2011 Kia Sorento consumer reviews

Never would have guessed I would be driving a Sorento when we started looking for a replacement vehicle for our minivan. Looked at all the competitors and decieded on the KIA based on the test drive. I have the EX V6 AWD in white sand beige. I took the KIA off road in the mud and snow and was pleased. The AWD with locking differential is very good in the slick stuff. Very nice handling vehicle. We live at 7000 ft so lots of snow and slick roads. The Sorento instills confidence. Lots of V6 power, quick shifting tranny. Launches off the line as fast as any SUV out there. Comparable to the most expensive SUV's out there. Lots of road feel. Changes lanes on a dime. Took some getting used to after a minivan. Gets 26 mpg on the freeway. Actually got 29.4 after 120 miles on one trip! Leather power seat is really comfortable and firm. Leather is sweet especially with the heaters. Panoramic sunroof is a nice touch. I paid 29K for this ride. 32K out the door. It is a great vehicle for those looking to make thier dollars go a long way.

We purchased our 2011 Sorento LX V6 to replace a 2001 Lexus RX300. Our primary vehicle criteria are safety, value, and performance (in that order). Since our last car was an RX300 (which we loved), the bar was set high, but the Sorento met and exceeded our expectations and at a very good value. The top safety ratings, great warranty, low price, and high quality made the Sorento impossible to resist. We test drove a 4-cylinder Sorento first and about 30 seconds into the test drive it was clear that there just wasn't enough horsepower. We went back to the lot and test drove a V6 and were very pleased...the V6 has plenty of horses to spare for a fun and peppy ride while sacrificing only 1mpg. We ended up buying the AWD version although in Maryland you really don't need AWD; we didn't have much snow this year, but in the snow we had it was sure-footed. The interior is nicely appointed and well laid out; the seats are comfortable and there is plenty of cargo room with 4 passengers. We are value shoppers so the LX V6 seemed to be in the sweet spot of price/performance. The only significant negative about the Sorento is the 3rd row seating. We usually use the vehicle with the third row folded flat so we have two rows and a large cargo space. When the third row is unfolded, it is *very* close to the rear of the vehicle...even though the Sorento gets top crash-test ratings, I wouldn't use it regularly in the 3-row configuration for safety reasons. I've seen the same thing in other small-to-mid-sized SUVs with optional 3rd row seating. Also, when the third row is up, there is very very little cargo room...so consider the third row as infrequent seating when you need to take your family plus a few of the kids friends, but not something you'd use regularly (our regular kid-hauler is a Sedona minivan which we also like alot). Buy the cargo cover too...it's not very expensive and it's silly that they don't include it.

My wife and I searched for months for our next SUV/CUV to replace our leased '08 Ford Edge Ltd AWD. We looked at every mid-sized (and some full-sized) CUV on the market, but kept coming back to the Sorento b/c it had everything the competitors had, but at a MUCH better price. We, like many others here, immediately crossed off boring, outdated, or ugly CUVs from Toyota, Honda, Nissan, GM etc. While we did like most of what the Highlander had to offer, it was too pricey and didn't even offer back-up sensors, which we feel are a must, even with a rear camera. The Acadia-Enclave-Traverse triplets are getting long in the tooth, and to be honest, many parts of them look and feel cheap. Not to mention the poor ratings from ConsumerReports. So we thought for sure we'd be leasing another Edge or even moving up to the brand new Explorer. However, MyFordTouch- the confusing, frustrating and slow responding touch screen that controls everything from HVAC to entertainment- singlehandedly took those two off our list. Then we thought about the new Durango, but when we loaded one up with everything that a Sorento EX (Ltd and Premium pkgs) had, our eyeballs almost popped out. $10k more! Are u kidding Dodge?? Every time we thought we found a car that could match or beat the Sorento, it ended up falling short. The Sorento simply kicked all of their butts. Its a great-looking, thoughtfully designed, refined, reliable, fast and roomy CUV with a 3rd row, Nav, rear DVD player, rear camera, rear sonar, dual climate control, beautiful chrome 18" wheels, perforated leather, ambient lighting, the brightest non-HID headlights I've ever seen, Smart-key w/ push-button start, and much more. Try finding all that for around $35k from one of the other guys. Sure some of them have more room than the Sorento, but none could match its overall blend of features, looks, feel, quality, comfort, reliability, safety and value. Well done KIA. No, extremely well done. Three months ago I may have chuckled if someone told me to check out a Sorento. Now I'm a believer and singing your praises to everyone I know. There are only a few recommendations I would make for the 2012 model. 1) Soften the ride just a tad more. I understand the new DFD shocks made the ride waay better than that of the early production models, but it could still be a little smoother over potholes and bumps in my opinion. 2) Offer a power liftgate. 3) Howabout HID headlights? Other than that, I think you have everything covered. Again, great job KIA. You've hit a homerun with the Sorento. That Peter Schreyer guy from Audi looks to have saved your company from an eternal life of mediocrity. Congratulations and thank you!

