Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
15 City / 20 HWY
Horsepower
192
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Travis T
Kia is great and this car is spacious, great for travelling and good on miles.
I love this vehicle, but it is now old! I want to upgrade to a 2014 Kia Sorento this year. No complaints about it.
accountCircle Brittany B
2005 Kia Sorento, great family car
My husband and I love our Sorento. It's very simple, nothing fancy. We love the wood look. We do wish there was a hookup for our phones, or a Bluetooth option. The vehicle runs great. Since we bought it, it's had some router issues, the car shakes when we stop. Nothing crazy. Overall, great vehicle.
accountCircle Worthy E
Looking for a reliable car
It's a very reliable car. Haven't had any major issues out of it just once when it got wet on the inside and it short circuited other than that I would recommend that anyone who's looking for a great reliable car to get a Kia Sorento. Very good on gas also
accountCircle Lynda F
It has a shut off valve so if it is stolen, it can be shut off and tracked.
Smooth ride, up high riding. Nice music system, gas mileage, wish it was newer model, different color.
accountCircle Melody M
Comfortable, reliable, strong long lasting
My Kia is a joy to drive. I bought mine used at 180,000 miles I have had it for 1.5 yrs and only have had to do general maintenance. With the exception of the window control motor went bad and had to replace. This Kia has four door hatchback with a sunroof. 4 wheel drive. Gas mileage is affordable. I drive once a month to the lake, 4 hr trip, start with full tank about $40.00, and I arrive with 1/4 tank. Not only do I go to the lake my Kia is a survivor of a teenage boy and teenage girl and all their friends. I feel safe driving my Kia and recommend to any consumer looking to purchase. Food for thought my Kia has over 200,000 miles on it and still running strong.
accountCircle Anna K
Good for long distance drives with comfort.
I haven't really had much problems with this car. We bought it brand new and my father is a mechanic so our car is well maintained. Not too much has been changed over the years. It runs quietly and doesn't use up too much gas. Its high enough to see the roads when you are driving. I do not have any complaints with it. The car has never broken down and it's pretty sturdy. It also has a lot of space in the trunk and the backseats can be folded down to make additional room if you need it and we tie things on top of the car as well.
accountCircle Ricky N
That it's a very comfortable car for traveling with a lot of space and comfort.
Very reliable and runs great. Have had for 10 years and not one problem other than general maintenance.
accountCircle Amy s
People should know that I take care of my car and pride in keeping it clean
I love my vehicle and the way it runs. My only problem is the room isn't enough for our family to fit comfortably

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Stephanie M
It's not safe to drive anymore
I have had so many problems with it. It started rusting after 4 years.
accountCircle Pat d
People should learn as much about the car they intend to buy before buying. Don't buy based on beauty
I bought this car used and have done more than a little in repairs and of course it still isn't running right. I would never buy again
accountCircle Angela P
Drive train not quality driven.
It is a comfortable ride lots of power but the drivetrain has much to be desired. I have had nothing but problems with the drive shaft center support bearing (carrier bearing) I've had it replaced 4 times since I bought it in march it is only November.
accountCircle Ashley Y
It doesn't fit my personality. The style, color, size, etc
It needs a new muffler and electric window. I accumulated it, but wouldn't have chose it on my own. I hope to get a new car soon.
accountCircle Sarah B
Bronze Kia Sorento: a comfortable yet outdated mini SUV.
Our car is just over 190k miles and it is starting to breakdown with significant repairs each year. However, it is a mini SUV and it is a very comfortable car that can store a lot of items, which is great for my home life and business. It is a 2005 car so it has both a tape deck and a CD player. In our environmental climate, it is a gas guzzler with a small tank which is a drawback.
accountCircle Sarah H
Kia Sorento review. Good vehicle.
The car has been quite reliable in driving back and forth to work as I work full time 40+ hours a week. Only problem I've had is the power steering pump starting to go out and the windshield wipers starting to not work right. The seats weren't in the best shape when I got the vehicle but not too bad. So a pretty reliable vehicle so far.
accountCircle Theresa H
Overall, this is a good vehicle
This car does not have amazing gas mileage but is very spacious and handles well. The power steering is starting to give out unfortunately so that will have to be replaced. Bought true care used with 130,000 miles 2.5 years ago and it's still running well.
accountCircle Sarah F
Drives well at high mileage, but has many electronic issues.
Engine is solid and driving mechanics are great. It has 220,000 miles on it. The problems are electronic parts. Lights inside don't work anymore. Window mechanisms have been breaking since 100,000 miles. Doors lock automatically when you shut passenger door. The back windshield wiper doesn't function and the hoses to power steering fluid and window washer fluid broke at around 130,000 miles.

