Kia Sorento Quick Facts
- The 2021 model year and later offer the best tech and safety features, but older generations make great choices.
- The Sorento is an affordable 3-row SUV loaded with features, and the second-gen was Kia’s first model assembled in the United States.
- Buying a certified pre-owned Sorento reinstates the original 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Kia has grown from a bargain brand into a major contender in the U.S. market, and the Sorento is a great illustration of the automaker’s growth over the last 20-plus years. Although it’s now available with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Sorento was gas-only for most of its life. That might be a downside for some buyers, but the lack of a price premium for hybrid technology makes many used Sorento model years more affordable than you’d think. Kia’s factory 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty isn’t fully transferable to subsequent owners, but certified pre-owned models retain that coverage.
What Are the Best Kia Sorento Years to Buy Used?
There are two ways to answer this question. If budget is a primary concern but you don’t want to give up modern tech and safety features, a fourth-generation model from 2021 or later is you best bet. Kia updated the Sorento with an extensive suite of advanced driver-assistance features, desirable entertainment tech, and efficient available hybrid powertrains. Newer used options may still be covered under the factory warranty, which is reduced from 10 years or 100,000 miles to five years or 60,000 miles for subsequent owners. Budget-conscious buyers should also consider models from the third generation, which ran from 2016 through 2020. These models still offer many of the same driver-assistance and entertainment features, and they are generally more affordable.
See Kia Sorento SUVs for sale near you.
Kia Sorento by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Fourth Generation: 2021-Present
The 2025 Kia Sorento is offered in three powertrains and nine trims: the gas Sorento (LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige), the Sorento Hybrid (EX and SX-Prestige), and the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (EX and SX-Prestige). The gas LX and S use a 2.5-liter GDI four-cylinder making 191 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque with an eight-speed automatic; the gas EX, SX, and SX Prestige use a 2.5-liter turbocharged GDI four making 281 horsepower and 312 lb-ft with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Sorento Hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter turbo four with an electric motor for 227 combined horsepower and 258 lb-ft through a six-speed automatic, earning up to an EPA-estimated 36 mpg. The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid produces 261 combined horsepower and 258 lb-ft, adds a 14.0-kWh battery for about 30 miles of all-electric range, is rated at 74 MPGe, and comes standard with all-wheel drive. All 2025 Sorento models share a 110.8-inch wheelbase, measure 189.6 inches long and 74.8 inches wide, and offer 75.5 / 38.5–45.0 / 12.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the first, second, and third rows. This table compares engines, electrified powertrains, drivetrains, exterior and interior dimensions, wheels and tires, and fuel economy across every 2025 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento PHEV trim.
2025 Kia Sorento, Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrid — Specifications by Trim
▼| Specification | Sorento Gasoline | Sorento Hybrid HEV | Sorento Plug-in Hybrid PHEV | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | S | EX | SX | SX-P | EX | SX-P | EX | SX-P | |
| Engine | |||||||||
| Type | 2.5L I-4 GDI | 2.5L I-4 Turbo GDI | 1.6L I-4 Turbo Hybrid | 1.6L I-4 Turbo Plug-in Hybrid | |||||
| Displacement | 2,497 cc | 1,598 cc | |||||||
