The Kia Sorento began production in 2002 as a midsize SUV and then crossover, primarily for the U.S. market. It has become one of the automaker's best-selling vehicles. The Sorento is known for its value-oriented pricing and industry-best warranty. The first-generation Sorento entered the market as a 2003 with a traditional body-on-frame sport utility vehicle (SUV) build. An optional four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing made it a true 4WD vehicle. Both a manual and an automatic transmission were offered and a V6 engine were offered. The second-generation Kia Sorento came in 2010 and became Kia's first U.S.-made vehicle at the company's new facility in Georgia. The Sorento became a crossover with this generation, moving to a unibody construction instead of a truck-based body-on-frame build. Body styling and interior comfort levels were major changes to the Sorento, setting its current reputation as being a low-cost family hauler that doesn't skimp on comfort and convenience.For the 2015 model year, the Kia Sorento entered its third-generation. This generation continued forward with the changes found in the previous, but added more modern comfort and an updated Kia design for the exterior. Slightly larger and wider, the Sorento is also a bit lower to the ground to improve handling. Powertrains were completely upgraded for better fuel economy.There are several engine-related issues reported often for the 2012 and 2014 model year Kia Sorento. Most happen within the vehicle's powertrain warranty period and are thus covered. The Sorento otherwise has an excellent reputation for reliability.
Test Drive Reviews
2019 Kia Sorento
The 2019 Kia Sorento continues with the current-generation of the midsize crossover-SUV, building on the winning three-row design Kia introduced a few years ago. Refreshed for this new model year, the Sorento makes some changes to powertrain options and making the third row a standard feature.
The 2019 Sorento is a well-considered, well-priced option for the family needing three rows of seating on occasion and the versatility and usefulness that a family crossover provides. Options for the Sorento range from utilitarian to luxurious, hitting every budget with a Sorento to fit.
The 2019 Kia Sorento is upgraded with some exterior styling changes, a new transmission for the V6 engine option, and with more standard equipment than before. The Sorento is now offered in five trim levels with two engine options and either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Seating for up to seven is standard in all 2019 Sorento models.
The 2014 Kia Sorento was given a "Top Safety Pick Plus" Rating by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) which is their top score and mightily impressive given the relatively small size of the Sorento compared to competing three row SUVs. You really can't cram more space for passengers into a smaller SUV design than the Sorento and in that lies its strength and one small weakness. Yes, the Sorento's third row is best left to kids for regular duty and an adult only in case of emergency.
Prices for the 2014 Kia Sorento start at $24,100 for the rather gutless LX model which only comes equipped with a wheezing 2.4 liter 191 horsepower 4-cylinder that is overpowered by the weight of this SUV. We recommend at least going for the $30,000 EX trim which makes the 3.3 liter 290 horsepower V6 standard equipment along with dual zone climate control, Bluetooth, USB/i-Pod integration, power front seats, push button start with smart key, heated front seats and more.
Move up to the $35,000 SX model for a panoramic sunroof the length of the entire SUV, in-dash navigation, rear power liftgate and Kia's excellent UVO smart phone connectivity system among plenty of other features. You can also then either add options piece meal to the SX or just order the $38,500 Limited model which adds heated second row seats, Nappa Leather Seat trim and 19-inch chrome oversized alloy wheels.
The 2013 Kia Sorento provides a nice middle-of-the-road alternative for those who are looking for more than expected from an economically priced midsize SUV. It still has some minor drawbacks that most drivers will be able to overlook; but all in all, the 2013 Kia Sorento follows the line of its maker - delivering smooth, steady elegance at an affordable price.
This year's model is the last before a refresh is due for the 2014 version. That could slow some fingers about to pull the trigger on this purchase. On the other hand, the 2013 Kia Sorento does represent the third model year of this platform and, as they say, the third time is supposed to be the charm.