Kia Sorento Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
LX
192 HP 18-18 MPG 5 Seats
car
EX
192 HP 18-18 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2005 Kia Sorento Owner Reviews

4.07
74 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 38%
4 stars 39%
3 stars 18%
2 stars 3%
1 star 3%
accountCircle Patti L on June 15, 2021
I love my Kia Sorento and you would too if you had one!
I bought this sub off the showroom floor. Have nothing but good things to say about it. In the past 13 yrs. I have replaced tires twice, replaced the air conditioning system, crankshaft ( which was reimbursed to me), front and back brake pads. I do regular oil changes but not always on time. I think I also replaced a filter of some sort. In 2010 I had all belts replaced just as normal maintenance. This SUV has been a wonderful vehicle for me and hopefully for many more years! Would recommend a Kia Sorento to anyone. It's good on the highway and in town.
accountCircle Theresa H on March 23, 2021
Overall, this is a good vehicle
This car does not have amazing gas mileage but is very spacious and handles well. The power steering is starting to give out unfortunately so that will have to be replaced. Bought true care used with 130,000 miles 2.5 years ago and it's still running well.

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Rilea W.

It fits 5 people. It is good for travel and with space. It is a good first car for young drivers. They're pretty average on gas. Everything is easy to maintain and use. Comfortable for short road trips (7- hours preferably).

likeFilled Pam D.

It has a long life as long you keep up with maintenance. It is a V6 and can go off road. I do not know what else to say. I am not a car expert. The vehicle is paid off and no payments due. Ok I have enjoyed driving the car.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Rilea W.

It easily has something new to maintain. Some parts are simple as brakes but also main parts worth 100s will break down easily. The gas is also a problem if you drive around a lot. I have to fill up like 3x a week from driving at least 60 miles a day.

dislikeFilled Pam D.

The parts and labor are very expensive regarding this vehicle. So that is why I said previously that you will need to keep up with maintenance regarding any service needed so you will not pay a arm and a leg.

Ranks #12 Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2005 Kia Sorento has an average owner rating of 4.14 out of 5 which ranks it #12 of 17 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
5
2
car
4.63
12
car
4.07

Ranks #6 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2005 Kia Sorento has a combined MPG of 22 which ranks it #6 of 17 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
26 MPG
2
Tie
car
24 MPG
6
Tie
car
20 MPG

Is The 2005 Kia Sorento A Good Car?

The 2005 Kia sorento is a really good vehicle. If you have to drive in the snow it has a snow setting so you would just need to change that quickly. To me, I feel safe in it because it is higher up... Read More
Kyliegh S.
Yes it is, it is very roomy, heated front seats, cold air, runs great, power locks, has given very few issues
Stephanie L.
Yes it is a good vehicle. It is reliable, spacious, and good on gas. I am happy with it the vehicle. It was a good purchase.
Rene C.

How Reliable Is The 2005 Kia Sorento?

Yes, this car is very reliable. The only problem it has now is, the windshield water hose leaks, so you can't spray the windshield to clean it fast. The other problem is a small oil leak, which we did... Read More
Kyliegh S.
It is very reliable. It has no major issues just normal ware. Has been great for me. Only things have done is the normal things such as change oil, replace brake pads and tires, it's always been good... Read More
Joy M.
Yes it is a reliable vehicle. We have not had to do any work to it other than routine maintenance. It is a very good car.
Marie A.

Is The 2005 Kia Sorento A Good Value?

It was bought for about $2,000 or a little above. Bought it at a car auction so it was used before it was bought. When it was first bought we didn't have problems with it until 2 years later, so I... Read More
Kyliegh S.
I bought it used in 2009 and yes it has been a good value for my money. If I had the chance to go back and choose I would still choose this one all over again
Mike D.
I bought mine used for around 10,000. I have had it for almost one year. I feel like it is a good value and has good resale value as well.
Karen A.

Related Articles for 2005 Kia Sorento

From the Vehicle History blog

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2021 Kia Sorento Review: Reasonably Reliable Midsize SUV With Average Ownership Costs
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2020 Kia Sorento Review: Reliable Midsize SUV With An Excellent Ten-Year Warranty
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2019 Kia Sorento Review: Reliable Midsize SUV With Reasonable Ownership Costs
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2017 Kia Sorento Review: Extremely Unreliable Midsize SUV With Expensive Ownership Costs
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2018 Kia Sorento Review: Reliable Midsize SUV With Affordable Ownership Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2005 Kia Sorento idle air control valve location?

Answer: The 2005 Kia Sorento's IAC or idle air control valve is found on the throttle body under the air filter housing. Remove the air filter assembly to locate two small screws positioned under the throttle body's...

2005 Kia Sorento: What is the oil type and capacity?

Answer: The 2005 Kia Sorento oil type and capacity iS5W-20 and 4.6 quarts. Your oil needs to be replaced eventually. Every 5,000 to 10,000 miles is a good rule of thumb. If You don't replace it, there will be issues...

What kind of transmission fluid does the 2005 Kia Sorento take?

Answer: The 2005 Kia Sorento uses Dexron ViATF Automatic Transmission Fluid. It has a capacity of 2 US quarts. Transmission fluid, similar to oil, is a lubricant and its purpose is to make sure that the various working...

How much oil does the 2005 Kia Sorento take?

Answer: The 2005 Kia Sorento will come equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine across all trim levels. Kia made available no other engine options for this year of the vehicle. This engine will have a capacity of 4.6 US quarts...

What kind of oil does the 2005 Kia Sorento use?

Answer: The kind of oil the 2005 Kia Sorento uses iS5W-30. Your oil needs to be replaced eventually. Every 5,000 to 10,000 miles is a good rule of thumb. If You don't replace it, there will be issues with the engine....

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Not Rated

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety