2017
New 2020 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Kia Sorento Change Vehicle

The Kia Sorento is a "tweener," playing in the space between small crossovers such as the Honda CR-V and midsized vehicles like the Toyota Highlander. Splitting segments like that allows the Sorento to be city friendly while offering accommodations, storage, and features akin to larger vehicles. For some shoppers, this Goldilocks package lands in the sweet spot.
Alerts
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2017
New 2020 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Kia Sorento

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
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Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Good
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS available, standard from 2007. ESC standard from 2007. Side and head protection air bags standard from 2011.
Road Test

The Kia Sorento is a "tweener," playing in the space between small crossovers such as the Honda CR-V and midsized vehicles like the Toyota Highlander. Splitting segments like that allows the Sorento to be city friendly while offering accommodations, storage, and features akin to larger vehicles. For some shoppers, this Goldilocks package lands in the sweet spot.

The sculpted looks are backed up by substance, manifested in a comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and reassuring handling -- not to mention the peace of mind that comes with driving an SUV deemed a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Advanced safety equipment, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, is standard or optional on most trim lines.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
AWD , Front
Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door SUV
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (240 hp)
  • 2.4-liter 4 (185 hp)
  • 3.3-liter V6 (290 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 Kia Sorento owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"Advance Cruise Control can be dangerous as it can kick in due do a dip in the road, or go into a full stop position when not necessary. It lacks A.I. level interpretation of events"

Anonymous, NJ (2017 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)

"While using cruise control. entire display would flash and cruise control and front distance detector would deactivate when on a freeway with many cars/trucks in front and on the sides"

Anonymous, CO (2017 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)
Display screen goes blank

"Display screen (head unit) does not activate on startup - sometimes. Stays blank and none of the features associated are available - cameras, AV system, Bluetooth phone, etc. After a few minutes, sometimes a mile, system activates and all is OK. On request for evidence, provided dealer with videos of system in that state showing odometer, tachometer, and blank screen. That was 3-1-17 and it is now 5-13-17. Dealer says they are seeking a solution. Have not had follow-up contact initiated by Deale"

Howard H., WA (2017 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)
External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"This is the same "intermittent" connection issue that I described regarding Phone connectivity. It is only an occassional problem and occurs when I am plugged in via USB (which is what I do during long trips). I've asked the Dealer and they have no idea what I'm talking about - so the source and solution of the problem are TBD"

Chuck G., VA (2017 Kia Sorento LX 3.3-L V6)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"System will not maintain the traffic information provided by XM. I let the XM Radio subscription expire and then bought the Traffic subscription, but it won't work as it should. I have to activate the Traffic by calling XM when I try to use it"

Anonymous, CA (2017 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)

"Would not pull up a valid address"

Anonymous, FL (2017 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Constant dropping and reconnecting of phone connection"

Anonymous, TN (2017 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)

"Bluetooth pairing and connections work fine. It is when I'm plugged in via the USB and using Apple Car Play that I experience intermittent problems. Occassionally the USB connection with the phone witll drop - which is particularly annoying when I'm in the middle of a phonecall. I don't know the exact problem, but it sometimes seems to be related to confusion between trying to connect to my phone via USB and then switching to Bluetooth after I'm already connected. TBD. I asked the Dealer an"

Chuck G., VA (2017 Kia Sorento LX 3.3-L V6)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Air leak driver front door at speed above 45 mph. I have not gone to dealer to have leak repaired"

Anonymous, AZ (2017 Kia Sorento LX 3.3-L V6)
Squeaks or rattles

"problem with cv joint , problem with wind noise"

Anonymous, NY (2017 Kia Sorento LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Wind noise

"Driver 's side wind noise at top of door/window"

Alan W., FL (2017 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)

"loud at highway speeds"

Anonymous, NY (2017 Kia Sorento LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Cruise control

"The automatic cruise control in my car failed 8 times. It would automatically shit off randomly. I would have to pull over, turn the car off and on to get it to work. I took it to the dealer every time. They tried multiple fixes, but they never worked. They flew techs from California and had Korean engineers working on it. I got a new vehicle under the MD lemon law"

Anonymous, MD (2017 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)
Headlights

"Headlights way out of adjustment. took 3 trips to dealer to get them correctly adjusted. They appear to be again somewhat out of adjustment. Dealer worked well with us to correct the adjustment issue the first time. Just noticed that the lights seem to somewhat out of adjustment a few days ago. Have not had a chance to get vehicle back to dealer"

Anonymous, CA (2017 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)

"Auto leveling headlights have VERY short range, like 25 feet. Also, they don't seem to automatically level. They seem to be aimed downward, and left/right side cutoff are not even. The auto bending feature has very limited effect when turning. The Halogen headlights on my 2004 Subaru Forester are much more effective"

Joseph R., PA (2017 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)
Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"tow hitch module malfunction resulting in continuous illumination of the trailer's brake and turn signal lights"

Anonymous, MN (2017 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)
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Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Antilock system (ABS)

"Problem with ABS module which shut down other systems, TCS, auto brake, auto hold, smart cruise, etc"

John R., ON (2017 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)

"The controller had to be replaced as warning light came on"

Anonymous, BC (2017 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)
Parking brake

"Wife just noticed that parking brake doesn't hold vehicle in place. Haven't contacted dealer on issue. Will be taking vehicle in to have brakes adjusted"

Anonymous, CA (2017 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Stability control (ESC)

"The controller had to be replaced as warning lights came on"

Anonymous, BC (2017 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)
Traction control

"Traction control was engaging randomly and for no reason. Required multiple trips back to the dealership. Eventually turned out to be a faulty brake switch"

Steve F., CA (2017 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"A week after I purchased my new Sorento I noticed the chrome molding on the passenger side was missing. The dealer had to do body work and paint to put the new chrom molding on"

Anonymous, MD (2017 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Refrigerant leaks

"We discovered the AC was not working the day we bought the car. The dealer found it was low on Freon. They claimed there was no leak but we find it hard to believe that the car came from the factory with insufficient freon"

Jacqueline M., GA (2017 Kia Sorento LX 3.3-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"Occasionally when starting off from a stop, the car acts as if it dies -then restarts itself. I think is an ISG problem , but the dealer disagrees"

Anonymous, TX (2017 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"car jerked violently when driving"

Anonymous, OH (2017 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Heated or cooled seat controls

"rear heated seat system not installed properly when purchased"

Anonymous, VA (2017 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Alternator

"Had some periodic starting issues. Then completely failed to start - had to have alternator replaced. Car was 1 month old. Repairs all done under warranty"

Jonathan C., DC (2017 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

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