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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  2014 Sorento - great value! - 2014 Kia Sorento
  By duanez - April 8 - 3:24 pm

  I just purchased a 2014 Sorento LX V6 AWD - What a great value! I purchased a new 2011 Sorento LX 4cyl my wife is the primary driver of. We both liked the vehicle; still have it. Had a transmission input shaft fail under warranty, but the service was top notch. The V6 is very strong, and the vehicle is very quite at all speeds. After doing a lot of research, this remains the best bet for my price point.

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  Love My Sorento, But... - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Love My Sorento - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Well, I LOVE my Sorento! Purchased it in March 2010. Have been all over and it has been a GREAT car. Only a few things that I dislike about it. 1). The fuel economy is HORRIBLE! I have a 4 cylinder, but I get 18 in city, and 24 on hwy UGH! Big let down for me. 2). The car ride is very bumpy. Sometimes I am wondering if I am riding on just bare rims. Definitely needs improvement on shock absorbency. 3). Lack of get up and go power. Have to wonder if I am in a power wheel at times haha! Definitely cant jump out in front of anyone. Those are the only things I dislike about my Sorento, other than that I love the car. Great car for great $!

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  nice car - 2017 Kia Sorento
  By charles mcclenaghan - April 3 - 7:53 pm

  Loaded with safety features , rides and handles good , so far 19mpg (only 350 miles) plenty of luggage space

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  Best Value for the money - 2007 Kia Sorento
  By Kia Lover - April 2 - 6:13 pm

  I had a 2005 Sportage and upgraded to the Sorento because I purchased a boat and needed a vehicle to pull it. With a towing capacity of 5000 lbs you cant beat it. I got this one fully loaded with the Luxury Package. My Sorento is black with tan leather interior. This vehicle handles great and has more than enough power. Yeah, the gas mileage is not the best, but it is pretty average of other 6 cylinder SUVs. And if you are up for it, this vehicle can do some off roading. The Sorento was rated in the top 14 SUVs as a true off road vehicle. This was done by USA Today 3 years ago.

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  Best Vehicle Ive ever owned - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By raymoto - April 2 - 11:53 am

  I bought my 2003 Kia Sorento 4x4 automatic brand new in 2003. Im the original owner and as of this posting has $120K miles. Ive taken great care of the car. The engine and transmission suspension, steering have been solid as a rock. Ive only had a few issues. It will no longer shift into 4x4, which I think a control module went bad, but it still operates in 4x2 mode. One engine sensor needed replacing the fuel temperature senors which I replaced myself. Other than that it has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Its considerably fast for 190 HP, roomy, and feels very safe and controlled in the rain! Get one if you can!

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  Perfect Experience - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Happy Customer - April 2 - 2:00 am

  We had a bad experience with a truck dealership, and had bought a 2003 Kia Spectra GSX previously so back to the Kia dealer we went for our next vehicle! The sales people were excellent--and the vehicle is top notch! It rides like a dream--very smooth, and it handles like a car with a tight turning radius. Im used to driving my Spectra and the transition from that to the Sorento was seamless. I wish the gas mileage was better--but for what you get--(all the standard "extras") its worth every penny!

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  Eye Candy leaves you with a sour taste! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Ginger Kita - March 30 - 2:00 am

  2011 Sorento EX with sun-roof and convenience pkg. V6. 3,500 mi This vehicle had a bold, yet classy exterior look.Very appealing from most angles and in most colors. Dark Cherry is still my favorite and glad I chose it (even though you lose some contrast with the various black trim (ie. fog lmaps). Interior is very nice even with cloth seats. Modern and classy (Plastic dash and arm rest could use better materials). Radio is Fair. Sun-roof broke within a few uses and makes annoying vibrations and rattles. Breaks are weak and can be grabby. Transmission has horrible down shift at ~30 mph.Suspension is terrible like a go-cart! Several vibrations and rattles inside. Ride decent on smooth roads.

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  So Far So Bad - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Kia Disappointment - March 29 - 1:40 am

  Own a EX V6 FWD with the Premium Package. Interior Fit and Finish are excellent. Exterior in the Titamium Silver is beautiful. Car has been a disappointment though. Many rattles have developed after only 2650 miles on the car. Second and Third row seats are way too tight for adults or teens for that matter. With our 11 month old grandsons car seat in my wife who is 59" tall has to have her seat so far up that her knees touch the dash. Climate Control Sensor has gone bad two times. This is the first car I have ever bought that I regret my decision. To think that I traded an very reliable 04 Mountaineer which I loved, but the MPG was a killer.

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  Impressed with the Sorento - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By amatechsan - March 28 - 11:53 pm

  The Sorento wasnt among the cars we intended to check out. Upon reading the reviews, we added it to the list. The test drive was so smooth, we bumped it up to our top three. When the Honda guy told us that the Sorentos are viable competition to the CR-V, we knew the Sorento was the one to buy.

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  Great MPG and All Wheel Drive - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By alexr79 - March 27 - 12:54 am

  I have 1,200 miles on my Kia Sorento LX. It has all wheel drive and the convenience package. I recntly took a couple of trips that were about 150 miles each in total distance. I am very impressed with the mileage I am getting. The most recent was yesterday where I got 30 mpg. The weather was calm and pleasant (no a/c) and I was driving 70 mph on the interstate. The trip before that was a week ago on country roads. The weather was very hot (a/c was used) and it was windy. I was driving 65 mph and I got 27 mpg