The 2020 Kia Sorento lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average engine sensor and stereo system issues reported. At $19,750 to $36,250, it’s a good value for a practical midsize SUV with some great technology features available.
Is the 2020 Kia Sorento a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Kia Sorento since it offers excellent technology and decent reliability ratings. Owner reviews praise the low fuel costs, spacious second row, and the safety features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are better than other SUVs in its price range, the seats are supportive, cargo space is smaller than some competitors.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems on the 2020 Sorento. Models from 2011 through 2016 are known to have engine failures, but 2017–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is fine from all of the engine choices, but it’s not very quick compared to some of the competition.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Sorento is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are available as optional upgrades.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 24 MPG, giving 451 miles of range from the 18.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $27 cheaper than average at $208 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Kia Sorento is less expensive than other SUVs with some great features, making it a good value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Kia Sorento?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Kia Sorento offers a lot of features and functionality bundled together in a budget-friendly SUV, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Kia Sorento at 4.4/5, enjoying the long ten-year warranty coverage, but doesn’t like the limited legroom in the third row.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Sorento a 4.3/5, praising the strong V6 engine, but owners don’t like the relatively small cargo area compared to other SUVs.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Kia Sorento Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Kia Sorento include check engine lights, a frozen stereo system, along with delayed gear changes. Overall, these problems are similar to other SUVs from the same year, with lower repair costs as it ages since it has a long warranty that covers a lot of the issues.
Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from 2020 Sorento owners, showing up within the first 15,000 miles. You will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the codes and determine the source of the check engine light. The knock sensor is a known problem, and it fails early. Replacing the knock sensor costs around $250.
A frozen stereo system is another problem found on the 2020 Sorento within the first 1,000 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system, which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $50 for labor.
Delayed gear changes have also been reported by some Kia Sorento owners at around 5,000 miles. There are also software updates for the transmission control module, which makes it work better. Usually, these updates are installed for free during normal servicing, while some dealers charge around $100.
There is only one recall on the 2020 Kia Sorento, which is better than some other midsize SUVs from the same year. The recall covers the towing hitch wiring harness, which can cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked. Kia will replace the harness assembly on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2020 Kia Sorento Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Kia Sorento can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other midsize SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $483 per year.
As a used 2020 Sorento reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the trailing arm for $275, the oxygen sensor costing $400, along with the fuel injectors, which cost around $550.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good, and includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a premium Harman Kardon audio system.
Standard safety technology is fairly basic, and only comes with a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Front parking sensors
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Driver attention monitoring
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Lane departure warning
Is the 2020 Kia Sorento a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Kia Sorento is a good value if you’re in the market for a midsize SUV with a lot of standard features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $19,750 to $36,250, making it less than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $26,990 to $41,890. Depreciation rates are similar to other midsize SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Kia Sorento?
There are five main models of the 2020 Kia Sorento offered, from the entry-level L through to the more luxurious SX. It comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Rearview camera
- Cloth upholstery
- Manually adjustable front seats
- 40/20/40-split second-row seats
- 50/50-split third-row seats
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 7-inch touchscreen display
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- One USB port
- Six-speaker sound system
LX is a step up, adding:
- Noise-reducing windshield
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Front seatback pockets
- Two additional USB ports
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Optional Convenience package available
- Forward collision mitigation (with package)
- Roof rails (with package)
- Rear parking sensors (with package)
- Dual-zone automatic climate control (with package)
- Heated front seats (with package)
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob (with package)
S has additional features including:
- Includes V6 engine
- Includes Convenience package features
- 19-inch wheels
- Black exterior trim
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Rear climate controls
EX Sport adds more items, such as:
- Body-colored exterior accents
- Noise-reducing front door windows
- Panoramic sunroof
- Power liftgate
- Upgraded instrument panel
- Leather upholstery
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping assist
- Drowsy driver monitor
- Advanced blind-spot and rear cross-traffic accident avoidance systems
SX is the flagship model which has:
- Power-folding mirrors
- Front parking sensors
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Universal garage door opener
- 14-way power driver’s seat
- 8-way power front passenger seat
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Surround-view monitor
- Navigation system
- Wireless charging pad
- 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
- Satellite radio
- Exclusive option for ventilated front seats
What Engines Come In the Kia Sorento?
