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2004
Kia Sorento

Starts at:
$18,995
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr LX Manual
    Starts at
    $18,995
    16 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LX Auto
    Starts at
    $20,750
    16 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LX 4WD Manual
    Starts at
    $20,800
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LX 4WD Auto
    Starts at
    $22,650
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr EX Auto
    Starts at
    $23,050
    16 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr EX 4WD Auto
    Starts at
    $24,850
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento 2004 Kia Sorento

Notable features

192-hp V-6
Choice of 4WD systems
New manual gearbox
Body-on-frame construction
Side-curtain airbags

The good & the bad

The good

Price and value
Easy and enjoyable to drive
Offroad capability
Handling
Seat comfort

The bad

Ride quality
Unproven reliability
Engine noise

Expert 2004 Kia Sorento review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Shortly after dropping its compact Sportage, Kia introduced a larger, value-priced Sorento. The Sorento is “a tough, true sport utility vehicle,” said Peter Butterfield, Kia’s chief operating officer, during the vehicle’s unveiling.

Rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions are available. The four-wheel-drive models may be equipped with either part-time or full-time Torque-On-Demand operation. The Sorento comes in LX and upscale EX forms and competes against such SUVs as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander.

Few changes, including a newly available manual gearbox and metallic interior accents that replace woodgrain in the previous model, are on tap for the 2004 Sorento. A new Sport Package features side step bars, a roof rack, alloy wheels and other extras.

Exterior
The Sorento uses body-on-frame construction with a ladder frame that contains nine cross-members. It rides a 106.7-inch wheelbase and measures 179.8 inches long overall.

Short front and rear overhangs permit navigation on steep terrain. Ground clearance is just over 8 inches. All models have four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch Michelin tires, a side-opening rear hatch and a full-size spare tire that stows beneath the body. Additional equipment on the EX model includes a power sunroof, alloy wheels, fog lamps and two-tone body cladding.

Interior
The Sorento seats five people. Flip-and-fold 60/40-split rear seats fold to create a flat floor, and cargo space amounts to 66.4 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down. Kia claims the Sorento has 107 cubic feet of interior volume. Six cupholders and an under-seat storage tray are included.

The well-equipped LX base model has air conditioning, cruise control, an eight-speaker CD audio system, and power windows, locks and mirrors. The EX model adds an eight-way power driverÂ’s seat, a HomeLink universal garage door opener, remote keyless entry and a Delphi premium CD/cassette stereo. Leather upholstery is optional.

Under the Hood
KiaÂ’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine generates 192 horsepower and 217 pounds-feet of torque; it teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission or the new five-speed-manual unit. Part-time four-wheel drive features a dashboard knob for shift-on-the-fly operation and is not intended for use on dry pavement. Available only on the EX, KiaÂ’s Torque-On-Demand four-wheel-drive system operates automatically. Each transfer case includes a Low range. The Sorento can tow as much as 3,500 pounds, and an automatic-leveling system is available.

Safety
Side curtain-type airbags protect front and rear occupants. Antilock brakes are offered as optional equipment.

Driving Impressions
The Sorento can clamber up steep, narrow inclines with barely a hint of strain, and its four-wheel-drive capability makes dirt-road treks look easy. Performance is similarly strong on regular pavement, but itÂ’s not necessarily better than the competition. The automatic transmission behaves well. Other than some engine blare on hard acceleration and a touch of wind noise at times, the Sorento is quiet.

Its handling is a major plus. The Sorento steers with a somewhat light feel and delivers excellent control and satisfying confidence. Ride comfort actually seems better on rough gravel roads than on the interstate because body motion is a little too noticeable on paved surfaces. The taut suspension can overreact to imperfections.

The SorentoÂ’s firm seats are especially comfortable and offer pleasant cushioning and impressive support. Rear-seat space is ample, and the gauges are easy to read.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com;
Posted on 8/27/03

2004 Kia Sorento review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Shortly after dropping its compact Sportage, Kia introduced a larger, value-priced Sorento. The Sorento is “a tough, true sport utility vehicle,” said Peter Butterfield, Kia’s chief operating officer, during the vehicle’s unveiling.

Rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions are available. The four-wheel-drive models may be equipped with either part-time or full-time Torque-On-Demand operation. The Sorento comes in LX and upscale EX forms and competes against such SUVs as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander.