| Max. Engine Power | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 281 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 177.5 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 177.2 hp @ 5,500 rpm | |||||
| Max. Engine Torque | 195 lb.-ft. | 312 lb.-ft. | 195 lb.-ft. | 195 lb.-ft. | |||||
| Compression Ratio | 13.0:1 | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 | ||||||
| Hybrid & Electric System | |||||||||
| Electric Motor Power | — | 59 hp (44.2 kW) | 90 hp (66.9 kW) | ||||||
| Total System Horsepower | — | 227 hp | 261 hp | ||||||
| Total System Torque | — | 258 lb.-ft. | 258 lb.-ft. | ||||||
| Hybrid Battery | — | 1.0 kWh Li-ion polymer | 14.0 kWh Li-ion polymer | ||||||
| All-Electric Range (EPA est.) | — | 30 mi | |||||||
| Drivetrain | |||||||||
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch (DCT) | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic | |||||
| Drive | FWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | AWD | FWD / AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| AWD System | Active On-Demand AWD | ||||||||
| Exterior Dimensions | |||||||||
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in. | ||||||||
| Length | 189.6 in. | ||||||||
| Width | 74.8 in. | ||||||||
| Height | 66.7 in. | ||||||||
| Track (front / rear) | 65.0 / 65.4 | 64.8 / 65.2 | 64.8 / 65.2 | 64.5 / 64.8 | 64.5 / 64.8 | 64.8 / 65.2 | 64.8 / 65.2 | 65.0 / 65.4 | 65.0 / 65.4 |
| Ground Clearance | 6.9 in. | 6.85 in. | 6.93 in. | ||||||
| Approach Angle | 16.8 degrees | ||||||||
| Departure Angle | 22.1 degrees | 21.2 degrees | |||||||
| Interior Dimensions | |||||||||
| Passenger Seating Capacity | 7 passenger | 6 passenger | 6 passenger | ||||||
| Head Room (front / middle / rear) | 40.3 in. / 39.1 in. / 36.8 in. | ||||||||
| Leg Room (front / middle / rear) | 41.4 in. / 41.7 in. / 29.6 in. | 41.4 in. / 40.7 in. / 29.6 in. | 41.4 in. / 40.3 in. / 29.6 in. | ||||||
| Shoulder Room (front / middle / rear) | 59.1 in. / 58.1 in. / 53.0 in. | ||||||||
| Hip Room (front / middle / rear) | 55.6 in. / 55.1 in. / 42.5 in. | ||||||||
| Cargo Volume behind 1st row (SAE) | 75.5 cu. ft. | ||||||||
| Cargo Volume behind 2nd row (SAE) | 38.5 – 45.0 cu. ft. | ||||||||
| Cargo Volume behind 3rd row (SAE) | 12.6 cu. ft. | ||||||||
| Wheels & Tires | |||||||||
| Wheels | 17-in. | 18-in. | 18-in. | 20-in. | 20-in. | 19-in. | 19-in. | 19-in. | 19-in. |
| Tires | 235/65R17 | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 | 255/45R20 | 255/45R20 | 235/55R19 | 235/55R19 | 235/55R19 | 235/55R19 |
| Fuel Economy — EPA estimated, city / highway / combined | |||||||||
| MPG — FWD | 23 / 31 / 26 | 20 / 29 / 23 | — | 36 / 36 / 36 | — | — | |||
| MPG — AWD | 23 / 28 / 25 | 20 / 27 / 23 | 34 / 34 / 34 | — | |||||
| MPGe — Combined (PHEV) | — | 74 MPGe | |||||||
| MPG — Gas Only (PHEV) | — | 33 / 33 / 33 | |||||||
Sources: 2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Specifications (Kia America / KiaMedia). Specifications are for the 2025 model year and may vary with optional equipment. In the gas columns, “SX-P” is the SX Prestige trim. All listed wheels are alloy. Where a value spans multiple grade columns, that specification is common to those listed 2025 Sorento trims.
Gas LX and S use the 2.5L GDI four with an 8-speed automatic; gas EX, SX, and SX Prestige use the 2.5L turbo GDI four with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid pair a 1.6L turbo four with an electric motor. Front-wheel drive is standard on the gas LX, S, EX, and SX and on the Hybrid EX; all-wheel drive is standard on the gas SX Prestige, Hybrid SX-P, and both Plug-in Hybrid trims and optional on the other gas and Hybrid trims. The Plug-in Hybrid is EPA-rated at 74 MPGe combined with roughly 30 miles of all-electric range and about 460 miles of total driving range; its 33 mpg gas-only figure applies once the battery is depleted. Fuel-economy figures are EPA estimates for comparison only; actual mileage will vary.
