Driving Experience
Includes acceleration and handling
What Owners Say
"turbo works fine with little hesitation"
Ronald L., MA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Turbo performance is immediate and excellent and handling is very good for an SUV."
Anonymous, ON (2017 Kia Sorento)"Great acceleration with better than expected gas mileage. But what really stands out is the safety afforded by the adaptive cruise control. The more I age the more important it becomes. I wouldn’t own a vehicle without it."
Peter G., WI (2017 Kia Sorento)"4 cyl engine with very good mileage but enough pick up to merge into traffic. Easy comfortable driving"
Laura S., FL (2017 Kia Sorento)"Was initially, before a test drive, very skeptical regarding the performance of the turbo 2.0 L engine. Based on test drive chose to purchase and no regrets. Acceleration is excellent and fuel economy is better than 3.3 L V6 in previous Sorento."
D N., ON (2017 Kia Sorento)"Acceleration and handling is on par for this class and type of vehicle. Safe and secure but not exciting or exemplary."
Anonymous, FL (2017 Kia Sorento)"Mileage is good, handling is good, acceleration is great"
Anonymous, CO (2017 Kia Sorento)"I end up placing the car in "Sport" mode for traffic driving. This plays xxxx on the milage but makes the car more responsive with better transmission shift and the V6 engine. I think the econo modes are a bit of a joke."
Anonymous, AB (2017 Kia Sorento)"Very good acceleration. One small issue is that it seems difficult to smoothly accelerate. If im not very careful, it kind of "jumps" when I push down the peddle to accelerate."
Anonymous, WA (2017 Kia Sorento)"zero to seventy time is very good for a large SUV"
Anonymous, SC (2017 Kia Sorento)"The V6 engine has very good acceleration, especially when entering a freeway. The car handles very good as the steering system is very responsive and corners well."
Anonymous, CA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Same as the prior response"
Lynn F., FL (2017 Kia Sorento)"Smooth"
Alan W., FL (2017 Kia Sorento)"great acceleration for a SUV handles very well"
Anonymous, MD (2017 Kia Sorento)"comfort, handling, plenty power"
R W., NY (2017 Kia Sorento)"Handling is great, but the engine is a little under=powered. Downshifts for any acceleration."
Anonymous, MA (2017 Kia Sorento)"The vehicle drives and handles extremely well, especially on the highway. It is also very sure footed in the snow."
Bryan T., WI (2017 Kia Sorento)"6 cylinder really does have good power, but the initial acceleration from a stop seems just a little bit sluggish. The passing acceleration seems pretty smooth."
Jeffery W., IL (2017 Kia Sorento)"Start of acceleration is a bit abrupt if you press too hard on the accelerator"
Anonymous, MB (2017 Kia Sorento)"I'm surprised that the tallest, heaviest vehicle I have feels so light on its feet. I prefer darting around town in my Sorento to my supposedly sportier Mazda6!"
Robert B., IN (2017 Kia Sorento)"Lots of power when starting from a stop - even with a light touch on the gas pedal, it will sometimes lurch forward and even lay a skid. I have to remember to push the pedal gently and slowly or other cars think I'm racing them."
Anonymous, AZ (2017 Kia Sorento)"Acceleration is good. The steering is a bit disappointing compared to the 2016 Kia Sorento (which was totaled after an accident with a driver that ran a stop sign). The 2017 model steering provides noticeably less fish feel. Selecting the "Sport" steering option helps somewhat."
James L., CO (2017 Kia Sorento)"My ONLY complaint about how it drives is the electric steering. Rarely, but occasionally, it feels like the steering is “sticking‿ in the neutral position while driving. When he wheel is moved there’s a subtle, but noticeable unsticking feeling. It’s quite annoying and other owners seem to have had a similar issue as well."
Anonymous, TN (2017 Kia Sorento)"Smooth ride. Handles easily. A pleasure to drive."
Anonymous, PA (2017 Kia Sorento)"They only thing I would do differently is get the 6 cylinder engine. Otherwise I am very happy"
Steven C., GA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Slow in acceleration"
Anonymous, NY (2017 Kia Sorento)"Co.for table drive. Smooth acceleration."
