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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  a great car for the money - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By chuckdaddy - September 20 - 10:46 am

  did a lot of research before buying this suv. a ton of standard features and great value. the 2005 5 speed automatic (with shiftronic) is much more driveable and gives better gas mileage than the 2004 with the 4 speed auto. great looking car -- resembles lexus r300, acura mdx, and the mercedes m series. mine has the sport package, which includes some nice extras. good acceleration when you punch the gas. the premium michelin cross terrain tires are a plus. (and you get a full size spare on an alloy rim)

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  donnas suv ;) - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By dcdavis - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Its a GREAT Mid size SUV.. and you dont have to pay the price of a ford Explorer and it looks lik the Lexus SUV for a fraction of the cost!! My sister in law has the Lexus SUVa nd my Kia Sorento has all the same features. give a a Kia any day. When my daughter turns 16 in about 2 years I will give her the sorento and get another one...The very best deal for the $$$$

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  LOVE my Kia! - 2015 Kia Sorento
  By sab3mmom - September 18 - 5:58 pm

  This is my third actually. I had my 2004 Sorento LX for 10.5 years and it was more reliable than ANY vehicle I have ever owned. So I traded for a 2015. Ive only had it for 2 months and 850 miles but its great! Average mileage running mostly city and in eco setting is 21. Still getting used to the back-up camera and some of the options Ive never had before but those heated seats are wonderful!

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  Disappointed - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By brianandr - September 17 - 4:23 am

  One of the big selling points for me was the HWY MPG. It has been a BIG disappointment so far. I have put 6000 miles on it and have yet to get better than 24MPG. KIA states 32...HOW?! My last 3 Nissans(Rogue, Versa, 350Z) all got at or above what the factory claimed, including the Rogue(which I should have gone with again). I love that it has plenty of room and comes at a great value but if I had known I wasnt even going to get in the ballpark of their HWY MPG, I would have gone a different route.

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  Best Car I have ever owned - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By andrewm1 - September 16 - 3:28 pm

  I have owned and driven many cars in my 26 years of driving and can honestly say that the Kia Sorento is the best car I have ever driven.I am a big 6 foot 3 300lb+ guy and the front seat driving position has the most room I have ever had in any car/suv.I am very comfortable and never feel cramped or strained in the seat.The 4Cyl 6 speed automatic is fine for me.The car is incredibly quiet on the road and often sounds like it is not on.The suspension is very smooth and there is no body lean whatsoever with this car.The turning radius is incredible.The interior design is high end and the exterior is more masculine than other "girly cars".I love this CUV and am glad I bought it.

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  POOR gas mileage - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By horse8 - September 15 - 10:02 pm

  Excuses by Bairl Kia in Pgh for poor gas mileage: the snow, the hills, and the government sets those gas mileage ranges! I cannot get over 20mpg on the highway going 70mph. I bought this vehicle for the listed gas mileage. Not even close! The ride is hard. It has the bells and whistles but I would have liked what was advertised by Kia. I am disappointed.

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  Lots of luxury features in mainstream prices - 2018 Kia Sorento
  By Ashgreen - September 7 - 9:28 am

  We shopped around for Mid size/compact SUV. After trying CRV, CX-5, Tiguan, Pilot, Highlander we settled down on Kia Sorento. The size is just right with lots of room for front and mid row passengers. The third row is good to have. The V6 engine is perfect for the weight of the vehicle to accelerate. The car handling is very nice with active safety features. The warranty is just great, gives peace of mind for 5 years bumper to bumper and 10yrs/100K on transmission. We have owned Toyotas and Lexus cars before and change to Kia brand was a big decision, we are glad we did make that right.

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  The Sorrento EX is a steal at 24K - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Al Rava - September 6 - 2:00 am

  A luxury SUV for half the price of the usual luxury SUVs

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  best purchase ever - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By stan miller - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the kia about three weeks and so far it apears to be the best auto purchase my wife and I have ever made. We love everything about the sorento.

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  Kia Sorento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Gears5150 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  A great SUV at a superprice. No problems at all after 10K miles. Very good ride, better then other cars that I have owned.