After months of research, and test drives my wife and I decided on the Kia Sorento EX V6 FWD with LTD and Prem. packages. We compared it to the RAV4 (Too boring), the Equinox (no third row), Ford Edge (pricey and no third row) and Outback (Ugly), and Kia came out the winner in every category-except ride. It was a very rough ride on any uneven surfaces. After reading up on some owner forums, I found out that the SX trim had an upgraded suspension which smoothed out the harshness. I also learned that all Sorento trims would be similarly equipped at the start of the 4th quarter 2010. So, we waited. We picked up the car in late December and I can tell you the ride issues that many owners have complained about are resolved. If you're in the market, please drive one made after October 15, 2010 and compare it to an earlier build date and you'll feel the difference. This is not a sports car, but it handles capably without the numb steering found in most SUV's. The main reason for this is that Kia uses hydraulic power steering instead of electric resulting in a superior feel for the road. The 6 speed transmission is perfectly mated to the 276 bhp V6. Someone complained about engine braking and inconsistent stops, and I have no idea what they're talking about. There is no jerkiness in upxxxxs or downshifts and the 6th gear helps with fuel economy while preserving the power band in other gears. This CUV is a real value when compared to it the other cars in this segment. As other reviews describe, the Sorento has all of the creature comforts that other manufacturers charge an arm and leg for. Bluetooth, rearview camera, heated mirrors & seats, keyless entry, hill descent control, etc. Look out for rebates, including the competitive buyer. Our dealer did not offer that until I brought it up. Fuel mileage has been inconsistent. I have consistently ranged between 22-24 mpg combined, but now that the weather is warming up, it's looking more like 25 combined in mixed driving. The more this engine breaks in, the more I expect my mpg's to go up. EPA estimates 22 mpg combined. Overall, the Sorento has been a fantastic purchase. Enough power to keep you interested, comfortable for long trips and commuting, and 5 star stafey ratings made this an incredible value that has already exceeded my expectations. I'll check in again in a few months to update fuel mileage.