Few changes, including a newly available manual gearbox and metallic interior accents that replace woodgrain in the previous model, are on tap for the 2004 Sorento. A new Sport Package features side step bars, a roof rack, alloy wheels and other extras.

Exterior
The Sorento uses body-on-frame construction with a ladder frame that contains nine cross-members. It rides a 106.7-inch wheelbase and measures 179.8 inches long overall.

Short front and rear overhangs permit navigation on steep terrain. Ground clearance is just over 8 inches. All models have four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch Michelin tires, a side-opening rear hatch and a full-size spare tire that stows beneath the body. Additional equipment on the EX model includes a power sunroof, alloy wheels, fog lamps and two-tone body cladding.

Interior
The Sorento seats five people. Flip-and-fold 60/40-split rear seats fold to create a flat floor, and cargo space amounts to 66.4 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down. Kia claims the Sorento has 107 cubic feet of interior volume. Six cupholders and an under-seat storage tray are included.

The well-equipped LX base model has air conditioning, cruise control, an eight-speaker CD audio system, and power windows, locks and mirrors. The EX model adds an eight-way power driverÂ’s seat, a HomeLink universal garage door opener, remote keyless entry and a Delphi premium CD/cassette stereo. Leather upholstery is optional.

Under the Hood
KiaÂ’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine generates 192 horsepower and 217 pounds-feet of torque; it teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission or the new five-speed-manual unit. Part-time four-wheel drive features a dashboard knob for shift-on-the-fly operation and is not intended for use on dry pavement. Available only on the EX, KiaÂ’s Torque-On-Demand four-wheel-drive system operates automatically. Each transfer case includes a Low range. The Sorento can tow as much as 3,500 pounds, and an automatic-leveling system is available.

Safety
Side curtain-type airbags protect front and rear occupants. Antilock brakes are offered as optional equipment.

Driving Impressions
The Sorento can clamber up steep, narrow inclines with barely a hint of strain, and its four-wheel-drive capability makes dirt-road treks look easy. Performance is similarly strong on regular pavement, but itÂ’s not necessarily better than the competition. The automatic transmission behaves well. Other than some engine blare on hard acceleration and a touch of wind noise at times, the Sorento is quiet.

Its handling is a major plus. The Sorento steers with a somewhat light feel and delivers excellent control and satisfying confidence. Ride comfort actually seems better on rough gravel roads than on the interstate because body motion is a little too noticeable on paved surfaces. The taut suspension can overreact to imperfections.

The SorentoÂ’s firm seats are especially comfortable and offer pleasant cushioning and impressive support. Rear-seat space is ample, and the gauges are easy to read.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com;
Posted on 8/27/03

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2004 Kia Sorento base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 21 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.1
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

  • Kia Sorento 2004 (I bought with 180,000+ miles)

    Keep in mind the newer Kia Sorentos are not built like the ones in 2004! (I’ve heard horror stories) But I got mine for way less than $2,000....I spent a little money making sure it ran well...and it has taken me from LA to Vegas without any problem....the mechanics I took the car to said there’s no reason why it can’t go for another 100,000 miles! It’s now almost 200,000 miles and going strong....if you don’t have much cash fine one of these used cars ..fix it up and you got one of the best made cars on the road. 2004 running smoothly 16 years later ...technology a classic
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    27 people out of 27 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • very good car

    Very dependable car met all of my expectations.I would recommend this car to a friend our family member.I love this car, ride and drive.Priced to sale..
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best Car I Have

    I love my Sorento. When I first bought it the only major problem it had was the hose for the power steering had a big hole in it. Once I changed it, it did have other any problems. Only thing I also had to change was the typical usual maintenance you do to the car (ie oil change and such). Other then that no major issue with car. I'm in the market now to upgrade it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    13 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great Car

    This car is great it?s a little small but that?s all some people need. Excellent value and it great on fuel. Has been well maintained.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable, comfortable and good sound system

    Plenty of room for 5 full sized adults and all the gear you'd need for a weekend away. Roof rack (optional) gets put to good use, and the sound system is amazing. Perfect for any sized family, or for one person to get around. Gas tank is large and will take you a long distance on one tank.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I fell in love with this car

    I absolutely love it! It's a great family SUV. I am extremely satisfied with it. It was a great buy!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • As durable and reliable as an anvil.

