Skip to main content
4.5

Kia Sorento

Starts at:
$24,300
Choose Trim
Compare trims
2WD 4dr I4 LX AWD 4dr I4 LX 2WD 4dr V6 LX AWD 4dr V6 LX 2WD 4dr V6 EX AWD 4dr V6 EX 2WD 4dr V6 SX AWD 4dr V6 SX 2WD 4dr V6 SX Limited AWD 4dr V6 SX Limited Shop options
New 2015 Kia Sorento
Choose trim
Compare trims
2WD 4dr I4 LX AWD 4dr I4 LX 2WD 4dr V6 LX AWD 4dr V6 LX 2WD 4dr V6 EX AWD 4dr V6 EX 2WD 4dr V6 SX AWD 4dr V6 SX 2WD 4dr V6 SX Limited AWD 4dr V6 SX Limited Shop options
Shop Cars.com
Browse new cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
no listings

We're not finding any listings in your area.
Change your location or shop Cars.com to see more!

Change location

Your message was sent. You'll receive a response shortly.

Key specifications

Highlights
1,650 lbs
Towing Capacity
Regular Unleaded I-4
Engine Type
20 City / 27 Hwy
MPG
191 hp
Horsepower
Engine
181 @ 4250
SAE Net Torque @ RPM
191 @ 6300
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
2.4 L/144
Displacement
Regular Unleaded I-4
Engine Type
Suspension
Multi-Link
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
Strut
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
Multi-Link
Suspension Type - Rear
Strut
Suspension Type - Front
Weight & Capacity
0 lbs
Total Option Weight
N/A
Curb Weight
N/A
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
17 gal
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
Safety
Standard
Stability Control
Entertainment
Standard
Bluetooth®
Electrical
110
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
600
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
Brakes
N/A
Drum - Rear (Yes or )
12 in
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
13 in
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or )

Notable features

Seats five or seven
Four-cylinder or direct-injection V-6 engine
Front- or all-wheel drive
Six-speed automatic standard

Engine

181 @ 4250 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
191 @ 6300 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
2.4 L/144 Displacement
Regular Unleaded I-4 Engine Type

Suspension

Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
Strut Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
Strut Suspension Type - Front

Weight & Capacity

0 lbs Total Option Weight
N/A Curb Weight
N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
17 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
1,650 lbs Maximum Trailering Capacity
165 lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
1,650 lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
165 lbs Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
1,650 lbs Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
N/A Maximum Payload Capacity
N/A Curb Weight - Rear
N/A Curb Weight - Front
3,594 lbs Base Curb Weight

Safety

Standard Stability Control

Entertainment

Standard Bluetooth®

Electrical

110 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
600 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

Brakes

N/A Drum - Rear (Yes or )
12 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
13 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
4-Wheel Brake ABS System
4-Wheel Disc Brake Type

Photo & video gallery

2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento 2015 Kia Sorento

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 / 60,000 miles

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

The good & the bad

The good

Ride quality
V-6 engine refinement
Many available luxury features

The bad

Rear visibility
Cargo room with third row
Curtain airbags don't cover optional third row

Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 157 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.4
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

Owned a 2015 Sorrento since 2018.

Owned a 2015 Sorrento since 2018. It's a great SUV, very comfortable and smooth quiet ride. Lots of power (v6). No issues only routine maintenance.
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Bought a Kia Sorento 2015 from Corwin Ford in Pasco with

Bought a Kia Sorento 2015 from Corwin Ford in Pasco with 94k miles on it for 15k, ran for three months before the check engine light came on and it was stalling trying to accelerate, i took it into the shop and they found burnt pieces of shrapnel metal in the base of the engine and two of the 4 cylnders wouldnt fire, they told me the entire engine needs to be replaced,I have it in the kia dealer now theyre booked for a month told me they need to see for themselves to diagnose it, see if it falls under manufacturer warranty, im at a point right now where i literally dont know what to do, avoid this brand and Kia in general.
  • Does not recommend this car
Comfort 3.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 1.0
Value 1.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 1.0
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No
Photo of Joe Bruzek

2015 Kia Sorento review: Our expert's take

By Joe Bruzek

Editor’s note: This review was written in February 2013 about the 2014 Kia Sorento. Little of substance has changed with this year’s model. To see what’s new for 2015, click here, or check out a side-by-side comparison of the two model years.

