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 Major Disappointment - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By mdawgg - July 18 - 8:14 pm

  After 150 miles the plastic seat belt retainer clips popped out of the interior sides they were supposed to be anchored to. I tried to put them back in but they would eventually pop out again. After 250 miles the engine began to idle rough, the transmission would go "clunk" when shifting up or down at slow speeds, and the car began to vibrate when driving on the highway. After 850 miles the rear view screen in the mirror for the backup camera began to have thick black lines across it. Sometimes the screen would go completely black. The car has only a little over 1000 miles on it, but I dread driving it for fear of having more things go wrong. I will never buy another Kia again.

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  Awesomw - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Richard Clark - July 16 - 3:34 am

  Traded a 2013 Sorento 4 cylinder in for the 2016 Sorento V6 Ex premium pkg. Absolutely love the redesign. Extremely quiet, plenty of power, very comfortable. Also own a 2011 Optima EX with the prem/tech pkg and absolutely love it. No problems or complaints with either vehicle. Actually loved the 2013 Sorento but needed the V6 for towing. Plan to continue buying Kias.

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  Something to think about. - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By dbgiles - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Why would I look at a KIA? That was my first reaction when it was suggested. . I started doing some research on the KIA Sorento (of course begining with Edmunds).I couldnt believe all the favorable reviews. I then test drove it and it was very smooth and for the money you pay the features and warranty cant be beat.When the only downside to a vehicle is that its gas mileage is about 10% worse than other models that is not at all much to complain about. if serious about purchasing neg. via the internet and you can usually get your best deal. I got mine that way for $200 over invoice well below even the Edmunds TMV.

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  Eye catching SUV - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Heather - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I did alot of research on the Sorento, I had not seen that many on the road. Everything that I had read was positive, and for the price you can not beat this SUV. I test drove it and was very pleased with the ride and comfort, also plenty of room for the kids in the back seat. And I was very pleased with the warranty, if a company is willing to back the vechile with the kind of warranty, they know they have built a great car.

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  Happy Kia Owner :) - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Bryantvj - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to buy a Jeep Cherokee or a Durango, but when I saw the Kia, I completely forgot about the competition. The price is better, it looks very classy, and is just as roomy as the other SUVs. People give my vehicle double takes, they are so impressed. Ive introduced the Kia to several of my friends, and now they are looking to buy one.

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  My second Kia Sorento - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Corby - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Kia Sorento in January. I was very close to buying a Highlander. So close that I had put a deposit on one, but cancelled the purchase because I thought the Highlander was not enough car for the money. It was $32,800. The next week I test drove the Sorento. The car gave a better ride, was better looking and best of all was $7,000 less expensive than the Highlander. We have enjoyed the Sorento so much that when we needed another car for my wife we went back to the dealer and bought another one. Now we have a black Sorento EX and a white Sorento EX.

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  MORE FOR YOU MONEY - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By JIMMY - July 8 - 10:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE IS NOT ONLY AFFORDABLE BUT THE FEATURES IS SUPERB NOT A WHOLE LOT OF PLASTIC PARTS TO BREAK. THE ONE THING THAT KIA SHOULD HAVE OFFERED WAS MORE HORSEPOWER AT 197 IT IS NOT AS QUICK AS MOST IN ITS CLASS BUT IT OUT WEIGHTS EVERYTHING ELSE ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY! THAT YOU CANNOT BE A PRICE TAG ON AND WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY AND REALIABILITY IT OULD RATHER TAKE THAT THAN THE EXTRA HOSEPOWER. KIA HAS A WINNER ON THEIR HAND ALL THEY NEED TO DO IS GIVE IT MORE HOSEPOWER THEN ALL BUYER WILL SAY WOW!! WHAT A SUV

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  Waited a LONG time for this! - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By motowngirl1967 - July 5 - 8:59 pm

  I had to buy a new car--my 2003 Hyundai Sonata had 204,000 miles on it (and is STILL GOING STRONG) but the air conditioning died three years ago. A/C is a requirement here in Florida! After driving my 6 year old son around in it and making both of us miserable, I did my research and found that the Kia Sorento had the features on it that I wanted and, most importantly, at a price I could afford. I really liked the redesign, as well. I got great financing through Kia, as well. I have not regretted signing on the dotted line 48 hours ago, and I will not regret getting such a good-looking vehicle with a fantastic warranty.

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  So far so good - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By snowdude - July 3 - 10:00 am

  We just bought an 03 Kia Sorrento EX and so far so good. The car provides a very comfortable ride and my wife loves it. I wanted a Toyota 4Runner but she liked the smaller size of the Kia. The outside and inside finish on our car is excellent. We love the smooth ride and cant wait to take it up to Snowbird for a few powder runs.

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  Transmission - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By ernie1 - July 1 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our new 2011 Sorento and after 3 weeks and 2000 km we had 3 major transmission shocks in a single day, as well as one event when it seem to completely come out of gear, before once again dropping into gear with a major jolt. This is our second Kia, we traded our Spectra as it was also having transmission problems when it would lock in third gear and only reset if we would stop and shut off the engine. right now we are not to pleased with kia, they have had the Sorento in the shop or 4 days and say it is a sensor problem. right now we are not very happy with Kia and regret our purchase.