Things started turning around for Kia and the Sorento with the second generation in 2011. With help from newly acquired Audi designer Peter Schreyer, the Sorento adopted more purposeful styling and introduced a design language that endured for over a decade. As with most Kias, the current Sorento is built on a platform shared with parent company Hyundai, which rescued Kia from financial challenges in 1998. The Hyundai Santa Fe is the Sorento’s closest relative.
Nowadays, Kia is highly regarded in some of the most popular vehicle classes, garnering numerous awards and accolades that would have been unimaginable 15 years ago. The Sorento, along with other Kias, has evolved from a vehicle some would have dreaded to a class-leading or aspirational car. It's now worthy of consideration against mid-size SUV stalwarts such as the Honda Passport, the Toyota Highlander, and the Mazda CX-70.
Kia Sorento Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Kia Sorento years are the best?
The Sorento has consistently improved since its debut. As a result, the latest fourth-generation model ranks as the best. The latest Sorentos are more spacious than their forebears and offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, making them stand out as smarter choices for family-oriented shoppers.
As with most generations, the first few years seem to have the most mechanical problems, but the most serious were resolved by the 2023 model year. All recalls are noted on the Transport Canada website. If a Kia dealership has addressed them in a unit you’re considering, we'd have no qualms about going with earlier models.
Which Kia Sorento years are the worst?
First-generation Sorentos were hampered by poor handling and comfort, weak engines, and disappointing fuel economy. These models were also plagued by recalls for issues relating to potential fires that lingered and reappeared over decades. The second generation had even more fire-related recalls, along with some issues with the vehicle rolling away in park and substandard welds in the driver’s seat and rear subframe.
Is a used Kia Sorento a good deal?
The Kia Sorento is indeed a good used car deal, but maybe not for the best reason. It tends to depreciate faster than the average SUV in its class, losing between 50 and 55 percent of its purchase price in the first five years. That's great news if you're buying, but not so much if you're selling. Our advice is to find one that's only a few years old to avoid the biggest drop in value, use it for all it's worth, and then expect little when turning it in.
Kia Sorento Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lots of features for the money
- Generous warranty for the first owner
- Newer models offer plenty of space and style
Cons:
- Concerning recall issues on early models
- Early V6 engines were inefficient
- Older four-cylinder models are weak and thirsty
Kia Sorento Generations
Fourth Generation (2021 - present)
The new Kia Sorento, another fully redesigned model, once again proved the agility of the manufacturer’s production. Styling took a completely different direction to fall in line with the brand’s new look, featuring a more aggressive and sporty nose and deeper contours carved out of the body. It also grew another five centimetres in length. As a result, a third row was added with enough space to comfortably accommodate adults. Not surprisingly, its starting MSRP also increased.
A new 191 hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed transmission were standard on the Kia Sorento LX+ and LX Premium trims in Canada, while a 281 hp turbocharged upgrade came with the Kia Sorento X-Line trim and above.
Standard features with the base LX+ trim include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic high beams, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, and forward collision avoidance assist. LX Premium adds 18-inch wheels, a heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless phone charger, keyless entry and push-button start, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, sound-reducing front door glass, and rear parking sensors.
With the third row of seats now being standard, second-row captain's chairs are available on certain trims and are standard with the X-Line trim. On higher trims, adaptive cruise control, rear occupant alert, safe exit assist, front parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view monitor, and a head-up display were available.
A blind-spot view camera system is also available that projects a video feed of the blind spot into the instrument panel when a turn signal was activated. In principle it makes sense, but in practice the system is more distracting than helpful, especially at night.
The V6 was dropped for the fourth-generation Sorento and replaced by the Sorento Hybrid, which arrived in Canada for the 2022 model year. The Sorento Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission for combined power output of 227 hp.
The Kia Sorento PHEV plug-in hybrid model also arrived for 2022. A 67-kW electric motor fed by a 13.8-kWh battery pack allows for up to 51 kilometres of electric-only range. When the battery is depleted, the hybrid engine is still capable of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined in hybrid mode. Power is more than adequate at 261 hp.
Aside from the PHEV, the Sorento Hybrid was the obvious fuel economy leader of the group with a Natural Resources Canada-estimated 6.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The new base four-cylinder powertrain improved fuel efficiency to 9.7 L/100 km combined, and the turbo option was almost as efficient at 9.9 L/100 km combined.
The 2023 Sorento added the blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert to the base LX+ model, as well as a few minor feature shuffles between trim levels. Yet another styling update happened in 2024, but it wasn't as significant as the one in 2021. The biggest design change was in the headlights and grille, giving the SUV an even sharper and more angular look. The gas-powered SX trim was replaced by the X-Pro, which brought greater off-road skills thanks to all-terrain tires. On the tech front, a new digital instrument display and infotainment touchscreen were added, and driver assist and other features were retuned for better performance.
