2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Kia Sorento

Unlock Ratings
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 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Kia Sorento

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
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.
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.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
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.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

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
2020
2021
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
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
2020
2021
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 and ESC standard from 2007. Side and head protection air bags standard from 2011. FCW and AEB standard from 2021.
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 city speed automatic emergency braking, is standard or optional on most trim lines.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
AWD, Front
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

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 2018 Kia Sorento owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Paint/Trim

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

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"they only pushed the piece in far enough so that 2 of the four retaining snaps were in place...took about 20 seconds for the dealership to fix"

Anonymous, KS (2018 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)

"Front windshield rubber trim, driver side was slightly shredded as if someone had cut across it laterally. This in 2-3 locations on the vertical side of the windshield. Dealer submitted as a warranty claim which was decline by Kia. Explanation was that user (me or my wife) would have done this scraping ice from windshield in the winter. I have owned at least 14 cars driven in winter conditions with snow/ice and have never had this issue. I think this rubber trim is inadequate and of poor quality."

Anonymous, (2018 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)

"Molding on the driver rear windows was warping"

Anonymous, WA (2018 Kia Sorento LX 3.3-L V6)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"The slightest hit with a rock results in a chip in the paint. The chip rusts almost immediately. Brought it to another dealer closer to our house to show them a chip within the first week and they said buy body paint. Didn't offer to just give us some.The dealer where we purchased it tried to sell us a 'body' warranty for $3,000 that we scoffed at. Now we see why. Something with the 2018 model?"

Dennis S., WI (2018 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)
Rust

"As soon as you get a chip in the paint from a rock or something that hits it the chip rusts."

Dennis S., WI (2018 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)
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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

Headlights

"When driving at night sometimes the lights go out. We then have to manual change the lights to get them to come back on. We also notice that it happens during the day as the Light option appears on the driver's console. We have had it checked but have been told there is nothing that can be done until the service department at the KIA dealership can see the problem in real time."

Anonymous, ON (2018 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)

"Noticed one of my headlights was out. Took it to dealer and they discovered the bulb had come loose. Fixed it with no charge."

Anonymous, TN (2018 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Low beams are way to low. Even after adjusting the lights, still don't cover downstream enough. Constantly using high beams. After adjusting lights for low beams, high beams are to high. Because of the lack of lighting further ahead of the vehicle, will not let our teenagers drive the vehicle at night. My wife hates driving the vehicle at night."

Anonymous, AZ (2018 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)
Wiper motor or washer

"Rear wiper fluid leaks after use for cleaning that there is always a vertical fluid streak down the middle."

Anonymous, AZ (2018 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)
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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

Apple CarPlay

"Problems started right away. Sometimes worked sometimes not. Have told the service department every time it is in for service. They either couldn't figure it out or didn't want t bother. They have to know that this is a common problem as seen in many reviews, but have no intention of addressing this issue."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Backup or other camera/sensors

"Irratic functions.Did not always pickup cars or people behind my vehicle when I was backing up."

Anonymous, OR (2018 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Display screen goes blank

"About once every six months, the entire radio system goes out, and the screen goes blank. We can most often fix it by turning the car off and restarting. They don't know what to do about it."

Anonymous, MN (2018 Kia Sorento LX 3.3-L V6)

Body Integrity

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

What Owners Say

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"Wind noise in the driver side door, when cross-wind speed is > 25 km/h or meeting large truck at speed."

Anonymous, NB (2018 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)

"Two issues. The sun roof made a very loud sound whenever I hit 60 Mph or above. I took it back to KIA and they were able to solve the issue and I don't notice the noise any longer. Also some of the stripping around the tire well is coming off so glued it back it on myself."

Anonymous, VA (2018 Kia Sorento SX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Squeaks or rattles

"The front drivers side and both rear wheels have a grinding sound while the car is driven. The dealer has tried to fix the problem. To no avail."

Ronald E., MN (2018 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"The rear bumper sensor shorted out, causing the loss of all sensors and burning out of the controller."

Ronald E., MN (2018 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)

"BSD computer was re-adjusted twice, but over time continued to go out. Wanted to replace, but was not under warranty. Did not replace"

Anonymous, MD (2018 Kia Sorento EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Airbag replacement & interior damage"

Anonymous, PA (2018 Kia Sorento SX 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

Heater system

"radiator had a leak causing heater to not work properly."

Ronald H., VA (2018 Kia Sorento 3.3-L V6)
Refrigerant leaks

"The KIA shop said it was the Schroeder (sp?) valve that leaked, so the refrigerant leaked out. They supposedly fixed it, but now, this spring, again, we have no AC."

Anonymous, MN (2018 Kia Sorento LX 3.3-L V6)

"Complete loss of refrigerant gas. A/C unusable."

Anonymous, PA (2018 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)

Engine Major

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

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"just stopped working as I was driving. Has been in repair for last 2 weeks"

Anonymous, VA (2018 Kia Sorento Unsure Unsure)

"Engine completely locked up driving down road. All oil released and needed tow back to dealership. Determined that engine needed replacement-took over 2 months for new engine put in. All seems fine since then."

Anonymous, OH (2018 Kia Sorento EX 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

Electrical failure

"Accelerator control module failed."

Martin M., FL (2018 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)

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.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"My right rear strut was leaking. I brought back to Kia and they fixed it under warranty coverage."

Anonymous, ON (2018 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

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

Battery (not hybrid or electric)

"After only 15 months and 12000 kms. The battery died."

Anonymous, ON (2018 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)

Engine Cooling

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

Transmission Minor

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

Brakes

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

Engine Minor

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

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.

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.

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