Kia Sorento

The Sorento got a clean-sheet redesign for 2021, gaining fresh styling, new technology and safety features, an off-road focused X-Line trim and new powertrains. Its wheelbase was stretched, translating to more passenger and cargo room compared to the outgoing model. Tech upgrades included an available 10.25-inch touchscreen and the latest Kia Uvo infotainment system. Safety features were also expanded, with more standard driver assists and new available options like blind spot monitoring. An all-four-cylinder engine lineup included a turbocharged 2.5-liter with 281 horsepower and the Sorento’s first hybrid powertrain: a turbo 1.6-liter paired with an electric motor for 227 hp total. A 261-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain with an EPA-estimated all-electric driving range of 32 miles was added for 2022. A refresh for 2024 brought updated styling, a new instrument panel and other updates, but only for the regular gas-engine Sorento; the hybrid versions adopted the same updates for the 2025 model year.

The Sorento received a full redesign for the 2016 model year, growing in wheelbase and overall length compared to the previous generation. This upsizing improved interior space, though the available third-row seats were still best suited for children. The exterior styling carried over the previous Sorento’s basic design language but featured a larger, more distinctive grille. Engine choices consisted of a standard 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; or a 290-hp, 3.3-liter V-6. Five- and seven-seat configurations were available, but Kia made the Sorento’s third-row seats standard for 2019. Among other updates for 2019 were refreshed exterior styling, an eight-speed automatic transmission for the V-6 engine and the discontinuation of the turbo four-cylinder engine.

The Sorento underwent a complete redesign for the 2011 model year, transitioning from a truck-based SUV to a car-based crossover platform. The 2011 Sorento was longer than its predecessor and offered an optional third-row seat for seven-occupant capacity (though that third row was cramped for adults). For 2014, Kia extensively updated the Sorento, claiming over 80% of the vehicle was new or redesigned. Though the exterior styling changed only mildly, the changes included a new chassis, new 3.3-liter V-6 engine with 290 horsepower, and updated dashboard and infotainment system.

The Kia Sorento was introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model. It was a mid-size SUV with truck-style body-on-frame construction and a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive system. The sole engine was a 192-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed manual transmission became available for 2004, and the automatic transmission was upgraded to a five-speed unit for 2005. More power arrived for 2007 in the form of a 262-hp, 3.8-liter V-6, and Kia made stability control and traction control standard that year. For 2008, the base and mid-line LX trims got a 242-hp, 3.3-liter V-6 in place of the 3.8-liter V-6.