Notable features of the 2025 Kia Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid compared across all nine trims: gas LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige; Hybrid EX and SX-Prestige; and Plug-in Hybrid EX and SX-Prestige. Highlights range from available all-wheel drive, panoramic sunroof, and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, Bose premium audio, wireless charging, Smart Power tailgate, Highway Driving Assist, Surround View Monitor, and Kia Drive Wise advanced driver assistance. This table shows which features are standard, optional, or unavailable on each 2025 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento PHEV trim.
2025 Kia Sorento, Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrid — Notable Features by Trim
▼S = Standard · O = Optional · — = Not Available
| Feature | Sorento Gasoline | Hybrid HEV | Plug-in Hybrid PHEV | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | S | EX | SX | SX-P | EX | SX-P | EX | SX-P | |
| Mechanical | |||||||||
| All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | — | O | O | O | S | O | S | S | S |
| Paddle shifters | — | — | — | — | S | S | S | S | S |
| Drive Mode Select with Snow mode | — | O | O | O | S | O | S | S | S |
| Exterior | |||||||||
| LED fog lights | — | — | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| LED rear combination lamps | — | — | — | S | S | — | S | — | S |
| Power-folding outside mirrors | — | — | — | S | S | — | S | — | S |
| Panoramic sunroof with power shade | — | O | O | S | S | O | O | O | S |
| Rain-sensing wipers | — | — | — | S | S | — | S | — | S |
| X-Line rugged styling (skid plates & roof rack) | — | — | O | O | S | — | — | — | — |
| Interior | |||||||||
| 12.3-in. reconfigurable digital cluster | — | — | — | S | S | — | S | — | S |
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror | — | — | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Retractable rear-door sunshades | — | — | — | — | S | — | S | — | S |
| Seating & Trim | |||||||||
| 2nd-row captain’s chairs | — | — | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Genuine leather-trimmed seats | — | — | — | — | S | — | S | — | S |
| Power driver’s seat (10-way or more) | — | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Driver’s seat memory (IMS) | — | — | — | — | S | — | S | — | S |
| Heated front seats | — | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Ventilated front seats | — | — | — | S | S | — | S | — | S |
| Heated steering wheel | — | — | — | — | S | — | S | — | S |
| Comfort, Convenience & Technology | |||||||||
| Dual-zone automatic climate control | — | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Touchscreen navigation | — | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Wireless phone charger | — | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Bose premium audio | — | — | — | — | S | — | S | — | S |
| Smart Power tailgate (auto close) | — | — | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| 115V power inverter | — | — | — | — | S | — | S | — | S |
| Digital Key 2.0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | S | — | S |
| Safety & Drive Wise | |||||||||
| Forward Collision-Avoidance (FCA) w/ Ped. & Cyclist | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance (BCA) | — | — | — | S | S | — | S | — | S |
| Highway Driving Assist (HDA) | — | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Surround View & Blind View Monitor | — | — | — | S | S | — | S | — | S |
| Parking Collision-Avoidance – Rear (PCA-R) | — | — | — | — | S | — | S | — | S |
Sources: 2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Features & Options (Kia America / KiaMedia). S = Standard, O = Optional, — = Not Available. In the gas columns, “SX-P” is the SX Prestige trim. This is a curated selection of notable and trim-differentiating features; it is not the complete equipment list.
Standard advanced airbags, 4-wheel ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS), LATCH child-seat anchors, and core Drive Wise features (Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Assist, and Rear Occupant Alert) are included on every 2025 Sorento, Hybrid, and PHEV trim and are omitted here for brevity. Availability may vary with packages and options.
Model-Year Changes:
2026: New X-Line Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) trims and updated exterior styling elements for some gas trims.
2025: No significant changes.
2024: The Sorento gets a larger touchscreen, redesigned grille, and updated taillights.
2023: All models gain blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple trims add more standard features.
2022: The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid debuts.
See 2021-to-current Kia Sorento models for sale near you.