With all these changes in just three years, it's no surprise the Sorento returned in 2025 in the same form.
The fourth-generation Sorento received four-out-of-five stars in most crash tests by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and achieved five stars in side crashes. The 2024 model year improved its overall score to five stars for the non-hybrid models, and in 2025, the hybrids followed suit. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also awarded the Sorento "Good" scores in all tests and named it a Top Safety Pick. The 2025 model received a second-worst "Marginal" score in a new frontal moderate overlap test, but we wouldn't be surprised to see that improve in the next year or two.
At the time of writing, the fourth-generation Kia Sorento had a Canadian manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $41,840 including fees for the LX+ trim and peaking at $63,236 for the Sorento PHEV SX. On the used car market, Sorentos lose between $1,000 and $2,000 in their first year of ownership. After three years, that difference grows to between $10,000 and $15,000, making them an excellent purchase that will hold more relative value. As with most vehicles, higher-priced trim levels tend to depreciate more than entry-level models.
Third Generation (2016 - 2020)
The 2016 Kia Sorento grew in size and stature, measuring 19 centimetres longer than the first generation and 10 cm longer than the second generation. The new styling was more rounded, and it became closer in size and stature to what we consider a midsize SUV today.
At launch, three trim levels were available in Canada: LX, EX, and SX, with all three having plus grades (i.e., LX+, EX+, SX+) in varying configurations to equip additional features. The base LX trim came with a 185 hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. A 240 hp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder was available at each trim level, while the 290 hp 3.3-litre V6 returned and was equipped on all three-row models. A six-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels (FWD), and all-wheel drive was standard on EX and SX models and optional on the LX trim.
The base four-cylinder engine was estimated to burn between 9.6 and 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined depending on trim and model year. The turbo 2.0-litre engine averaged between 10.3 and 11.0 L/100 km combined. The V6, however, increased slightly to between 11.1 and 12.2 L/100 km combined. For those who don’t need the third row, we recommend the turbocharged engine as even leisurely drivers will feel the base unit is too weak for the larger Sorento.
Inside, the Sorento greatly improved the quality of its materials, and passenger space increased. The third row was more accommodating than before, but those seats were still best left to kids. This generation also saw the growth of advanced safety features, with standard rear parking sensors and available forward collision and lane-departure warnings. Heated front seats were standard in the 2016 Sorento in Canada, which was an unusual offering at the time.
The safety theme continued into 2017 with the addition of automatic emergency braking. Technology also improved thanks to available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
These changes carried the Sorento into 2019 with no notable updates in between. That year brought a new eight-speed transmission for the V6 engine, improving fuel economy by more than half a litre per 100 kilometres. The base LX became the only five-seat configuration, while third-row seats were added to all other trims. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine was discontinued.
In 2020, AWD became standard equipment, and the V6 engine became the default on all models but the LX base trim.
The NHTSA awarded the third-generation Sorento five stars for all crash tests and four stars for rollover protection, and these scores held for the entire production run. Similarly, the IIHS gave it "Good" scores in all crash tests and named it a Top Safety Pick. For the 2019 model year, this was upgraded to Top Safety Pick+ status, which is the Institute's highest honour that debuted in 2013. The following year, it dropped back to a Top Safety Pick.
The third-generation Kia Sorento is plentiful on the Canadian used vehicle market and can be picked up for surprisingly low prices. For a unit in good condition with less than 150,000 kilometres on the odometer, budget roughly $15,000 to $25,000. If you don’t mind buying a Sorento with more klicks on the clock, you can pick up this vintage of Sorento — even with one of the upgrade engines — for $10,000 or less.
Second Generation (2011 - 2015)
The Kia Sorento received its first full redesign for the 2011 model year amid Kia's major turnaround. The new look ushered in the manufacturer’s distinctive double-tab grille and angular body panels, helping it stand out from more generic SUVs. There were even significant changes underneath with a switch to unibody construction that improved comfort and handling.
The base engine was a 175-hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder that had some of the slowest acceleration times in its class. A 3.5-litre V6 with 276 hp was available as an option and was one of the quicker choices in the class, and it was offered with both the LX and EX trim in Canada. Front-wheel drive was standard, and all-wheel drive (AWD) was optional. The base trim came with a six-speed manual transmission, while all others upgraded to an automatic.
The four-cylinder engine was estimated at between 9.6 and 11.0 L/100 km combined depending on model year and configuration, while the V6 was rated between 10.6 and 11.5 L/100 km with AWD being at the top end of those figures. It lost some of its full-fledged four-wheel drive prowess, but a locking centre differential helped to improve traction. Other changes included a new luxury add-on for the EX trim and an available third row of seats, though space was only suitable for smaller passengers.
In 2012, an available driver’s seat ventilation was added, and the manual transmission was discontinued. The four-cylinder engine became direct-injected for better power delivery, and other minor equipment changes were made between trims. The following year, only a few minor features were made available on more trims, and leather upholstery was made standard on the EX trim.
The Sorento received a minor interior and exterior styling refresh in 2014, along with a more powerful 290 hp 3.3-litre V6 engine. All models benefited from a revised suspension system that further improved handling and ride quality. Advanced safety features also began appearing this year with the introduction of an available blind-spot monitor.
The 2014 refresh seemed a bit premature considering the Sorento had recently undergone a redesign. In hindsight, Kia was already preparing for yet another generation as the 2015 model was unchanged.
Initial crash tests conducted by NHTSA resulted in a four-out-of-five star rating across the board. It's important to note that the agency revised many of its evaluations around this time. These standards were adjusted to reflect the improvements made to survivability, making favourable scores more difficult to achieve. The side crash score was upgraded to five stars in 2012, and in 2014 all crash tests rose to five stars (but rollover tests still received four stars).
The IIHS was more favourable in its ratings, awarding the Sorento the top "Good" score in all categories and naming it a Top Safety Pick, the Institute's highest honour at the time. In 2014, a new small overlap frontal crash test was added to the program, and the Sorento received a "Poor" rating, losing its Top Safety Pick status.
Second-generation Kia Sorentos aren’t nearly as common as third-generation models on the Canadian used car market, but there are still a few kicking around. Given the known recall issues we mentioned above, it’s not surprising these can be picked up for cheap. Even the best late-model Sorentos from this era with less than 200,000 kilometres on the odometer are priced close to $10,000, while higher-kilometre examples are often listed at or below $5,000. Be sure to confirm all necessary recall work has been completed before you buy.
First Generation (2003 - 2010)
Unlike many contemporaries, the first-generation Sorento was built on a truck-like body-on-frame platform rather than a unibody. It also offered a four-wheel drive option (not all-wheel-drive) with low-range gearing that gave it uniquely strong off-road and towing abilities. Unfortunately, it also resulted in a harsh ride and sub-par on-road handling.
Under the hood was a 3.5-litre V6 engine that produced 192 horsepower and 217 pound-feet of torque. Two Kia Sorento trim levels were available: LX and EX. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard throughout this generation. It came with a four-speed automatic transmission. With a hefty 1,900-kilogram (4,200-pound) curb weight, that engine was underpowered and the Sorento was sluggish. At the time, NRCan estimated the Sorento would return between 14.9 and 15.7 L/100 km combined. Cargo capacity was competitive, measuring 877 litres.
The base LX trim came with steel wheels and plastic covers, air conditioning, cruise control, and power accessories (windows, mirrors, and locks). The EX stepped up to larger alloy wheels, keyless remote entry, a power-adjustable driver's seat, an improved audio system, and a sunroof. The optional EX Luxury package dressed up the interior with leather seat upholstery, automatic climate control, and a premium audio system.
2005 replaced the four-speed automatic transmission with a five-speed unit. The 2006 model year brought even fewer changes, adding a power sunroof to the EX trim and swapping the torque-on-demand four-wheel drive for a shift-on-the-fly system.
The Sorento received a refresh in 2007 that included the introduction of a new 3.8-litre V6 that made 262 hp. Despite the extra power, this new engine was also more efficient, estimated at between 13.7 and 13.8 L/100 km combined. It also benefited from slightly restyled front and rear fascia, along with a new instrument panel. The more potent engine not only improved acceleration but also towing capacity, which increased to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds).
For 2008, the lower trims switched to a smaller 3.3-litre V6 that produced 242 hp. The LX Luxury trim kept the 3.8-litre engine as an option. It didn’t offer a big difference from the larger engine in either drive feel or fuel economy, which was estimated at between 13.1 and 13.5 L/100 km combined. The Sorento added a base L trim in Canada in 2009 and took a break in 2010.
For the first three years of the Sorento's production, it received four stars from the NHTSA for frontal crash protection and five stars in side crash tests. In rollover tests, it received a concerning three stars. The 2007 refresh improved bumped scores to five stars in crash tests and four stars for rollover protection.
The IIHS gave the Sorento its second-best score of "Acceptable" in frontal crash tests and its lowest score of "Poor" in side crashes and for head restraints and seats. The 2007 refresh improved these results with the Sorento receiving the top score of "Good" for frontal crashes and head restraints/seats, but side protection remind "Poor".
On top of the fire-related recalls mentioned above, first-generation Kia Sorentos were very prone to rust. As a result, Sorentos of this vintage are now exceptionally rare on the used vehicle market in Canada. If you do find one, it will likely be a very high-kilometre example listed for $5,000 or less, located in a less winter-ravaged area, such as B.C.’s lower mainland.
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