We bought a 2011 Kia Sorento SX in Peal White Snow with all the options 2 weeks ago after doing some pretty extensive shopping with most brands of "CUV's" and SUV's from all the brands available. We did side by side comparisons, browsed reviews and ratings, talking to real owners and test drove all of them! We had not considered the KIA...until we saw one on a dealer lot. We test drove a EX and loved it. We again went home and compared the KIA with all the others that we were looking at. The KIA met our requirements that it be made in the USA (West Point, Georgia!), be good on gas, be well made, a better than average warranty (It has a 100,000 mile waranty!), all the safety stuff that technology can provide, be good looking and not an common, average and boring Honda/Toyota, and a bunch of features and extras. We were, to say in the least..impressed! The V-6 engine is the supurb 100% designed by KIA V-6. Probably the most modern engine currenty made! 278 HP and a efficient, powerful and reliable engine. And it's mated to the best 6 speed automatic that I've ever tryed...and it's also built by KIA in their West Point factory! This engine gets up and GOES! Almost scary acceleration, with a rich roar of power and you're thrst back in your seat! I could see myself getting into trouble with this thing! Yet driven carefully, the dash has a green "eco" light to help you achieve an honest 26 mpg on the highway...my wife can do it..I can't! The interior is a rich and unexpected suprise, real leather seats with "butt cooling AND heating" in the front! Deeply recessed instruments with red lighting, easy to see white numbers, a big navigation screen with voice of touch control and a cool Sirius satellite Radio, am/fm cd and IPod connections, USB port and micro jack for a MP3 player...all integrated with blue tooth, and a built in back up camera! And a 10 speaker Infinity system! Dual zone air conditioner and heating, and the middle and 3rd row seats get their own vents! And more! The exterior was designed by the same German Designer that was responsible for some best selling cars such as the VW New Beetle and the Audi TT! Different and better looking than any other CUV, just the right curves and lines, tasteful...with a new Corporate KIA front grill and flowing headlights that are remarkably BRIGHT! And LED stop lights that cause the drivers behind you to wince when they come on! I have gone over this Sorento with a fine tooth comb, looking for defects or poor workmanship. NOTHING! Absolutely perfect..the paint job is the best I've seen (the pearl white snow is awsum!), the engine compartment is well layed out, neat and easy access, everything where it should be. The hood is help open by hydralic struts...not "prop-rods"! And the interior is nicely done, black leather is of high quality, stitching is white, and the instrument panel pod over the dials is black leather with white stitching too. Nice touch! And the 3rd row is doable by kids or Adults for short jaunts around town. The 2nd and 3rd rows fold flat for huge cargo space. And the giant full black glass roof includes a big power sun roof...makes the back seat a very bright "vista liner" experience! And the icing on this cake is the 100,000 mile KIA warranty and the 5 years of roadside service! This vehicle is a real deal...and in just short of 1 year has broken sales records with over 100,000 sold, and the West Point Georgia factory working all 3 shifts to keep up! Best of luck to KIA's continued success!

1. Keyless entry and start As a mom a rarely have my hands free approaching my car. Not having to dig through my purse or diaper bag is Awesome! 2. Safety Rating A top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 4 and 5 star crash test ratings from the NHTSA. 4 star rollover resistance from the NHTSA 3. All Wheel Drive We live in Loveland CO and face some extreme weather conditions, from snow and ice to 70mph wind gusts. I always feel in control of the Sorento. It reacts quickly and is extremely steady. Also the turning radius is UNREAL!! 4. Dashboard Everything is right at my fingertips, well laid out and labeled. 5. Bluetooth The hands-free phone could not be easier to set up or use. Great for a mom on the go. 6. Interior Storage I have space for everything... snacks, juice boxes and wet-wipes an ice scraper, leather cleaner, extra diapers and wipes. Best of all, because of the sneaky layout my car never looks cluttered. 7. 3rd Row While down the amount of trunk space is INCREDIBLE! (Picture a BOB jogging stroller AND 120lb Bullmastiff with Plenty of room) but even after I pop the third row up (effortlessly) there is still a good amount of room in the trunk. The car seats 7 comfortably (I've had 5 people, all over 6ft in the 2nd and 3rd rows with no complaints) 8. Value and Service 100k warranty is great! Gas milage is pretty good. Peak Kia (where we purchased ours) has an awesome service department! Calling to remind me of oil and milage checks. They even replaced all 4 tires for free just because "better ones have become available" 9. OPTIONS!!!! My version is mid-grade and I couldn't ask for more. V6 AWD, power everything, satellite radio (free for 6 months, and we purchased it after that) back up sensor, leather and cloth seats (very easy to clean!!) Mine is black cherry with pinstripes and tinted windows. A nav. system, back up camera, dvd player and sunroof would be nice and are available but I don't even notice they are missing. 10. BEAUTIFUL I couldn't agree more with the expert review, that this car compares to the Acura and BMW when it comes to style. I have to say I NEVER thought I would buy a KIA... but after being behind the wheel for ten minutes I loved it more than our '07 Mercedes GL450 for ALL of the above reasons (NO JOKE!!)

This SUV was beyond our expectations. We just drove it from NY to Florida. Gas mileage is awesome ...29mpg on the highway and about 26 in the city. The vehicle is the best looking SUV I've seen yet. Really nice lines. Interior is roomy and super comfortable. When back seats are folded down, there's enough room for 2 adults to sleep comfortably in the back area. Our dog, loved it. There's also a LOT of room in a compartment that is located in the back under the floor. We packed most of our clothes and equipment in there for our trip and that way the entire back area was free of luggage. Front bucket seats are wide -fabric is durable and comfy. Very nicely designed dash and radio features. - Bluetooth is clear on phone calls and I can play songs from my smartphone, wirelessly into the car speakers. Car rides smooth and quietly on the highway. Only wish my model had an outdoor thermometer reading. We've had the car now for only about 3 months but both my husband and I keep saying how much we love our purchase - much more than we ever thought we would. Just a lot of bang for your buck on this one.

