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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  Very unhappy kia owner - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By william - December 22 - 5:46 am

  I am very dissatisfied with this vehicle. To pay this much for a vehicle and have it develop so many rattles so soon is very disappointing, also the strut noise is constant, something I would expect in a $12,000 car, not a $30,000. very unhappy customer, would not buy again

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  KIA SORENTO - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Shawn Cook - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Overall i have no problems. But trying to do some of the maint. yourself is difficult. It is very difficult to change the headlights and to change the oil and filter you have to remove a plastic skid plate

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  Unique - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By jojo - December 17 - 2:00 am

  We have driven our LX v6 Sorento for 2 months now. It averages about 19 mpg in regular driving and 21 on the highway, lower than expected. The car is well thought out and has great style. The front suspension is louder than my old drum set when going over even the smallest bumps, this needs to be recalled for this reason.Kia knows it is a problem since the new SX uses a different suspension system. Kia think of us and offer a fix to the LX suspension. Other than that a nice SUV.

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  Happy so far! - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By sahill1380 - December 14 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased my Sorento in January and have had no issues. I get 25mpg around town and 29mpg on the highway, much better than my Sedona. Many family trips and its delivered on all the promises.

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  Dont waste your money - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By billg - December 12 - 9:20 pm

  This is the 2nd Sorento we purchased. The first had a thumping in the drive shaft, after three replacements and a redesigned one and many other leaks and issues Kia bought it back. Mistakenly, I though it could be one bad SUV in a field of good ones. The second has leaky seals, a broken oil pressure sensor and now the rear differential went out in it, all at less than 15,000 miles. We take excellent care of our vehicles, my other truck has over 200K miles. Yes, the warranty is good, but what is the point if vehicle is always in the shop. Please do not waste your money on this SUV.

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  Great Engineering - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Ernest Dockery - December 10 - 10:20 pm

  KIA has their engineering down pat. I had no problems until after 100,000 miles and then the car seemed to start coming apart. First the windshield wiper control arm came apart then several of the sensors quit working and lastly the bolt on the harmonic balancer sheared causing me to get a new engine. I love the way the car drives but the reliability stinks.

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  2012 Kia Sorento - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By heydes - December 10 - 8:22 pm

  I am in love with this vehicle. We get a lot of looks and people commenting on how nice the car looks. I am very happy. I like the option of the third row. We only have two children and the car works out well for our family. The second row is a little smaller than I would prefer.

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  2014 Sorento SX V6 - 2014 Kia Sorento
  By 4norm78 - December 3 - 2:25 pm

  I picked up my Kia at a Cadillac dealership. The car was about a year old with 3500 miles on it. The price was $8000 below sticker. For the past 4 months, the car has been stellar. Excellent ride, good handling, excellent gas mileage and its comfortable. The car was well equipped with panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled seats, power liftgate, power folding mirrors, nav, bluetooth, music hard drive, dual power seats, side radar, 3rd seat, rear a/c. Ive gotten 24-25 mpg with regular driving around the city. It gets 29-30 on the road.

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  Thumbs up - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By brapla - December 3 - 10:00 am

  After only 2 months, I am thrilled I bought my Sorento. It is fun to drive, responsive and it turns heads. Sure, the gas milage leaves alot to be desired, but I knew that going in. I can buy alot of gas for the money I saved by not buying the other brands. The only problem I have is the outside themometer doesnt keep up with the temperature changes, but I understand that is being addressed.

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  Best I found - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By stevengood - November 30 - 2:00 am

  this is the best ride i have found in the suv market. the downside is supposed to be the resale value but witn 50k a year the dollar savings has proven to be worth it. a great ride, nice style and over 17 mpg all that for 25000 dollars and the 100,000 mile warranty doesnt hurt