Third Generation: 2016-2020
The 2020 Kia Sorento midsize three-row SUV specifications by trim — L, LX, LX V6, S V6, EX V6, and SX V6 — all offering standard seating for seven passengers. The L and LX trims use a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) inline-four producing 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The LX V6, S V6, EX V6, and SX V6 trims use a 3.3-liter GDI V6 producing 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on every 2020 Sorento; a Torque-on-Demand all-wheel-drive system with locking center differential is available on all trims except the base L. All trims share a 109.4-inch wheelbase, measure 189.0 inches long and 74.4 inches wide, offer 7.3 inches of ground clearance, and provide 11.3 / 38.0 / 73.0 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third, second, and first rows for 154.2 cubic feet of total interior volume. Fuel economy reaches an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined on the 2.4L FWD, and 19/26/22 mpg on the V6 FWD. Maximum towing ranges from 2,000 pounds on the 2.4-liter to 5,000 pounds on the V6 with all-wheel drive. This table compares engines, drivetrains, exterior and interior dimensions, chassis, steering, brakes, tires and wheels, weights, towing capacity, and fuel economy across every 2020 Kia Sorento trim.
2020 Kia Sorento — Specifications by Trim
▼| Specification | L | LX | LX V6 | S V6 | EX V6 | SX V6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||||||
| Type | 2.4L I-4 GDI | 2.4L I-4 GDI | 3.3L V6 GDI | 3.3L V6 GDI | 3.3L V6 GDI | 3.3L V6 GDI |
| Displacement | 2,359 cc | 2,359 cc | 3,342 cc | 3,342 cc | 3,342 cc | 3,342 cc |
| Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 290 hp @ 6,400 rpm | ||||
| Torque | 178 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm | 252 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm | ||||
| Valve System | DOHC with dual CVVT | |||||
| Fuel Injection System | Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) | |||||
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded (87 octane or higher) | |||||
| Drivetrain | ||||||
| Transmission | Electronically controlled 6-speed automatic, overdrive with Sportmatic | Electronically controlled 8-speed automatic, overdrive with Sportmatic | ||||
| Clutch Type | Torque converter | |||||
| Layout / Drive | Front engine, front drive | Front engine, front drive or full-time AWD | Front engine, front drive or full-time AWD | Front engine, front drive or full-time AWD | Front engine, front drive or full-time AWD | Front engine, front drive or full-time AWD |
| AWD System | — | Torque on demand with locking center differential | ||||
| Exterior Dimensions | ||||||
| Wheelbase | 109.4 in. | |||||
| Length | 189.0 in. | |||||
| Width | 74.4 in. | |||||
| Height, without roof rails | 66.3 in. | 66.3 in. | 66.3 in. | — | — | — |
| Height, with roof rails | — | 66.5 in. | — | 66.5 in. | 66.5 in. | 66.5 in. |
| Track (front / rear) | 64.3 in. / 64.7 in. | 64.1 in. / 64.5 in. | ||||
| Ground Clearance | 7.3 in. | |||||
| Approach Angle | 16.9 degrees | |||||
| Departure Angle | 21.0 degrees | |||||
| Interior Dimensions | ||||||
| Passenger Seating Capacity | 7 passenger | |||||
| Head Room (front / middle / rear) | 39.5 in. / 39.3 in. / 36.3 in. | |||||
| Leg Room (front / middle / rear) | 44.1 in. / 39.4 in. / 31.7 in. | |||||
| Shoulder Room (front / middle / rear) | 59.1 in. / 58.0 in. / 52.8 in. | |||||
| Hip Room (front / middle / rear) | 56.7 in. / 56.4 in. / 41.4 in. | |||||
| Cargo Volume behind 1st row | 73.0 cu. ft. | |||||
| Cargo Volume behind 2nd row | 38.0 cu. ft. | |||||
| Cargo Volume behind 3rd row | 11.3 cu. ft. | |||||
| Total Interior Volume | 154.2 cu. ft. | |||||
| Fuel Economy — EPA estimated, city / highway / combined | ||||||
| Automatic, FWD | 22 / 29 / 25 | 22 / 29 / 25 | 19 / 26 / 22 | 19 / 26 / 22 | 19 / 26 / 22 | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| Automatic, AWD | — | 21 / 26 / 23 | 19 / 24 / 21 | 19 / 24 / 21 | 19 / 24 / 21 | 19 / 24 / 21 |
Source: 2020 Kia Sorento Specifications (Kia Motors America). Specifications are for the 2020 model year and may vary with optional equipment. Where a value spans all grade columns, that specification is common to every listed 2020 Sorento trim.
The L and LX trims use the 2.4L I-4 GDI engine with a 6-speed automatic; the LX V6, S V6, EX V6, and SX V6 trims use the 3.3L V6 GDI engine with an 8-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims; all-wheel drive (Torque on Demand with locking center differential) is available on every trim except the base L, which shows — in AWD-specific rows. Fuel-economy figures are EPA estimates for comparison only; actual mileage will vary.
2020 Kia Sorento — Notable Features by Trim
▼S = Standard · O = Optional · — = Not Available
| Feature | L | LX | LX V6 | S V6 | EX V6 | SX V6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | ||||||
| 2.4L GDI 4-cylinder engine | S | S | — | — | — | — |
| 3.3L GDI V6 engine | — | — | S | S | S | S |
| 6-speed automatic transmission | S | S | — | — | — | — |
| 8-speed automatic transmission | — | — | S | S | S | S |
| All Wheel Drive (AWD) | — | O | O | O | O | O |
| Exterior | ||||||
| 17-inch alloy wheels | S | S | S | — | — | — |
| 18-inch alloy wheels | — | — | O | — | — | — |
| 19-inch alloy wheels (gloss black on S V6 / EX V6) | — | — | — | S | S | S |
| Projector-style fog lights | — | — | — | — | S | S |
| LED rear combination lamps | — | — | — | — | — | S |
| Power-folding outside mirrors | — | — | — | — | — | S |
| Panoramic sunroof with power shade | — | — | — | — | S | S |
| Roof rails (silver finish) | — | O | — | — | S | S |
| Stainless steel skid plate | — | — | — | — | — | S |
| Interior | ||||||
| 7″ color TFT LCD supervision cluster | — | — | — | — | S | S |
| Electro-chromic mirror w/ HomeLink, UVO & Compass | — | — | — | — | — | S |
| Mood lighting | — | — | — | — | S | S |
| LED map & luggage area lighting | — | — | — | — | S | S |
| Seating & Trim | ||||||
| Cloth seat trim with YES Essentials® | S | S | S | S | — | — |
| Leather seat trim | — | — | — | — | S | S |
| 8-way power driver’s seat w/ 2-way lumbar | — | O | — | S | S | — |
| 14-way power driver’s seat w/ memory (IMS) | — | — | — | — | — | S |
| 8-way power passenger’s seat | — | — | — | — | — | S |
| Heated front seats | — | O | — | S | S | S |
| Ventilated front seats | — | — | — | — | — | O |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | — | O | O | S | S | S |
| Comfort, Convenience & Technology | ||||||
| Manual air conditioning | S | S | S | — | — | — |
| Dual-zone automatic temperature control | — | O | — | S | S | S |
| 7″ Display Audio 2.0 (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rearview cam) | S | S | S | S | S | — |
| 8″ Navigation (AVN 5.0) w/ SiriusXM & embedded modem | — | — | — | — | — | S |
| Harman Kardon® surround sound (10 speakers) | — | — | — | — | — | S |
| Wireless phone charger | — | — | — | — | — | S |
| Push-button start with Smart Key | — | — | — | S | S | S |
| Smart Power liftgate | — | — | — | — | S | S |
| Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™ | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Safety & Drive Wise | ||||||
| Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW) | — | S | — | S | S | S |
| Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA) | — | — | — | — | S | S |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance (RCCA) | — | — | — | — | S | S |
| Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) w/ Pedestrian Detection | — | — | — | — | S | S |
| Lane Keep Assist (LKA) & Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | — | — | — | — | S | S |
| Advanced Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go | — | — | — | — | S | S |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | — | — | — | — | S | S |
| Surround View Monitor (SVM) | — | — | — | — | — | S |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | — | — | — | — | S | S |
Source: 2020 Kia Sorento Features & Options (Kia Motors America). S = Standard, O = Optional, — = Not Available. This is a curated selection of notable and trim-differentiating features; it is not the complete equipment list.