Seriousily, throw all of your misconceptions out the window and go test drive one of these 2011 Kia Sorento's! It was an eye opener for my wife and I, after going to Honda, Toyota, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Ford and GM dealers...we finally stopped by a Kia dealer. The 2011 Kia Sorento is made in the USA at a brand new Georga $1 billion Dollar factory! Since it came out in early 2010, it has outsold everything Kia has made in it's 16 year history! 100,000 and counting, and the brand new 1 Billion dollar Kia Georgia factory just added a rd shift to handle the demand! What we found was that the Kia 2011 Sorento has terrific looks, is well made and designed, rides and drives very well, has a brand new 6 speed automatic tht is one of the best, smooth modern efficient trannys made! The 100,000 mile warranty is just icing on the cake. Our SX has all the options, including the all glass roof with sunroof, leather interior, big screen navigation system with packup camera and blue tooth phone both with hands free voice activation. Huge BRIGHT LED tail lights, georgeous smooth and flawless pearl white snow paint, big 18" chrome spoke wheels, themost briliant headlights I've ever seen, comfortable interior with heated front seats, dual zone A/C with 2nd and 3rd row A/C. And a 10 speaker Infinity speaker stereo with Satellite radio! And the 3.5L V-6 276 hp engine is the famous "Theta" engine designed by Hyundai (they own Kia!) that gets 26 MPG and takes off like a high performance car when the accelerator is mashed down! The Theta engine design is also used by Hyundai, Chrysler and Mitsubishi and is called a "world" engine. As I said...yes this is a KIA! And a really, really good one. I'm a picky guy, and have gone over our Sorento with a critical eye, but can't find even a single flaw or poorly made part. The stitching on the black leather seats is white, and perfect. The paint is layers deep and deep..the pearl white is luminious and gleams, flawless in the sun. The engine compartment is thoughtfully laid out, neat and perfect. The wheels are chrome alloy, and the disk brake calipers are aluminum and show thru the wheels..nice performance touch! Even fake polished aluminum "skidplates" under front and rear bumpers, and turn signals in the heated outside mirrors, and push button, keyless starting! If I sound enthusiastic...its because I am!

I was given this brand new 2011 Sorento for a graduation gift and I love it. I like how it drives, how it looks, and all the features (heated seats, dual air control, backup cameras, GPS, etc). Its great for roadtrips and Ive done a lot of driving since I got it. However, last week, I was accelerating up the entrance ramp for the interstate and the transmission STOPPED working WHILE DRIVING. I had just enough time to pull to the side. I had to put the emergency brake on to keep the SUV from rolling down the ramp. A week later, the dealership gave me a new transmission (free of charge under warranty). The next day when I was leaving for work in the morning, the Sorento started but not all the features were coming on. I stopped the car, turned it off, and it wouldn't come back on. The lights wouldn't come on, it wouldn't lock, and it showed no sign of life. I tried jumping the engine with cables, and I attached a battery charger to it which said the battery was fully charged. Nothing happened. I'm sending it to the dealership again for them to hopefully identify the problem. Very frustrating. It only has 20,575 miles and I haven't had it for a year yet. Thank goodness I have the warranty and this isn't costing me anything. I love my Sorento, but I'd love it more if it would just work!

Got the 2011 Kia Sorento LX, with the convenience package, etc. This Car looks like the other overpriced suv's, feels like the the overprice suv's but is affordable. Its packed with gadgets and it drives beautiful. The cabin is so quiet when your driving, its a great drive. The suspension issues that i hear were around alot when they first released them have clearly been resolved as going over bumps, pot holes, etc are handled great . Heated seats, Heated mirrors, and the remote starter are just fantastic and very necessary here in New England. This car has made me a big Kia fan, and we saw the Optima and it looks amazing. Buy the Sorento, you won't be disappointed!