Wallace S., VA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Great, but that is why i will not own a vehicle with anything less then a 6 cylinder. Handling is tight, in a good way."
Anonymous, FL (2017 Kia Sorento)"Handling and smoothness of v6 and transmission"
C P., FL (2017 Kia Sorento)"Very smooth driving and handling, Very good acceleration with 6 cyl engine. Very smooth shifting"
Glen C., MA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Very quiet, road noise not noticeable at all"
Dora C., TX (2017 Kia Sorento)"Accelerates quickly with little turbo lag when punched. Subject to wind buffeting at speed. Crisp responsive handling with excellent roadway feedback when maneuvering, Doesn't feel like an SUV."
Douglas C., FL (2017 Kia Sorento)"I have the turbo charged 4 cylinder that has 250 hp and this is very fast for what it is. I do not notice any turbo lag at all and it will light up the tires when floored from a stop. I really wanted the 300 hp 6 cylinder but settled for this and have not been disappointed at all. I also get a bit better mileage with the 4 cylinder"
Kirk S., CA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Responsive handling for a mid-size SUV. Good acceleration at our altitude (7,000')"
Tom T., NM (2017 Kia Sorento)"very satisfying vehicle"
Anonymous, BC (2017 Kia Sorento)"Surprised at how well it accelerates."
Anonymous, CO (2017 Kia Sorento)"Smooth, very quiet, and powerful V6 engine. Transmission very smooth. Acceleration is brisk with very good handling if you let the car roll slightly it feels like it is on rails. Fun to drive when you find roads not busy with other traffic or police. It suffers from visibility issues on all sides like most SUV's do, but, you get used to it."
Dennis G., ME (2017 Kia Sorento)"Poor acceleration after stop."
Anonymous, GA (2017 Kia Sorento)"It accelerates very well, and is easy to handle and control. One shortcoming, in my opinion, is that the Blind Spot Detection System should have larger symbols to make viewing easier, and the symbols should be of a brighter color. They are a pale orange or yellow; bright red would be easier observed."
Anonymous, AZ (2017 Kia Sorento)"The 3.3 liter engine produces 290 hp. It has a lot punch, good gas mileage and is quiet."
Anonymous, AB (2017 Kia Sorento)"The only thing worrisome is a definite hesitation at times when starting up after stopping at a light or stop sign."
Anonymous, TX (2017 Kia Sorento)"Outstanding acceleration and handling as compared to any auto. Smooth and comfortable ride. Great in town and on the highway and on long trips. The 3 row seating which can be folded down is good for passengers and cargo."
Anonymous, NJ (2017 Kia Sorento)"The safety equipment on this vehicle is excellent: The forward emergency braking is effective, the blind-spot warnings have saved us AND A MOTORCYCLIST from crashing, and the overall ride and handling are comfortable and secure. My only complaint is that the headlights are inadequate for even secondary-road speeds at night -- making the safety equipment even more necessary."
Daniel R., FL (2017 Kia Sorento)"6 cylinder very zippy, quick accelleration, can get out of its own way"
Mark S., NC (2017 Kia Sorento)"We have the smaller engine, but it accelerates very well, unless you need to tow something it is more than adequate."
Norm H., WI (2017 Kia Sorento)"Acceleration, steering and turning radius are very good and make city or highway driving a very good experience."
Anonymous, AZ (2017 Kia Sorento)"Sport mode is quick and handles very well for an SUV."
Anonymous, WA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Transmission seems to hunt for proper gear ( some stuttering while shifting). Acceleration is fairly good, handling good."
Howell G., MA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Acceleration is superb with the Turbo option and gas economy is high even with premium gas."
Anonymous, PR (2017 Kia Sorento)"Drive train very smooth - V6 has good power"
Anonymous, MD (2017 Kia Sorento)"I don't care for the black interior as it seems to show dust and dirt too easily. Other than that, I like the appearance of the car."
Anonymous, WI (2017 Kia Sorento)"Handles very well. Good gas mileage."
Thomas C., AR (2017 Kia Sorento)"It does not have great acceleration. Handling is not too bad for the size vehicle it is."