The redesigned 2014 Kia Sorento doesn’t look very different from the outgoing model, yet Kia says the SUV is 80% new, with a new chassis shared with the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport that brings a host of driving improvements, a redesigned V-6 engine and greater interior dimensions that aim to improve the midsize SUV’s roominess.

The redesigned 2014 Kia Sorento’s long list of changes adds refinement and desirable features, but the company’s claims of a roomier cabin fall short.

The Sorento remains an oddly sized SUV that commits neither to being a compact SUV like the Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox nor a larger SUV like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. Unlike the Santa Fe Sport, which seats five, the Sorento seats five or seven occupants. Hyundai sells a larger model with three rows of seats, the Santa Fe (without the Sport suffix), for which there’s no Kia equivalent.

Shoppers content with the Sorento’s size will find a lot to like in the 2014’s added features, improved comfort on the road and a higher-quality look, inside and out.

Sorentos are available in front- or all-wheel drive with either a four- or a six-cylinder engine. I drove a 2014 Sorento SX V-6 with all-wheel drive at a Kia event in Arizona.

Ride and Handling
Kia hasn’t been known for its high-quality ride and handling. A 2012 Kia Sorento SX we tested in our $37,000 SUV comparison was one of Kia’s best performers at the time, exhibiting excellent road manners and a fun-to-drive zippiness that outshined the Pilot and Highlander. Those attributes are unchanged for 2014 and have matured with a new stiffer chassis that further dispels the notion of a budget Kia with budget ride quality. The Sorento’s stiffer structure makes the SUV feel more substantial and of a higher quality with less body flex and sloppiness over rough roads. The ride remains firmly sprung, though not jarring, with better control.

Wind noise continues to plague the Sorento, as wind howls over it at highway speeds. Road noise was a mixed bag; the Sorento rode over some roads quietly while other roads filled the cabin with obnoxious noise from the optional 19-inch tires. Road noise may vary by wheel and tire options: Standard wheels are 17 inches on base LX models, 18 inches on EX models and 19 inches on SX and SX-L trims.

Interior Room
I had hoped the redesigned Sorento would disperse its three rows more efficiently to improve room for second-row passengers as well as cargo room behind the third row. The previous Sorento attempted to cram the proverbial 10 pounds of stuff in a 5-pound bag, which limited second-row space even in models not equipped with the third row.

The 2014 Sorento’s specifications seem great on paper, with increases in second-row legroom and third-row headroom. The results aren’t evident when sitting in the second row, however. The second row now slides, reclines and folds in a 40/20/40 configuration, but at 6 feet tall and slender, I found the space tight even with the seat positioned fully rearward. The Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CR-V remain tough acts to follow with extremely generous and more comfortable second rows that don’t have to accommodate a third row like the Sorento.

The unchanged and scant 9.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the optional third row provides little room for groceries, or much of anything. Not choosing the third row has a few advantages, like a large hidden storage area beneath the cargo floor and, of course, saving on the seat’s cost: $800 on LX models and $1,000 or more on higher-end trim levels.

The Sorento’s front-seat roominess is workable for most people but isn’t as generous as some models for exceptionally tall drivers. My 6-foot-5-inch co-driver had severe comfort issues because the driver’s seat didn’t travel back far enough and bent his knees at an uncomfortable angle.

Styling
The Sorento’s revisited front and rear styling uses less cheapo unpainted plastic and more body-colored pieces for a higher-quality appearance. It’s a smoother and nicely updated look but not a substantial restyle, as the side profile is virtually unchanged; that’s unfortunate because obtrusive side pillars block over-the-shoulder visibility. A newly available blind spot warning system is optional and a first for Kia, though good visibility and properly aligned side mirrors largely eliminate the need for an expensive blind spot warning system. Blind spot warning is part of a $2,800 Touring Package on the LX four-cylinder and the $4,000 Touring Package on EX V-6 models; it’s standard on SX and SX-L trims.

The sleeker front and rear look is aided by a thinner Kia grille up front and LED daytime running lights on EX, SX and SX-L trim levels, plus LED taillights on all models. Inside, there’s a new center control panel design and available 7-inch LCD gauge cluster with a smoothly operating digital speedometer with an analog appearance that’s not jerky like some digital readouts. It’s not a flawless execution, though, because the speedometer appeared dull even at its brightest setting.

Features
First-time features are abundant in the 2014 Sorento, including an optional adjustable-height power liftgate. Kia says the new chassis allowed the feature for 2014 because the previous Sorento wasn’t rigid enough to support the power feature. Unlike many liftgates, the Sorento’s opens high enough for me to walk under and grab items from the cargo area without worrying about hitting my head. The liftgate is part of an expensive $2,800 Touring Package on lower trim levels, however, and it would be nice to see the useful feature offered as a stand-alone option instead of paired with navigation, an upgraded sound system, a blind spot warning system and more.

The Sorento is also more expensive for 2014 by $1,000. It now starts at $24,950, including an $850 destination charge. Kia’s mess-resistant Yes Essentials cloth seating material is now standard instead of optional on all models, and there are two leather upholstery options. Leather comes standard on EX and SX models while SX-L models come with premium Nappa leather.

Standard features include a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, seating for five, six-speed automatic transmission, body-colored heated side mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators, air conditioning, USB input, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and cruise control. Rear heated outboard seats are newly available, as is the addition of a front passenger ventilated seat to the previous driver-only ventilated seat option.

Under the Hood
For 2014, Kia has ditched the less powerful four-cylinder and offers only a direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 191 horsepower. I got plenty of seat time in the new 290-hp, 3.3-liter V-6, but the four-cylinder wasn’t available for testing. Both engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive with a 50/50 power-split button to lock the wheels together for maximum traction on slippery surfaces.

The V-6 is quieter and more refined than previous Kia V-6 offerings. In the Sorento, its acceleration feels typical for an SUV’s V-6 and isn’t going to wow anyone. The turbocharged four-cylinder offered in the Santa Fe Sport is a more compelling engine option, with a rush of power that makes it fun to put the hammer down. The Sorento’s V-6 builds power gradually and quietly, never feeling rushed to do so.

The Sorento’s in-between size also means in-between gas mileage with a not-so-impressive 20/26 mpg city/highway EPA rating for the four-cylinder and front-wheel drive, which is the most efficient configuration. Similarly equipped compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have much higher starting estimates: 23/31 mpg and 24/31 mpg, respectively. A larger SUV with a standard V-6 engine, the Honda Pilot is rated 18/25 mpg, equaling the Sorento’s V-6 mileage in a much larger package.

Choosing all-wheel drive knocks the four-cylinder’s mpg to 19/24 mpg and the V-6 to 18/24 mpg.

Safety
As a recent redesign, the 2014 Kia Sorento hasn’t been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at the time of this writing. Standard safety features include the federally required antilock brakes, electronic stability control, front airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The Sorento also has front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags for the first and second rows as well as a rollover sensor and front active head restraints as standard equipment. Unlike most three-row competitors, the Sorento’s side curtain airbags do not extend to the third row. We’ve looked into the importance of third-row airbags and their absence in some SUVs. You can read our findings here.

2014 Kia Sorento in the Market
The 2014 Kia Sorento’s refined ride quality and newly available features may not be enough to entice shoppers from other automaker camps. The Sorento continues to strike a balance between small and large SUVs, though with that comes interior room and gas mileage that’s likewise middle of the pack. Sorento shoppers who are perfectly pleased with the size and gas mileage have a lot to look forward to in the 2014 Sorento.

email  
Read more

Editor’s note: This review was written in February 2013 about the 2014 Kia Sorento. Little of substance has changed with this year’s model. To see what’s new for 2015, click here, or check out a side-by-side comparison of the two model years.

The redesigned 2014 Kia Sorento doesn’t look very different from the outgoing model, yet Kia says the SUV is 80% new, with a new chassis shared with the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport that brings a host of driving improvements, a redesigned V-6 engine and greater interior dimensions that aim to improve the midsize SUV’s roominess.

The redesigned 2014 Kia Sorento’s long list of changes adds refinement and desirable features, but the company’s claims of a roomier cabin fall short.

The Sorento remains an oddly sized SUV that commits neither to being a compact SUV like the Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox nor a larger SUV like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. Unlike the Santa Fe Sport, which seats five, the Sorento seats five or seven occupants. Hyundai sells a larger model with three rows of seats, the Santa Fe (without the Sport suffix), for which there’s no Kia equivalent.

Shoppers content with the Sorento’s size will find a lot to like in the 2014’s added features, improved comfort on the road and a higher-quality look, inside and out.

Sorentos are available in front- or all-wheel drive with either a four- or a six-cylinder engine. I drove a 2014 Sorento SX V-6 with all-wheel drive at a Kia event in Arizona.

Ride and Handling
Kia hasn’t been known for its high-quality ride and handling. A 2012 Kia Sorento SX we tested in our $37,000 SUV comparison was one of Kia’s best performers at the time, exhibiting excellent road manners and a fun-to-drive zippiness that outshined the Pilot and Highlander. Those attributes are unchanged for 2014 and have matured with a new stiffer chassis that further dispels the notion of a budget Kia with budget ride quality. The Sorento’s stiffer structure makes the SUV feel more substantial and of a higher quality with less body flex and sloppiness over rough roads. The ride remains firmly sprung, though not jarring, with better control.

Wind noise continues to plague the Sorento, as wind howls over it at highway speeds. Road noise was a mixed bag; the Sorento rode over some roads quietly while other roads filled the cabin with obnoxious noise from the optional 19-inch tires. Road noise may vary by wheel and tire options: Standard wheels are 17 inches on base LX models, 18 inches on EX models and 19 inches on SX and SX-L trims.

Interior Room
I had hoped the redesigned Sorento would disperse its three rows more efficiently to improve room for second-row passengers as well as cargo room behind the third row. The previous Sorento attempted to cram the proverbial 10 pounds of stuff in a 5-pound bag, which limited second-row space even in models not equipped with the third row.

The 2014 Sorento’s specifications seem great on paper, with increases in second-row legroom and third-row headroom. The results aren’t evident when sitting in the second row, however. The second row now slides, reclines and folds in a 40/20/40 configuration, but at 6 feet tall and slender, I found the space tight even with the seat positioned fully rearward. The Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CR-V remain tough acts to follow with extremely generous and more comfortable second rows that don’t have to accommodate a third row like the Sorento.

The unchanged and scant 9.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the optional third row provides little room for groceries, or much of anything. Not choosing the third row has a few advantages, like a large hidden storage area beneath the cargo floor and, of course, saving on the seat’s cost: $800 on LX models and $1,000 or more on higher-end trim levels.

The Sorento’s front-seat roominess is workable for most people but isn’t as generous as some models for exceptionally tall drivers. My 6-foot-5-inch co-driver had severe comfort issues because the driver’s seat didn’t travel back far enough and bent his knees at an uncomfortable angle.

Styling
The Sorento’s revisited front and rear styling uses less cheapo unpainted plastic and more body-colored pieces for a higher-quality appearance. It’s a smoother and nicely updated look but not a substantial restyle, as the side profile is virtually unchanged; that’s unfortunate because obtrusive side pillars block over-the-shoulder visibility. A newly available blind spot warning system is optional and a first for Kia, though good visibility and properly aligned side mirrors largely eliminate the need for an expensive blind spot warning system. Blind spot warning is part of a $2,800 Touring Package on the LX four-cylinder and the $4,000 Touring Package on EX V-6 models; it’s standard on SX and SX-L trims.