- The standard engine on lower trims is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that delivers 185 horsepower. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and achieves a combined fuel economy of approximately 25 MPG. The 0-60 MPH run takes about 9 seconds, which is adequate for daily commuting and general driving needs.
- For those seeking more power, there’s a 3.3-liter V6 engine available, which pumps out 290 horsepower. This more potent engine comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it offers a combined fuel economy of around 22 MPG. The acceleration from 0 to 60 MPH with the V6 engine is notably quicker, taking about 7.2 seconds, making it a more responsive choice that doesn’t sacrifice too much in fuel efficiency for the extra performance it delivers.
What Colors Does the Kia Sorento Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Kia Sorento?
The 2020 Kia Sorento is often praised for its comfort, making it a compelling choice for families and long-distance travelers alike. The ride quality is smooth and composed, effectively absorbing most road imperfections and providing a quiet cabin experience even at highway speeds. The seats are designed with long-haul comfort in mind, offering good support and a range of adjustments to accommodate drivers and passengers of various sizes. The Sorento’s interior is spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom, especially in the first and second rows.
The third row is more suited to children or smaller adults, which is common among midsize SUVs. Additionally, the climate control system is robust, making sure the interior can be quickly adjusted to a comfortable temperature for all occupants. Higher trims enhance comfort with features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control, further elevating the sense of luxury and relaxation inside the Sorento’s cabin. Overall, the 2020 Kia Sorento delivers a well-rounded package that emphasizes passenger comfort for both short errands and extended journeys.
How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Sorento Have?
The 2020 Kia Sorento offers a generous amount of storage space that can accommodate a variety of needs, whether for daily errands or longer trips. Behind the third row, owners have access to approximately 11.3 cubic feet of cargo space, enough to stow away grocery bags or small carry-on luggage. When the third-row seats are folded down, this space expands significantly to about 38 cubic feet, allowing for larger items such as bicycles, a stroller, or several large suitcases. For those needing even more space, with both the second and third rows folded flat, the Sorento presents an expansive 73 cubic feet of room, perfect for hauling furniture or larger outdoor equipment.
In addition to the main cargo area, the 2020 Sorento is also designed with several small interior storage spaces that contribute to its practicality. These include a glove compartment, a center console bin, door pockets, and a hidden storage compartment under the cargo floor for keeping valuables out of sight. Cupholders and seat-back pockets also add convenience for passengers, making sure that there’s a spot for the sundry items that accompany travelers, from water bottles to electronic devices and travel maps.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Kia Sorento was introduced in 2016, and will be updated in 2021 to the fourth generation.
2015: No major changes from earlier years.
2016: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new styling, upgraded cabin, and stronger engines.
2017: New emergency braking system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered.
2018: No major changes from earlier years.
2019: Third row standard on all models, turbocharged motor discontinued, and a new 8-speed transmission is offered.
2020: Minor exterior changes, EX and SX Limited models removed from the lineup.
2021: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with updated engines, new technology, and a more roomy interior.
How Does the Kia Sorento Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Kia Sorento is a good midsize SUV since it offers a lot of technology features and a practical interior at a reasonable price, although it’s not the best SUV on the market.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is another midsize SUV, which costs about $1,000 more. Both the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are built on the same base platform, but the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a nicer interior. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe since the improved cabin and technology is worth the money.
The Mazda CX-9 is a popular midsize SUV, which is available for around $1,500 more. Standard safety features are better in the Mazda CX-9, while the Kia Sorento offers a longer warranty. We recommend the Mazda CX-9 since it’s more dependable, but both are worth testing to see which you prefer.
