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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  What a SUV should be - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By khoelscher - September 2 - 2:00 am

  After test driving the Sorento, I knew this would be the SUV for me. Exterior styling is right on. Interior was well laid out with good quality. Maybe too much hard plastic in some areas, but nothing that youd be embarrased showing off to friends and family. Driving impressions were great. Very solid feeling, plenty of power, smooth shifting, decent handling. Built on a truck frame adds to the solid, rugged feel, and makes it a much more capable off road vehicle, if you are so inclined. For the price, the Sorento really is in a class of its own.

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  PRINCESS RIDER - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By MARY PETRY - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE THE WAY IT DRIVES THE STYLE IS REAL NICE.BEST CAR GOTTEN IN A LONG TIME

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  I need to brag - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By john - August 28 - 8:00 am

  I need to brag about my Sorento. Purchased in Sept. 06, I travel alot. I currently have 158,690 miles on it. The only issue was needing to replace the transfer case ($700 on Ebay). Tires, brakes and oil changes have been my only real purchases. As I looked at getting a replacement vehicle, I had to ask why. There is not a squeak or rattle. It handles the way it did on day one, and I can still tow my 4-wheeler to northern Maine (250 miles one way) without a problem. If you can deal with "not great" fuel economy, buy one. It is the best purchase I have ever made.

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  Inferior Interior Materials (Dash, Doors)... - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By Ttahoe - August 27 - 5:06 am

  The 2017 Sorento L has a very nice, comfortable ride. That said....I would not recommend this vehicle soley based on the inside interior materials used. While at my local Kia dealership today, I brought to their attention that the interior materials used, scratch and produce white scuff marks all over the doors, dashboard, around knobs etc. With the slightest touch, it scratches and makes unsightly white scuff marks/scratches. When I spoke with Kia, they stated the materials used, are "MADE TO DO THIS" (Kias exact words) !! A $40,000+ vehicle, and you intentionally produce materials that are "made to do this" (scratch and produce white smudges and scratches?). Kia suggested I purchase Meguieres wipes and use that to clean the scuff marks and scratches. That is their suggestion to an inferior material? Kia also suggested that I go to the sales floor and find a salesman and "TRADE" in my car for another one! I am disgusted with Kias lack of customer service and or remedy for this issue. This is my first, and my last, Kia purchase. Terrible Customer Service!

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  Inferior Interior Materials (Dash, Doors)... - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By Ttahoe - August 27 - 5:06 am

  The 2017 Sorento L has a very nice, comfortable ride. That said....I would not recommend this vehicle soley based on the inside interior materials used. While at my local Kia dealership today, I brought to their attention that the interior materials used, scratch and produce white scuff marks all over the doors, dashboard, around knobs etc. With the slightest touch, it scratches and makes unsightly white scuff marks/scratches. When I spoke with Kia, they stated the materials used, are "MADE TO DO THIS" (Kias exact words) !! A $40,000+ vehicle, and you intentionally produce materials that are "made to do this" (scratch and produce white smudges and scratches?). Kia suggested I purchase Meguieres wipes and use that to clean the scuff marks and scratches. That is their suggestion to an inferior material? Kia also suggested that I go to the sales floor and find a salesman and "TRADE" in my car for another one! I am disgusted with Kias lack of customer service and or remedy for this issue. This is my first, and my last, Kia purchase. Terrible Customer Service!

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  Suprised - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By steveca - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 2003 Lexus RX 300 and I am suprised how great this Kia is. Now lets see if it holds up as well.

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  I like it, but... - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By iLike - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I like everything ...so far! One problem: my seat belt indicator does not work as advertised in owners manual. Once seat belt is disengaged the belt light is suppose to illuminate and a chime sound. Someone answer me this: IS IT JUST ME THAT FINDS IT ODD THAT THERE ARE NO DAY- TIME RUNNING LAMPS??? ...OR ARE THERE AND MY KIA IS SCREWED UP??? A POST FROM OTHERS WOULD REALLY PUT MY MIND AT EASE!

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  Awesome Truck! - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By aaronmateo - August 24 - 11:11 pm

  I bought my used Sorento about a year and a half ago with 48,000 miles on it and I cannot rave about it enough. Purchased it in Milwaukee and have driven it down to Austin, Texas, back to Milwaukee, back down to Austin, out to New York City, around NYC in the hardcore NY traffic for 5 days, then back to Milwaukee, not to mention a year and a half of miscellaneous city driving. It got me through the Great Blizzard of 2011 this past week too - kicked it into 4-wheel drive and it hummed through apocalyptic levels of snow, wind, and cold like a champ, didnt even flinch. Havent had a single problem with it. If youre looking for a smaller SUV, have a look at a Sorento. Durable. Reliable. Fun.

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  This car awful! - 2009 Kia Sorento
  By citysliker - August 22 - 9:23 am

  Is anyone else as dissatisfied with their Sorento as I am? I have a 2009 with about 6000 miles on it and its already falling apart. It was in the shop today for several problems and the only one that was repaired properly was a warped interior panel didnt fit from day 1. Suspension is sloppy and car pulls badly to the right. kia claims its in proper alignment, the drivelive jerks on starts and stops like the rear end is about to fall out of it and kia says they cant find anything wrong, and the headlights dim every time you hit the brakes. kia says and I quote "its just the way those sorentos are". If I werent upside down in my loan I would trade this thing in tomorrow.

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  love my kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By jose garcia - August 21 - 10:00 am

  l did a lot of reseach before l brought this kia and for the price you cant get a better deal. l drove it in the snow and the four wheel drive was great. if you dont mind the name kia on your truck then this is the truck for you.