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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  Still Amazed! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Douglas Lower - September 22 - 12:30 am

  Update: I have had the vehicle for 2 weeks now and over 1000 miles. If you can handle a manual transmission, this is the model to get. The 4 cyl w/o the auto or awd bogging it down, performs flawlessly! I love the hill holder. You will not need awd, if you cannot get going with fwd and traction control, you will not be able to stop it either, in similar conditions, so why drive at that point! Mileage is still fantastic, same or better than my kia soul! My sorento is getting quieter and smoother with every mile as the tires and suspension break in. I drive it like an economy car and get the results. I love the safety features, and all the room.

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  LEXUS RX300 CLONE - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By HOWEL MOLE - September 20 - 2:00 am

  HAVE OWNED MANY NEW AUTOS, FROM MARK 7S CADILLACS, BONNIEVILLES ETC. THIS EX MODEL HAS EVERYTHING. IT HAS TO BE A CLONE OF THE RX300. THE QUALITY IS AS GOOD AS THE RX300 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LEATHER SEATS. ONLY 1" DIFFERENCE IN THE LENGTH, 300 LBS HEAVER, 20 HP LESS AND $14,000 LESS. VERY NICE RIDE AND THE POWER IS NOT LACKING FOR A V6. I STILL CAN BELEIVE HOW GREAT A CAR IT IS FOR THE PRICE.

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  Great purchase - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By jdcam - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased, only 110 miles so far. Best Bang for the buck out there!! Only time will tell on quality, but as of now.. I couldnt be happier. Fit and finish seems outstanding, no rattles or stange noises. My choices were a Kia or a 99 Merceded ML320. Features were the same, price was the same. I had to go with the warranty.

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  class act.... - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By boats - September 20 - 2:00 am

  well just got it 3 days ago no complaints did the research. think kia did a great job

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  04 5 speed LX Sorento - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By SAABRento - September 16 - 9:00 am

  Great SUV. The SE (RARE) 5 speed LX model has been nothing but a pleasure. The 3.5 Hyundai V-6 is powerful and has plenty of torque. The SUV is very quiet and has a solid ride. The controls are easy to find and the radio has the power of an aftermarket. The brushed ally interior is a $200 option and is stock on my model along with nerfbars and fog lights. The model I have has a limited slip differential rearend that in 4x4 is nothing but unstoppable.

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  Kia is Korean for "Bad Brakes" - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By James - September 15 - 2:13 pm

  I traded a 2004 Sedona van because of repeated brake issues (2 sets of rotors and 4 brake jobs in 64,000 miles) and was assured the brake problems had been fixed. My Sorrento has 37,000 miles and is on its second set of replacement rotors. The brake warrenty is only 12,000 miles; guess why. Also, the scheduled maintenance that is required in order to keep the warrenty intact is very expensive ($524.00 for the 30,000 mile service). Gas milage is poor for the size of the car. The car depreciates rapidly (mine is only worth $10,400 on a trade-in according to Kelly Blue Book).

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  Great Buy - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Computer Man - September 15 - 1:03 pm

  This is a great looking car and a great buy. I bought mine for $21,500. It is an EX with cloth. Great pickup and a pretty good ride. Has the look of a Lexus 330 but for $12-14K less. Ride is about 85% of a 330. But what do you expect for less money.

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  Exceeded Expectation- Everything Well Thought Out. - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Bryan Banks - September 9 - 4:17 pm

  I have owned 65 + vehicles- luxury to economy cars, high performance cars, SUVs, and Minivans. The Sorento has gotten more things just right than any vehicle I have ever owned. The push button start works perfectly, headlights give you the right options, controls layout is excellent, the ride/handling balance is very good and the engine and transmission perform flawlessly in sync. The engineering to get the amount of space and passenger capacity in a vehicle only 187 in. in length is a real accomplishment. Most other competition is 7 to 10 in. greater in vehicle length. With this space efficiency, comes weight savings and the strong V6, so it has good performance for a vehicle in this class. We got 24.7 mpg on highway trip. At this point of 2,500 miles, we could not be happier with our decision.

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  CMB-Review - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Khodam - September 9 - 10:00 am

  The car handles much better than the Honda CRV and the Hyundai and the Toyota RAV4 and is not sluggish at all. If only the fuel efficiency could be improved (i.e. technologiclally possible) then it would be really the best car for the buck. It has many amenities that are options on other similar category cars.

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  Excellent but - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By HN - September 8 - 6:16 pm

  I am so pleased with my Kia Sorento EX 05 model performance and off road experience have exceeded my expectations. Only one thing that I am not impressed about which is the frequent transmission glitches & the internal dashboard noises.