Kia Sorento Quick Facts
- A 2021 or newer Kia Sorento would be the choice if you want to save money but not at the expense of the latest and greatest safety, tech, and mechanical features. If price is a factor, 2016 through 2020 models make an acceptable runner-up.
- 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 warranty.
The Kia Sorento has been part of the American automotive landscape since 2003. Since its inception, the Sorento has provided families with an affordable way to get into a midsize SUV without sacrificing comfort, features, safety, or performance. Although not as roomy as some rivals, a used Kia Sorento offers a few advantages, from a low price to a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty when buying a CPO (certified pre-owned) vehicle. Newer Sorento SUVs come with several advanced technologies, including modern driver assists, top-notch infotainment systems, and a surprising number of upscale options.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Kia Sorento?
- Kia Sorento by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
- Is the Kia Sorento a Good SUV?
- Does the Kia Sorento Have a Hybrid Option?
- How Much Can the Kia Sorento Tow?
- What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Kia Sorento?
- What Are the Worst Years for the Kia Sorento?
- Does the Sorento’s 10-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty Carryover When Buying Used?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used Kia Sorento?
We’re going to give a divided answer to this question. If you’re looking to save a few thousand dollars but not at the expense of the latest and greatest safety, tech, and mechanical features, a 2021 or later model would be our choice. These years include numerous driver-assist and safety technologies, as well as better powertrains, such as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid option. Even if you don’t use the certified pre-owned option, you may have some 5-year/60,000-mile coverage when buying secondhand. If price is a factor, the third-generation models from 2016 through 2020 make an acceptable runner-up. You’ll still find modern safety tech, cutting-edge audio, and room for seven, plus the option of a V6, a bonus if you plan on towing, as this engine, coupled with all-wheel drive (AWD), can pull up to 5,000 pounds.
See Kia Sorento SUVs for sale near you.
Kia Sorento by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Fourth Generation: 2021-Current
The fourth-generation Sorento has been around since 2021. Compared to the previous generation, it’s larger, with a bit more room for rear-seat passengers and cargo. It’s also lighter and stronger, although with the loss of the V6 engine, its towing capacity gets capped at 3,500 pounds (2.5 Turbo). Move to the base engine or hybrids, and that number drops to 2,000 and 1,650, respectively.
On the technology side, there’s much to like here. New 4-cylinder engines are more fuel efficient, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid models leading the pack. A digital instrument cluster and large touchscreen display look ultra-modern, but Kia wisely retains traditional knobs and buttons for the most essential functions.
Kia provides several trims, adding a light off-road X-Pro trim later in the model run. Depending on the year, the trim line includes a base LX, family-friendly S, upscale EX, and sporty SX. An available X-Line styling package comes on the EX and SX, while the Prestige package attaches itself to the X-Line SX and X-Pro.
Powering the LX and S trims is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine good for 191 horsepower and a combined EPA fuel economy figure of 26 mpg. All other trims derive power from a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, making 281 hp and getting 23 mpg combined. Moving to the hybrid models (EX and SX Prestige) brings a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor producing 227 hp and a combined EPA figure of 36 mpg. The plug-in hybrid uses the same setup but adds a larger battery pack, allowing 31 miles of electric-only propulsion.
As is the Kia way, even the base trim comes nicely equipped. Standard features include LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, forward collision warning and braking, a driver attention monitor, and lane departure warning. Moving up the trim ladder brings more driver assists, such as adaptive cruise control, a Blind-Spot View Monitor, and rear automatic emergency braking. Creature comforts include an available panoramic moonroof, second-row captain’s chair seating, quilted leather upholstery, heated and ventilated 14-way power front seats, Bose audio, a power liftgate, and Kia’s Highway Driving Assist semi-autonomous driver aid.
The fourth-gen Sorento is a pretty reliable SUV, although it is not without its share of issues. These include problems relating to the transmission failing, prompting two voluntary recalls. Other issues include engine, computer, and cooling problems, fuel leakage issues on the turbocharged models, and the possibility of a fire from the tow-hitch wiring harness while the vehicle is parked. You can see a complete Sorento recall and complaint list by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.
Model-Year Changes:
2025: No significant changes.
2024: The Sorento gets a larger touchscreen and redesigned taillights and grille.
