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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  Yes, its a KIA! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By rozebud - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Wow, I never thought in a million years Id own a Kia! I researched this one to death and feel like a made a great purchase. I really enjoy driving this vehicle and I love the response I get from people when they ask what brand it is.Most say "really?" or "youre kidding!" It was a bit of an adjustment going from a Town & Country van(ultra smooth, luxury) to a rougher riding SUV. But Kia has really done a great job making this vehicle seem luxurious.Of course I got the lux package. I may consider buying smoother riding tires when its time to replace the originals.

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  2006 Kia Sorento EX Lux Edition - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By Steven - March 18 - 9:16 pm

  Quit, fast and reliable.

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  Love the Sorento - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By Okie - March 17 - 7:26 am

  Bought this Kia after looking at and driving the Jeep Patriot & GMC Acadia. The 4x4 operation is very smooth. The build quality really impressed me. The wife loves the safety at 5 star rated with knee bags included. The auto-stick 5 speed is awsome. Great power from the engine. Hushed and refined. The price "bang for the buck" is hard to beat. Lots of safety, performance, build quality and features. I shopped for about five months before purchasing. Gas mileage is not bad, 18 mpg in town. The moon roof leaves plenty of head room for the 6 1" driver. 100,000 mile warantee sold me.

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  Quite Satisfied - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Robert - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have to say, I really like this vehicle so far. Driving is enjoyable. The steering wheel is a bit heavy, but is not a distraction. The V6 engine has plenty of power. My gas mileage keeps going up the more I get used to it. Currently about 20 MPG in mixed driving. I am coming out of an Infiniti M35 and have not missed it. Comparatively, the backup camera is not quite as clear. The Bluetooth Phone connectivity was a bit challenging with two phones connected. Voice recognition is average. I found the transmission gearing a bit close and noticed some RPM pull in some downshifts. Overall I am very happy with the quality and driving impression of this car. Go drive one!

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  Not the original Kia - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Tim - March 11 - 5:10 pm

  When my wife first suggested a Kia Sorento I was hesitant. My first thought was of the Kia vehicles from 5- 6 years ago. They were not very appealing. However after test driving a Sorento EX I was impressed. The classy design and the roomy interior was just what this family of three needed. The ride is smooth for the most part (a little bumpy on unimproved roads but so are most vehicles). The A/C works great and the handy storage spaces are plentiful. The hood of the vehicle seems to disappear when driving offering great visibility of the road. Add in the fact that the vehicle is equipped with side impact air bags and a weight sensitive passenger side airbag and you have a perfect family vehicle.

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  Decent car - 2006 Kia Sorento
  By princ_e_pal - March 11 - 4:23 am

  Ive had our Sorento now for about 4 weeks! Since then, Ive replaced the same brake light 2x. I guess there is a recall out for the switch but need to take it in sometime. Also, heard that LED bulbs will fix the problem since they take such low voltage to work. The airbag light has been on and I guess it could be an issue with the sensor in the seat or seatbelts. Take it to a reliable autobody place! They can solve most of the issues that the KIA dealer will SCREW you over. Im about 6 tall and feel like the sorento is a "chick" car. the seats sit up high and dont really adjust so I need to scrunch down to see out the window under the mirror. It does handle well and has power.

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  Exceptional CUV (Updated) - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Brett - March 10 - 5:04 pm

  15 Months of ownership and my original opinion of the Sorento still stands. Quiet, comfortable with no compromises. Completely satisfied with my purchase! ***************************************************************************** After endless hours of online comparisons, expert and consumer reviews, I finally narrowed my Premium Midsize CUV search. We test drove MDX, RX, Limited Highlander, Platinum Murano, and Sorento SXL V6. (No a fan of domestic brands and European makers rides too stiff) In a nut shell all vehicle had attributes, but we decided on the Sorento for the following reasons: The right size - perfect size for my family; with an emergency 3rd row as needed. A full suite of safety and luxury amenities, that are second to none of the aforementioned CUVs. Exceptional ride quality with a hushed cabin, second by a slim margin to the RX (which looks dated). Controls are intuitive and uncluttered - equal, if not superior to the Murano (exterior too radical for my taste). Exceptional warranty - Basic 5 Year 60,000 miles/10 Year 100,000 mile Power Train; superior to all brands. Thousands of dollars less than a comparably equipped luxury brand and sacrificed nothing...well maybe brand snobbery. Favorite Features - Large Panoramic Sunroof, exceptional connectivity and Infinity sound system with clarify, Surround View Monitor, ride quality and Smart Lift Gate and Enhanced Smart Cruise Control. No brand snobbery. I could go on but no need. Small improvements - Power tilt telescoping missing (manual only) Forward Collision Auto Braking (Only audible warning)

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  Excellent SUV but one major flaw - 2014 Kia Sorento
  By sprintrps - March 10 - 9:56 am

  The Sorento EX has it all for the price. I am 65" and it has plenty of room with easy ingress/egress for me. The SUV is fast, quiet and very solid. There are no rattles or squeaks. I am a conservative driver and my around town driving has measured 22.9 mpg. Very happy with that. The transmission is not smooth, shifts at strange times, downshifts with an impact and "clunks" the first 1st to 2nd gear shift of the day.

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  2nd Review AFTER 13,000 Miles - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By OkieGill - March 8 - 1:20 pm

  Thought I would write a update since my first post was May of 07. It is now Feb of 09 and not one thing wrong in 18 months and 15,200 miles on odometer. No squeaks, rattles or groans. 3.8 is exceptional engine. 4x4 works flawlessly. Fit and Finish still first rate. Had just normal dealer service every 6K. Dont pass up this bargain and fun to drive sport ute. Great job Kia

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  Satsifaction - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Cathy Andrade - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Comfort,style,Good handling. Great Pickup and speed. Lots of room. Great on long runs and traveling.