 88 k miles. Defective part under investigation with national highway traffic safety. Auto lube to timing chain faulty causing chain to break and completely destroy engine. Engine replacement not available due to investigation. Kia corp wants u to bring to their shop to "investigate" at your cost. Do not go. They will cover up defect. Instead file complaint with dept above. 20 have filed complaints so far all at 90k or below miles. 100k warranty not valid because Kia trys to Blaim on owner for lack of oil changes even though u submit proof. Also warranty not valid for 2nd owner over 60k miles. Car also has several dangerous recalls. Beautiful car but made out of tin and duct tape it seems. I will never buy a Kia again.

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  So Far So Good - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By johnnykia - February 22 - 3:46 am

  We traded a Honda CRV (excellent car) in for a new Kia Sorento SX AWD V6, largely because we needed more power to pull a small trailer. So far, we are pleased with the Sorento, which seems luxurious compared to the Honda. It is much quieter (less road noise) and the V6 engine has great acceleration. Still getting used to all the bells and whistles. Some of the controls are not inuitive. Many adjustments, like the mirrors, cannot be made unless the car is in Park. We do not need 3rd row seating, and would have rather had a bit more storage back there, but it was not an option on our model. Have not pulled the trailer yet. So far we get about 20 MPG for city/commuting and about 25 highway.

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  Needs Retro-Fit Shocks - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By yeohumpf - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car in all respects except that when driven on choppy Northern roads, it rides much too hard and choppy. Kia knows this and is putting Dual flow damper shocks on all newly built 2011 Sorentos to cure the problem. They need to provide access to those or other shocks/dampers that can be installed on 2011s already on the road that have the original inadequate shocks.

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  This one is well worth the money! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By SkyRydr - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the EX without any added features. Its wonderful, fun to drive, smooth shifting, and looks great too! I did 6 months of research, drove every true 4X4 out there, (not the soccer mom cars, the wanna be 4X4 - get a grip, buy a station wagon) The Sorento is the most comfortable, best value I could find

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  Great Car - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By DSDBergeron03 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  A great car to own and drive. It drives great on the highway and on the trail. The interior is layed out nice with a lot of features, that are nice to have. I get lucky every now and then and get the keys from my wife so I can drive it. The vehicle does ride like a truck, which is fine with me.

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  Piece of Junk - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By badluckbetty1 - February 11 - 10:42 am

  I have the 2004 Kia Sorento and nothing but a piece of junk! Every since I bought it has been nothing but a headache and not minor things major costly items.. water pump, the ignition fried and would start BY ITS SELF!! The relay box went bad, all the belts had to be replaced and now the mechanic at my near by kia dealership says the timing chain is going bad and the car will be ruined if not fixed! The headlight and tail lights go out every other month. Kias are pieces of crap and I will never buy another if you are looking into buying this vehicle please dont save your time and money! ohh by the way my vehicle only has 81,000 miles on it and still falling apart!

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  Still Happy! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Gary - February 5 - 1:33 am

  After 2 years and 40,000 miles, I still enjoy driving to and from work every day in my Kia Sorento. My wife also bought a Sorento 9 months after I bought mine and she really likes it too. Both vehicles have been reliable so far and they handle very well on the road. I recommend the Sorento for anyone who wants an SUV but is on a budget.

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  Buy It - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Ed Katz - February 3 - 8:56 am

  Best price performance of the bunch. We are so happy, and saved $8,000 over competing models. Reliability is excellent. Sorry we did not buy the 4WD.

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  Ya gotta have one of these! - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Mike from Moline, IL - February 2 - 11:40 am

  Purchased a new 2004 Sorento EX/4WD with luxury package, ABS & rear spoiler. Researched & test drove everything from a Hyundai Tucson to a Lincoln Navigator. No other SUV offers so much quality, options, warranty & pure fun! The ride is solid but comfortable and the fit/finish is great. Its a real head-turner. The absolute best bang-for-the-buck in the mid-size SUV class. Gas mileage is acceptable (I am averaging about 17 MPG in town but to get that you need to keep your foot out of it). This is one GREAT vehicle. Ya gotta have one of these!

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  Sorento is a beauty - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By kieibr - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This car/truck is FABULOUS! The appointments that are standard are superb. The performance of the engine is fantastic. I have read other reviews that say the power is inadequate. I hvent experienced that problem at all. I power braked from a dead stop and ran a test from 0 to 100 miles an hour to 0 to see if it had any pep. I also had it up to 110 miles an hour and it handled like a sports car with hardly any roughness or vibration at all. I dont usually drive like this at all, but I figured id give it the once over. I have previously been loyal to Toyota (a great vehicle manufacturer too)but so far my impression with this vehicle has been positive.