    The first KIA vehicle I liked and bought. Bought in 2004 with 14K on the clock. Used as a commuter and occasional small trailer pulling. The 3.5 liter V6 is powerful and quiet and will astonish you if you're not paying attention when you accelerate. The interior seems oblivious to wear and tear as there is nothing that was worn, fallen off or rubbed through in 120,000 miles. The silver paint has held up remarkably for a non-garaged SUV but I removed all four door handles and the bumpers and had them repainted because it's the nature of Florida plastic. This looks like a Lexus RX and has been mistakenly identified as such. The only big maintenance has been a timing belt and four struts. No leaks, knocks or rattles. The only warranty issue was an airbag light (which is still on to this day). Out of pocket has been a radiator and a coolant overflow tank. All in all it has exceeded every expectation with absolute flying colors. No gripes and no complaints. The build quality is elegantly industrial. Currently looking for a replacement and it will be a slightly used Sportage SX turbo GDi or nothing at all.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Just rolled over 300000 miles

    This is getting fun...My Sorento rolled over 300,000 miles this past week and just keeps going and going. I have only had 2 other cars surpass the 300K mark and in both cases they were tired and ready to be put out to pasture. Not the Sorento. I do not know if it is a body on frame arrangement or something else, but it still drives much as it did when I bought it at 50K miles. The ride is still firm and there are no rattles or squeaks. Oil consumption remains constant at about 1 qt every 3000 miles. The interior has held up very well and the leather has no cracks. Since 180K miles there have been a few additional, minor problem areas, but nothing critical. A couple of things I have learned is to put only high grade brake rotors on this car as, given the weight of this car, cheap ones have a tendency to warp. Another important item is to never reuse the crankshaft pulley bolt when replacing the timing belt. This is one maintenance item I always have the dealer perform. You will find several websites where owners berate the Sorento for failed Crankshaft pulleys (or even destroyed engines) because of this failure. It is avoidable if performed correctly so do not let your backyard mechanic try it. By the way, I recommend replacing the timing belt every 80K miles as they have a tendency to let go around 120K miles. Like most cars with timing belts, a failed one will be very costly. The only other known weak point will be a plastic Y fitting in the coolant system that appears to crack after a few years as well as the coolant expansion tank. If you Sorento is 100K miles or more you may want to have them replaced. The Transmission on the Sorento appears to be rock solid and I have actually had a transmission mechanic come up to me and say he thought the Sorento transmission was one of the best designed transmissions on the market. Based on my experience I have no reason to disagree. Other repairs have been to replace 2 front wheel bearings, a thermostat and a failed universal joint. Gas mileage remains in the 20-21 mpg range with the highway driving I do. If you stay in town and, especially if you are aggressive in your starts and stops, it will quickly fall to 14-16 mpg. All in all the Sorento, while not perfect, has been VERY surprising. I really am not quite ready to get rid of it and I may be extending my expectations to 400K miles. Without a doubt, it is one of the best cars I have owned.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • surprizing

    at 130K the interior is still beautiful. fit and finish is outstanding. MPG sucks but if your looking at an older 3.5L you should have known that going in. drives like a much smaller unit, very nimble. some rust issues in the rear door wells but in general I'm pleased
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • great vehicle

    bought it new in 2004 and has been very reliable, gets great gas mileage. it has never let my family down in ice, snow or rain. i would suggest the manual transmission it is great to drive. we also have a jeep so when we had a deep snow it kept up with it.so i highly recomend this vehicle we have the lx model with the 5 speed.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Not for real world 4wheel driving

    I bought this car on impulse because I was tired of sliding dowhill backwards in my former AWD vehicle. I live on top of a mountain and need a 4WD vehicle to get home in the winter and even with 4WD we sometimes have to walk home. The Sorento performs only slightly better than an AWD on snowy or icy roads. It will loose traction and you will be sliding down the hillside. My neighbors larger 4WDs are more succesful on our hillside. The Sorento will also spin easily in rainy conditions so I am always careful to watch my speed especially on corner.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Glad to get rid of it

    This car had too many issues to list them all. Mostly was the brake issues. Then there is the 12 mpg. Stay away from this one!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Kia dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 Kia Sorento?

The 2004 Kia Sorento is available in 2 trim levels:

  • EX (2 styles)
  • LX (4 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2004 Kia Sorento?

The 2004 Kia Sorento offers up to 16 MPG in city driving and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2004 Kia Sorento?

The 2004 Kia Sorento compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2004 Kia Sorento reliable?

The 2004 Kia Sorento has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Kia Sorento owners.

Is the 2004 Kia Sorento a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Kia Sorento. 85.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 21 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.2

Kia Sorento history

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