2023: All models gain a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic detection, and multiple trims add more standard features.
2022: Debut of Sorento Plug-in Hybrid.
See 2021-to-current Kia Sorento models for sale near you.
Third Generation: 2016-2020
The third-generation Sorento holds strong appeal for several reasons. Its age means you can get into a nicely equipped trim for a lower price than a newer model, yet it still has many desirable advanced driver safety and in-cabin features. Its available V6 engine permits towing up to 5,000 pounds, and its interior has limited touchscreen and digital interfaces, a bonus for those who like old-school style buttons and knobs.
This generation is larger than the one it replaces, with more interior room and cargo space. Engine choices include the base 2.4-liter with 185 hp, a 3.3-liter V6 putting out 290 hp, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter good for 240 hp. All are available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive. However, fuel economy isn’t Sorento’s strong suit, with combined fuel economy figures hovering around the 17-24 mpg range.
There are five trims: L, LX, S, EX, and SX.
As for features, the newest Sorento has most of the same advanced electronics and driver assists, with most appearing on the most expensive trims or as options. These include a power liftgate, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, a Harman Kardon audio upgrade, navigation, a surround-view monitor, and a wireless charging pad.
This generation did not go without issues. Most notable are transmission issues, headlight bulbs that fail prematurely, timing chain tensioner failure, and electrical issues. The most serious pertains to the 3.3-liter V6 and 2.4-liter engines in the 2016 through 2019 models. The issues center on defective factory engines that can fail. A class action lawsuit ended with Kia agreeing to reimburse owners or replace engines in the event of a failure due to a defect. Specific models are covered by an extended 15-year/150,000-mile warranty. If you’re buying a CPO car or just a used model from a Kia dealer, have them run the VIN and see if the engine has been replaced or qualifies for a warranty.
Model-Year Changes:
2020: The trim lines are simplified, 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 like lane-keeping. The 2.0-liter turbo is also axed.
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 optional feature list.
See 2016-2020 Kia Sorento models for sale near you.
The Sorento Early Years: First and Second Generations (2003-2015)
Second Generation: 2011-2015
This is our least favorite Sorento to buy used. 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. But, these were the years most affected by defective engine issues for the 2.4-liter Theta II. Kia initially offered a lifetime engine replacement to the original owner if they had a special knock sensor added to the car before experiencing failure. However, that warranty doesn’t appear to transfer to a second owner, instead backed by a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty.
If you find a second generation with a new engine or one with low miles that appears to have not been affected, you’re in good shape.
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 is made standard on the LX V6.
2012: Kia adds a new gasoline direct-inject 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 competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Chevy Equinox. It rides on a truck-based platform, meaning tackling light off-road trails is safe. Engine choices include a 4-cylinder and V6, with manual or automatic transmissions. The first-generation Sorento seats five and has safety features like front and side-curtain airbags. While the 2003-2006 models scored poorly in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash testing, a 2007 midcycle refresh improved their status to “Good.”
See 2003-2011 Kia Sorento models for sale near you.
Is the Kia Sorento a Good SUV?
With a proper pre-purchase inspection, the first two generations of Sorento make good used SUVs. We’d go with the newer models to get some kind of warranty coverage.
Does the Kia Sorento Have a Hybrid Option?
Yes. The fourth-generation Sorento offers a hybrid and plug-in hybrid option.
How Much Can the Kia Sorento Tow?
The 4-cylinder model can tow between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds. When equipped with the V6, the Sorento can pull up to 5,000 pounds. The fourth-generation models don’t offer a V6, but the turbocharged models can pull up to 3,500 pounds.
What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Kia Sorento?
We think 2020 through 2024 are the most reliable years, with the 2018-2019 models being our second choice.
What Are the Worst Years for the Kia Sorento?
We’d avoid the first two generations (2003 to 2015). There are too many red flags regarding the engine, transmissions, and electrical issues.
Does the 10-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty Carryover When Buying Used?
Although a used Kia Sorento’s powertrain warranty changes from 10 years/100,000 miles to 5 years/60,000 miles, that’s still a lot of coverage. And if you buy a certified pre-owned (CPO) model, Kia reinstates the original warranty.
See Kia Sorento SUVs for sale near you.
