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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  KIAs new 2011 Sorento takes on the other guys and wins! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By heyofficer - March 1 - 5:35 am

  Yep..I know that car magazines get advertising money paid by all the auto manufacturers. And some reviewers are also funded by them. So their reviews may be skewed by Not me! I dont get paid by any manufacturer. And this is my review on the 2011 KIA Sorento SX! We research a lot before we buy just about any major purchase. Weve had 17 new cars in the past 21 years. Toyota sedans, sports cars (MR2 Supercharged!), and SUVs. Honda Sedans and SUV, Dodges, Several Ford SUVs and 2 mini-vans, etc. And we are informed buyers, and PICKY! So when we went shopping it was to replace our Mazda5 "van"...which we were giving to our Daughter for college.

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  5k mile update - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By nor cal kia convert - February 26 - 11:56 am

  Zero reliability problems after 5k miles and mileage slowly improving. Only complaint is occasional loss of satellite signal. Re: mileage, if you actually set cruise control at 65 mph and inflate tires to spec, it really does get 28-29 mpg. Of course, i usually drive 75 mph, then its 24.5. Some minor suspension noise on uneven roads, mostly from right front side - but maybe other Sorentos have it worse b/c mine really isnt bad, and still quieter than any Honda. Nice firm ride and great handling is a trade-off Ill accept over floaty ride of RAV4. Road noise on good roads VERY low. No rattles in this car whatsoever and size is just right - easy to park in town, big enough for stuff/people

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  Do not buy one! - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By hransdelljr - February 18 - 4:06 am

  With less than 750 miles we developed a problem in the start up which Kia says they do not have a fix and do not know when a fix will be available. We bought their top of the line model and have been left "in the cold" as the saying goes. We were told absolutely not to refund or replacement and that we had to remove our vehicle from their service lot (still with the problem) or face storage fees. In my opinion do not waste your time looking at this vehicle.

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  IN LOVE WITH MY KIA - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By BLONDEBOMBOO - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this SUV. For the price and safety features you can not go wrong.Safety rating are a big plus. Side air bags, steel reenforced doors/frame, and a drop down engine where very important for protection of my family. 10yr/100,000 mile warranty is best amoung most.

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  Love my Kia - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By sya0402 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I had my heart set on a Toyota Sequoia,but after test driving the 2004 Kia Sorento I was hooked. The body style caught my eye. Its sporty and solid. Not only is it a great looking vehicle, it costs thousands less than the Toyota SUVs even with the luxury package!

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  Georgia and Drivers win with this KIA - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By C Gladdue - February 15 - 9:53 pm

  I just took delivery of the 2011 Kia Sorento and if the price doesnt make you smile the car will. I loved the aggressive lines, size and exterior features that made this redesign stand out as the newest competitor on the block. I bought the LX in Titanium Silver with black cloth interior and the Convenience Package. This $1,000 package gave me a lot of extras such as a color back-up camera, back-up sensors, heated seats, fog lights and a roof rack. This is just where the extras start considering the inside is packed full of the latest technology from blue tooth in the steering wheel to a jack for every elctronic I own. If I had to shop for a car all over again Sorento would win again.

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  Great Vehicle at a Great Value - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By rdilley - February 15 - 11:43 am

  I purchased my Kia Sorento in July of 2011 and I have had zero problems with it. I use it to commute to work and back 90 miles round trip and have logged over 50,000 miles on it. I have tested the AWD in Sandy beaches and it did not dissapoint. The gas mileage had been good at around 25-27 hwy and 22-24 city. I have been very satisfied with this vehicle overall. I have had to change the tires due to the everyday driving commute and replaced the Kuhmo tires with Brigdgestone Dueler HTs with a more aggresive tread.

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  Bad Purchase - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Paul M - February 13 - 10:30 pm

  Traded in a 2008, lx, v6,4x4, real mistake. The 2011 sorento lx 4 cyl. Has loud strut noise, rides rough, loud road noise and the transmission whines on the 4 cyl. The 4 cyl only gets 1 mpg better than my v-6 got. I was told undercoating would help, it didnt. The only solution for the tranny noise was to play the radio louder. This was my fourth Kia in four years. The only good one was the 2008 sorento. Dont take a short test drive on a smooth road like I did.

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  Very New, but First Impressions Are +++! - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By Robert M - February 11 - 6:18 am

  This is a "first impression" review, so take it for what it is worth. We acquired our 2016 Sorento V6 AWD SXL a few weeks ago in order to accommodate towing a boat that we want to purchase soon. The other driver for buying an SUV is a very active daughter with many types of gear associated with her many activities. My first impression based upon extensive research, is that the Kia DOES live up to its promise of being trouble free/high quality. This vehicle has nearly every option, including lane-departure warning, cruise control with anti-collision technology, multiple setting for steering, AWD, touch-less rear hatch opening, etc. etc. All of which have revealed themselves as easy-to-use, intuitive, and helpful. This is a much larger car than my wife and I are accustomed to as we have both been driving Ford C-Max Energis for the past two years (also excellent vehicles and nearly gas-free). Despite the increased size (over what we are accustomed to), the Kia Sorento is easily managed in town, and even more precise (perhaps the AWD at work?). Im quite impressed with how it tracks so well around corners and does so with little or no body-roll. I find particularly useful in the narrow confines of my work-places garage, and the recent wet, leaf-strewn condition in our city. Tremendous confidence. Inside, we went all-out. We like comfort, but we do not like the Lexus/BMW "costs" to enjoy them. This vehicle has it all--heated/ventilated front seats--heated rear seats, panoramic sun-roof, Navigation, satellite radio, integrated voice commands, streaming, endlessly-adjustable drivers & front seats, heated steering wheel (unnecessary, but now that I "know" this luxury--how could i have ever lived without it??;)), large and easy-to-use navigation screen which incorporates many other features, reclining rear seats that scoot back and forth as necessary, good storage and convenient cubbies for electronics, excellent interior lighting, and two additional third-row seats when necessary. I like to describe the Sorrento as an extremely comfortable and functional 5-seat SUV with a 2-seat bonus in the third row. We dont think we will use the 3rd row much, but when not in use, the cargo area is more than adequate for the kids gear, and the requisite swim-team equipment that we religiously tote around all summer for swim-meets. The 3rd row is more comfortable and roomier than the Chrysler Pacificas, and the Mazda 5s--both cars weve owned in the past. Acceleration is perfectly adequate. We dont buy into the idea that we need a fast car, nor that we need to beat other drivers on the road, and have adopted a culture of conservation throughout our lifestyle. So, a V6 and MPG below 45 is a compromise for us (My wife has averaged 138 MPG in her Cmax during the past two years since around-town we use only electric mode; ive averaged 79 with more out-of-town trips in mine). The Sorento comes with an EPA MPG of 17 in-town with AWD. Our first tank rendered 23.5 mpg. Thats better than our old Mazda 5. We hope our first impressions hold. The buying experience was very pressure free, and we got some good incentives. the final prices was more than 10% below MSRP, and the Kia processing was dignified--no high pressure efforts to sell us crud we do not need, and we didnt walk away from the dealership feeling like wed been had. I think with Kias high quality scores, these cars pretty much sell themselves.

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  best auto I owned - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By big blue - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Everything about it i love. safe,fun,reliable. I have owned many cars mostly ford and GM but the serento by far is my favorite.highly recomend