The sleeker front and rear look is aided by a thinner Kia grille up front and LED daytime running lights on EX, SX and SX-L trim levels, plus LED taillights on all models. Inside, there’s a new center control panel design and available 7-inch LCD gauge cluster with a smoothly operating digital speedometer with an analog appearance that’s not jerky like some digital readouts. It’s not a flawless execution, though, because the speedometer appeared dull even at its brightest setting.

Features
First-time features are abundant in the 2014 Sorento, including an optional adjustable-height power liftgate. Kia says the new chassis allowed the feature for 2014 because the previous Sorento wasn’t rigid enough to support the power feature. Unlike many liftgates, the Sorento’s opens high enough for me to walk under and grab items from the cargo area without worrying about hitting my head. The liftgate is part of an expensive $2,800 Touring Package on lower trim levels, however, and it would be nice to see the useful feature offered as a stand-alone option instead of paired with navigation, an upgraded sound system, a blind spot warning system and more.

The Sorento is also more expensive for 2014 by $1,000. It now starts at $24,950, including an $850 destination charge. Kia’s mess-resistant Yes Essentials cloth seating material is now standard instead of optional on all models, and there are two leather upholstery options. Leather comes standard on EX and SX models while SX-L models come with premium Nappa leather.

Standard features include a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, seating for five, six-speed automatic transmission, body-colored heated side mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators, air conditioning, USB input, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and cruise control. Rear heated outboard seats are newly available, as is the addition of a front passenger ventilated seat to the previous driver-only ventilated seat option.

Under the Hood
For 2014, Kia has ditched the less powerful four-cylinder and offers only a direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 191 horsepower. I got plenty of seat time in the new 290-hp, 3.3-liter V-6, but the four-cylinder wasn’t available for testing. Both engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive with a 50/50 power-split button to lock the wheels together for maximum traction on slippery surfaces.

The V-6 is quieter and more refined than previous Kia V-6 offerings. In the Sorento, its acceleration feels typical for an SUV’s V-6 and isn’t going to wow anyone. The turbocharged four-cylinder offered in the Santa Fe Sport is a more compelling engine option, with a rush of power that makes it fun to put the hammer down. The Sorento’s V-6 builds power gradually and quietly, never feeling rushed to do so.

The Sorento’s in-between size also means in-between gas mileage with a not-so-impressive 20/26 mpg city/highway EPA rating for the four-cylinder and front-wheel drive, which is the most efficient configuration. Similarly equipped compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have much higher starting estimates: 23/31 mpg and 24/31 mpg, respectively. A larger SUV with a standard V-6 engine, the Honda Pilot is rated 18/25 mpg, equaling the Sorento’s V-6 mileage in a much larger package.

Choosing all-wheel drive knocks the four-cylinder’s mpg to 19/24 mpg and the V-6 to 18/24 mpg.

Safety
As a recent redesign, the 2014 Kia Sorento hasn’t been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at the time of this writing. Standard safety features include the federally required antilock brakes, electronic stability control, front airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The Sorento also has front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags for the first and second rows as well as a rollover sensor and front active head restraints as standard equipment. Unlike most three-row competitors, the Sorento’s side curtain airbags do not extend to the third row. We’ve looked into the importance of third-row airbags and their absence in some SUVs. You can read our findings here.

2014 Kia Sorento in the Market
The 2014 Kia Sorento’s refined ride quality and newly available features may not be enough to entice shoppers from other automaker camps. The Sorento continues to strike a balance between small and large SUVs, though with that comes interior room and gas mileage that’s likewise middle of the pack. Sorento shoppers who are perfectly pleased with the size and gas mileage have a lot to look forward to in the 2014 Sorento.

email  
Read more

Safety review

Based on the 2015 Kia Sorento base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.4%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.4%
Risk of rollover

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

Kia dealers near you

You might also like

Compare
$32,895
Compare
Compare
Compare
Compare
Compare

Kia Sorento history

Your list was successfully saved.
Your comparisons
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare