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Kia Sorento
SUV · Gas · 48 versions · owner report
Ranked #5 of 19 midsize SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year, powertrain, and owner expectations.
8 problems reported (4 very frequent, 1 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentTransmission failures
Multiple reports of complete transmission replacements, with one owner citing three new transmissions in a 2024 model within 14 months. Clunky shifting and concerns over Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) reliability are mentioned.
- Very frequentEngine failures
Reports of engines (including non-recalled engines) failing and requiring replacement, sometimes under 100,000 miles, with repair costs around $6,000.
- Very frequentInfotainment and climate control interface
The shared touch-sensitive strip for media and climate controls is universally panned. Owners report it requires taking eyes off the road, lacks tactile feedback, is difficult to see in daylight, and is prone to accidental activation.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- Very frequentLong-term reliability concerns
A strong, recurring theme that vehicles may be designed to have significant issues after the warranty expires (~100,000 miles), with advice to sell before 70-80,000 miles. Perceived as less durable than Toyota/Honda counterparts.
- RecurrentThird-row space
The third row is consistently described as suitable only for children or occasional use by teens/young adults, not for full-sized adults on long trips.
- IsolatedReal-world fuel economy discrepancy
While hybrids are praised, one owner report for a related model indicates real-world MPG can be significantly lower (28 MPG vs. 38 MPG estimate) than advertised.
- IsolatedBuilt-in navigation system quality
Described as poor, with inaccurate traffic data and sometimes incorrect directions. Owners recommend using Apple CarPlay/Android Auto instead.
- IsolatedMinor electronic gremlins
Isolated mentions of sporadic sensor warnings, issues with proximity door locks, and smartphone connectivity problems.
The version owners recommend
The Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) versions, particularly in higher trims like SX Prestige, receive the most consistent praise. Owners note these models, often built in Korea, have "top notch build quality," a refined and smooth drivetrain, excellent real-world fuel economy (reported around 33 MPG), and a comfortable ride. The hybrid is specifically cited as "the most reliable three-row SUV" by one owner referencing external data. Higher trims are recommended for their premium features (e.g., Nappa leather, advanced safety suites), while lower trims with the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine and traditional 8-speed automatic are suggested for those seeking simpler, potentially more reliable mechanicals.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9/CX-90.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year, powertrain, and owner expectations. For newer models (2023-2026), feedback is often positive regarding value, interior comfort, ride quality, feature content, and hybrid fuel economy. Many owners praise the vehicle's spaciousness, comfortable seating for the first two rows, and the premium feel of higher trims for the price. However, this is counterbalanced by very frequent and severe criticism of specific mechanical failures: most notably transmission problems and engine issues: and significant frustration with the infotainment/climate control interface. Long-term reliability perceptions are mixed, with some owners reporting trouble-free ownership for over 200,000 miles, while others report catastrophic failures (engine, multiple transmissions) well under 100,000 miles, leading to strong warnings against the brand. The vehicle is generally seen as offering excellent technology and space for the money but with higher risk compared to traditional Japanese competitors.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a high-value, feature-rich midsize SUV with available three-row seating. Frequently compared directly to the Hyundai Santa Fe, with owners noting they share platforms and engines, but the Santa Fe is sometimes perceived as having a more premium interior. Versus the larger Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, the Sorento is seen as a more affordable, slightly smaller alternative with similar features. Compared to the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, the Sorento offers more standard features and technology for a lower purchase price, but community feedback consistently questions its long-term reliability and durability against these established rivals. It is considered a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing interior space, comfort, and tech on a budget, but a risky choice for those planning to keep the vehicle beyond 100,000 miles or the warranty period.
Recommended configurations
Hybrid (HEV) or Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. All-wheel drive (AWD) is recommended for improved traction. Higher trims (e.g., SX, SX Prestige) for maximum feature content and interior quality. Captain's chairs in the second row for added comfort and space. A strong emphasis on purchasing an extended warranty if planning to keep the vehicle beyond the standard 5-year/60,000-mile warranty. Avoid the turbocharged engine with the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) due to cited reliability concerns. Verify detailed vehicle history and maintenance records if purchasing used.
General recommendations
Suitable for buyers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and technology-loaded family SUV at a competitive price point, who prioritize initial value over long-term resale value. Highly recommended for those who plan to own the vehicle primarily within the factory warranty period (5 years/60,000 miles) or the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for the original owner. NOT recommended for buyers who plan to keep the vehicle for more than 7-8 years or beyond 100,000-150,000 miles without tolerance for major repair risk. Essential to test drive extensively to evaluate the infotainment/climate touch controls. Research specific model year recalls and known issues (e.g., transmission, engine, Body Domain Control Unit). Consider leasing to mitigate long-term reliability and depreciation concerns. Aggressively negotiate purchase price, as discounts are frequently implied to be available.
Remarks
Owner experiences are profoundly bifurcated, creating a high-risk, high-reward perception. Many satisfied owners have had multiple Sorentos with no major issues, while others have experienced catastrophic, repeated failures. The discussion heavily references generational differences; older models (e.g., 2017) are associated with Theta II engine recalls and failures, while newer models (2023+) face transmission and electronic issues. The infotainment/climate control design appears to be a universal pain point across recent model years. The value proposition is central: the significant upfront savings over a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot is acknowledged, but this is weighed against potential future repair costs, lower resale value, and anxiety about long-term durability. Analysis based on approximately 50 substantive owner discussions spanning model years from approximately 2011 to 2026.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2011. Years to avoid: 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Kia Sorento years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 2 | unknown or other |
| 2025 | 127 | 3 | engine |
| 2024 | 49 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2023 | 157 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2022 | 223 | 8 | power train |
| 2021 | 38 | 5 | engine |
| 2020 | 135 | 1 | engine |
| 2019 | 426 | 2 | engine |
| 2018 | 254 | 3 | engine |
| 2017 | 804 | 4 | engine |
| 2016 | 1,250 | 8 | engine |
| 2015 | 750 | 3 | engine |
| 2014 | 986 | 6 | engine |
| 2013 | 981 | 5 | engine |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices83 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2026 · tires:temporary/emergency spare tirecampaign 25V745000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2026 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 26V046000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
2025 · electrical system:body control module:softwarecampaign 25V006000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2025 · engine and engine cooling:critical fastenerscampaign 25V548000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.
2025 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 26V046000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
2024 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 24V287000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Sorento vehicles. The motor driven power steering (MDPS) wiring harness may be incorrectly assembled, which can result in a loss of power steering assist.
2024 · electrical system:body control module:softwarecampaign 25V006000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2023 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 23V579000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sorento vehicles. The air bag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2023 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 23V610000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2023 · electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakerscampaign 25V649000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
2023 · trailer hitchescampaign 22V703000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
2022 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 22V202000
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
2022 · tires:temporary/emergency spare tirecampaign 22V509000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento and Telluride vehicles. The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2022 · trailer hitchescampaign 22V703000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
2022 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 22V760000
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
68 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
2.5 T-GDI
2.5L 4-cylinder · 281 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2024–2026