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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  Top Value!!! - 2018 Kia Sorento
  By ALAN PORTER - January 20 - 11:07 pm

  One of the best values on the road!

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  look no further - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By joseph mangione - January 13 - 10:00 am

  In the market for a SUV? Look no further!I am so impressed with this product, that Im telling you to run not walk to your KIA dealer to buy one. I love everything about this car. Its sturdy well built feeling gives you the felling of driving a much more "exspensive vehichle", and having the opportunity to drive my wifes BMW 5 series car, I think I can make that comparrison with confidence. Dont hesitate and have fun with your new Sorento.

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  great upsized mid level suv - 2016 Kia Sorento
  By rich - January 4 - 8:54 pm

  looked at several others including the Honda crv and the Subaru forrester and couldnt believe the additional size and value in this car. I have 2000 miles on it since it was leased and I love it. the interior materials are not cheap but very soft and rich looking. the controls while incorporating touch technology still have a lot of buttons and dials which I personally love. great sounding satellite radio and the noise level from outside is minimal. I have the 240 horse turbo and was concerned with the low milage epa estimates for the car thinking I would be lucky to get 22-23 miles per gallon. I changed the selection for the engine to echo mode when I drove it home and it has been there ever since. I have the awd and I have consistently averaged 25 + miles since new. I have not had any lack of power in this mode and will continue to leave it there. back seats very roomy and had three adults back there going out to eat the other night with no issues. back storage area very large also. another nice feature which I havent had to use yet is the locking hub mode for deep snow etc. great car at a wonderful price.

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  Wow, We love it - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By satterlee - January 3 - 12:10 pm

  It is a pleasure to drive. Comfortable ride and precise steering.

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  Kia unable to repair. - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Gunter Dresler - December 31 - 9:00 pm

  After driving my 1.5 year old 20,000 km Sorento for 10 meters in 50 cm deep water, it stopped running. The Dealer/Importer had the car for over 6 month in the shop and could NOT get it running again. I paid for a new Computer, but still, as of today it is not running. The location of the air intake is for an SUV on one of the most stupid places you can find in an 4 weal ATV. and so is the location of the Computer.

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  Great Vehicle for the $$$ - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By Happy camper - December 31 - 2:00 am

  When I started looking into the SUV market I had never considered KIA. Korean made....how good can it be? A visit a to a local dealership and a test drive soon convinced me. I was very impressed with the overall quality of the vehicle. It is very well made, offers a great ride, comfortable, 5 star crash test rating, awesome sound system. The performance in snow is outstanding. It is not the best vehicle on the road for fuel economy however. Then again you are lugging around slightly over 4300 lbs so it is about as good as you can expect from a SUV of this size. It is not a Lexus but then again it is not 40K plus. Simply put it is a Great Vehicle for the $$$.

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  Excellent SUV - 2012 Kia Sorento
  By bevro - December 28 - 1:36 pm

  Just bought this car the end of August. I have now reached my first 1000 miles. I have had no problems with this vehicle in any way. Great on gas. I do mostly highway averaging 35 miles per day. 1 full tank of gas has lasted me all 7 days, and even have enough fuel to get me through the rest of my week. No problems with interior and exterior. So far, this is the best car i have owned for some time. I get huge compliments from family, friends and co-workers, even the big boss. No regrets yet.

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  Update after 10k miles and 7 mos. - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By rocknronnie - December 27 - 11:30 pm

  Update on my Sorento. The Sorento has lost a little luster since new. I have yet to experience the common strut noise, however if anyone has a rattle noise coming from driver side roof area, remove the left rear grab handle on roof and see if it goes away. Worked for me. HVAC blower fan bearing is making noise now. Just installed a trailer hitch. With only four bolts, twenty minutes later I was done. Mileage continues to impress as engine breaks in. So far so good, I am starting to wonder if the Borrego would have been a better choice.

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  Fun SUV! - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Becca - December 24 - 11:40 pm

  We downsized from a minivan to this and I have loved everything about it since the minute I sat in it. It looks and drives great. It was a mothers day gift for me, but my husband loves to drive it! He has compared it to other suvs in the same class, and there is no comparison. It drives like a sports car. I get so many comments about it by everyone. Only problems we have encountered is we cant have one window down at a time or it sounds like were in a helicopter. Its also a tight squeeze for a family with 3 kids in car seats, but are able to make it work. Oh another thing - buy the 4 wheel drive. This cutie (we purchased the base model) does not like to drive in snow or ice!

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  Really Good Car - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By Swamp Creek - December 23 - 10:40 am

  This car has plenty of legroom and headroom for me, 6-6". Handles very well, although the ride is a little stiff. I bought mine without the third row seats. That gives me a nice cargo area with storage under the floor where I can stow all the miscellaneous stuff that usually ends up scattered all over the car. The six speed transmission is the best automatic transmission Ive ever driven and the four cylinder engine has plenty of power. Gas mileage is around 23.5 mpg around town. Its a company car and gets driven lots of short haul trips.