Anonymous, ID (2017 Kia Sorento)"This vehicle has good acceleration even in the ECO mode. It also climbs hill easily in the ECO mode without frequent downshifts."
Lorin R., ID (2017 Kia Sorento)"Drive to and from PA to FL every year. The performance is all I could expect."
Anonymous, PA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Good acceleration."
Anonymous, MA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Awesome! Handles like my two previous GM SUV’s, so I felt comfortable driving it. The turbo boost is awesome on my 4 cyl. Don’t need it very often, but great when I drive in the mountains ."
Anonymous, NC (2017 Kia Sorento)"Acceleration is uneven and the handling can be clunky, but it IS a fairly large vehicle."
Anonymous, SC (2017 Kia Sorento)"The acceleration of the V6 Sorento is excellent, especially in Sport mode. It handles well for a SUV"
Anonymous, TX (2017 Kia Sorento)"Good acceleration. First gear is jerky in slow traffic."
Anonymous, NH (2017 Kia Sorento)"The 2017 KIA Sorento handles well on the highway. The SLX V6 has excellent acceleration. It maneuvers well in traffic."
Gail G., CA (2017 Kia Sorento)"The Sorento is a great ride! It's very quiet in the cabin, and there's no wind noise, and practically no engine noise. But when I need to accelerate, the Sorento responds VERY quickly with a distinct engine growl. It easily tops 100 mph if necessary. A joy to drive, the best car I've ever owned, by far!"
James P., CA (2017 Kia Sorento)"It has great acceleration power"
Anonymous, TX (2017 Kia Sorento)"Smooth and powerful acceleration. Plenty of power and torque"
Thomas P., AZ (2017 Kia Sorento)"Very smooth"
Anonymous, AZ (2017 Kia Sorento)"The car drives smoothly, has plenty of power and is a comfortable ride. Just completed a road trip, low gas mileage was 28.5 high was 33. It will really go when passing on a two lane. Hit 100 with no problem while passing."
Rex M., NV (2017 Kia Sorento)"My local highway has incredibly short on-ramps if any at all. The need to jump on and get to 50-60mph as quickly as possible is very important. The Sorento, although not a race car can easily get out of it's own way. I feel very safe when passing or accelerating compared to most other cars/SUV's"
Richard M., MA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Acceleration and handling is adequate for a vehicle this size and I don’t hesitate to take turns at the posted speed limit or greater."
Saul E., IL (2017 Kia Sorento)"easy to control"
Anonymous, MA (2017 Kia Sorento)"The 2.0 L Turbo has a turbo lag upon acceleration that can be annoying. Rocks from side to side when hitting a bump during a turn, but not critical amount."
Michael M., TN (2017 Kia Sorento)"It is the regular L4 and it is very strong, yet powerful, because it has the direct injection fuel injection. It is not loaded up with options, so there are less things to worry about breaking later and repairing, because we keep our cars for a long time, usually."
Wm W., OH (2017 Kia Sorento)"Slow start/hesitation on hills."
Anonymous, PA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Good Handling for it's size, great acceleration."
Anonymous, CA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Not sluggish at all. Very responsive"
Lorenzo M., TX (2017 Kia Sorento)"excellent steering"
L B., ON (2017 Kia Sorento)"The V6 delivers pleasurable power with good acceleration and sound. The cabin is quiet with not much road noise. The SUV handles well. I often find myself going faster than I though I was, when I check the odometer. Ride feels more car like than truck."
Anonymous, RI (2017 Kia Sorento)"Smooth acceleration, excellent handling."
Clarence W., AZ (2017 Kia Sorento)"We have the 4 cylinder turbo Sorento, providing improved gas mileage. The vehicle has excellent acceleration when needed, especially for a 4 cylinder SUV."
Thomas G., NY (2017 Kia Sorento)"The four cylinder engine has ample acceleration. The vehicle handles well and is very stable and sure-footed."
Warren B., MN (2017 Kia Sorento)"Handles very well and really responds well when you need to accelerate to pass or merge with traffic."