Standard advanced airbags, 4-wheel ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), TPMS, and LATCH child-seat anchors are included on every 2020 Sorento trim and are omitted here for brevity. All-wheel drive is optional on all trims except the base L. Availability may vary with packages and options.
Model-Year Changes:
2020: Kia simplifies the trim lineup, with the SX losing some key features.
2019: The 2-row model is discontinued. New features include updated styling, a new 8-speed transmission for the V6, and new driver-assist systems, such as lane-keeping assist. The 2.0-liter turbo is also discontinued.
2018: The EX trim gains a power liftgate and power-folding side mirrors.
2017: Automatic emergency braking and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration join the options list.
See 2016-2020 Kia Sorento models for sale near you.
The Sorento’s Early Years: First and Second Generations (2003-2015)
Second Generation: 2011-2015
This is our least favorite Sorento generation for used-car shoppers. On paper, the second-gen Sorento looks attractive, offering sleek styling and many upgrades at a reasonable price. It’s also the first year for the third-row seat option. However, these models were among those most affected by problems involving the 2.4-liter Theta II engine. Kia initially offered a lifetime-engine replacement coverage for qualifying orignal owners whose vehilces received a knock-sensor software update before an engine failure. However, that warranty does not transfer to subsequent owners, who may instead receive coverage under a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty.
If you find a second-generation Sorento with a replacement engine or a low-mileage example with a documented service history, it may still be worth considering.
Model-Year Changes:
2015: No major changes.
2014: The Sorento gets a major makeover, accompanied by new infotainment and convenience features.
2013: A third-row seat became standard on the LX V6.
2012: Kia adds a new gasoline direct-injected 2.4-liter engine and drops the manual transmission option.
See 2011-2015 Kia Sorento models for sale near you.
First Generation: 2003-2011
The original Sorento competed with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Chevy Equinox. It rides on a truck-based platform, making it more sutable for light off-road driving than many car-based crossovers. Engine choices included a 4-cylinder and a V6, with manual or automatic transmissions. The first-generation Sorento seats five and has safety features such as front and side-curtain airbags. Although the 2003-2006 models scored poorly in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash testing, a 2007 midcycle refresh improved the Sorento’s performance in some tests.
See 2003-2011 Kia Sorento models for sale near you.
Is the Kia Sorento a Good SUV?
Yes. The Kia Sorento is a solid used SUV choice. The two latest generations have the most desirable features and powertrain options, but the earlier models still have lots to like, and many are available at affordable prices.
Does the Kia Sorento Have a Hybrid Option?
Yes. The fourth-generation Sorento offers a hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Kia Sorento?
We think models from 2020 through 2024 are among the best choices, followed by the 2018 and 2019 models.
What Are the Worst Years for the Kia Sorento?
We’d be cautious about the first two generations, built from 2003 to 2015. There are too many red flags involving engines, transmissions, and electrical systems.
Does the 10-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty Carryover When Buying Used?
For subsequent owners, a used Kia Sorento’s powertrain warranty drops from 10 years/100,000 miles to 5 years/60,000 miles, measured from the vehicle’s original in-service date. However, if you buy a certified pre-owned (CPO) model, Kia reinstates the original 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
See Kia Sorento SUVs for sale near you.
Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication. Joe Tralongo contributed to the report.