Anonymous, IN (2017 Kia Sorento)"Has more than ample acceleration."
Anonymous, FL (2017 Kia Sorento)"Great turning radius. Smooth and relatively quiet ride on the highway. Superb acceleration."
Jean F., NC (2017 Kia Sorento)"I was surprised how competent the four-cylinder engine was in the Sorento. As it is not our primary tow vehicle, there is no reason that we would've needed the V-6 engine. However, the reviews of the four-cylinder engine that I read prior to purchasing the vehicle were not consistent in regards to the amount of power it had for everyday driving. To date, I have not been in a situation with the vehicle where I felt it lacked sufficient power to do what I needed it to do."
James H., WI (2017 Kia Sorento)"smooth driving, like the titanic (before the iceberg)."
Richard S., TX (2017 Kia Sorento)"surprising good for a four cyc"
Anonymous, NC (2017 Kia Sorento)"Smooth handling and exellent acceleration."
Anonymous, NY (2017 Kia Sorento)"V 6 provides strong acceleration & smooth shifts"
James W., FL (2017 Kia Sorento)"The 2.0 turbo is extremely peppy and quick to respond"
Richard C., TX (2017 Kia Sorento)"Would have had to spend more money on another high end brand to get the Sorento's equal."
Grant W., BC (2017 Kia Sorento)"Drives great, acceleration is excellent (have a V6 engine that has more than enough power), and the handling is great at both low and high speeds."
Anonymous, KS (2017 Kia Sorento)"For a car this size the MPG can most often be near 30 and the still the V6 delivers lots of power."
Gary R., IA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Great horse power for acceleration or towing; ride is smooth; steering responsive."
Anonymous, NV (2017 Kia Sorento)"precise steering, acceleration is there when needed, handling curc=ves, srtopping all workds well."
Anonymous, NY (2017 Kia Sorento)"The Kia is eager to accelerate. The brakes are strong and the adaptive cruise control is user friendly and works very well It's no Porsche in the canyons - how could it be?"
Ralph N., CO (2017 Kia Sorento)"Was reluctant to purchase the 2 liter turbo until I drove it to compare with 3.3 liter V6 that I was trading but am not noticing much difference in performance. May be slightly noisier accelerating."
D N., ON (2017 Kia Sorento)"powerful and handles well."
Lawrence N., NC (2017 Kia Sorento)"All good. Quick acceleration, smooth handling"
Anonymous, CA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Very nice acceleration and handling combined with excellent fuel economy on the highway. The actual over-the-highway MPG is better than advertised."
Craig I., AZ (2017 Kia Sorento)"LOVE the "Smart Cruise" and the "eco" drive. This is a very easy vehicle to learn the various accessories"
Anonymous, TX (2017 Kia Sorento)"Car ride is very smooth, and I love all the safety features included in my car."
Anonymous, GA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Drives very well. Great acceleration. Handled very well. Lane departure system is a must for me going forward"
Anonymous, WI (2017 Kia Sorento)"The handling and acceleration have been very satisfactory. The car is very smooth in all aspects of driving."
Bryan T., WI (2017 Kia Sorento)"Very quiet. Good handling. Poor rear visibility."
David W., BC (2017 Kia Sorento)"Very responsive and precise handling. Visibility is good, too."
Karl P., TN (2017 Kia Sorento)"Great valve. most all the new tech. excellent handling for the size of the car. still has the 6 cyl. engine using 87 octane."
Anonymous, BC (2017 Kia Sorento)"Great handling and power"
Anonymous, SC (2017 Kia Sorento)"It drive extremely smooth and is very comfortable for a larger size family of four."
Anonymous, NJ (2017 Kia Sorento)"Has a great turn ratio. Is very quiet and handles like a sport car when the car is out in sports mode. Good exceleration"
D R., MA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Very smooth, quiet, and well-handling. Only the Honda Pilot and Lexus RX-350 were as good."
JOE B., VA (2017 Kia Sorento)"Transmission shifting is very erratic. Acceleration not consistent"
Anonymous, PA (2017 Kia Sorento)
"Handles beautifully"
Anonymous, TN (2017 Kia Sorento)