2006 Kia Sorento Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
15 City / 20 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
192
Seats
5
Front angle medium view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Ruth G
Kia Sorento 2006. My red Kia 2006 ex has given me great pleasure.
It is older & is having problems. 2006 Kia. 164,000 miles. Would like to use it for 200,000 miles. Has been an excellent car until now. Leaking oil, & power steering fluid. My car has given me few problem until 2017, so life of vehicle is about 12 years. We have traveled so much together. It drives good in snow I love it. Recommend Kia Sorento.
accountCircle Freddy B
It's rugged. Super high clearance and can go offroad
One tough SUV. Very reliable. Low cost to maintain
accountCircle Marjorie W
Kia Sorento is a great family car.
I bought my vehicle used, I have had it for six years and have had no problems at all. It drives smoothly and is very quiet. I would buy another Kia. The seats are comfortable. It is very roomy for big people. The trunk is large. The only problem I have with this car is the running boards are starting to rust and you can not tighten it up.
accountCircle AUDRI S
DEPENDABLE VEHICLE OVER THE YEARS. DID ALL THE MAINTENANCE IT NEEDED THROUGH THE YEARS
ONLY OWNER IT'S BEEN A GOOD CAR BUT BREAKING DOWN NOW
accountCircle Angela S
The 2006 Kia Sorento is the vehicle to have.
My vehicle has a lot of room where it can sit 5 people, the maintenance cost to fix is affordable. It is a front wheel drive, that rides smoothly. It has all electric features such as electric windows and a sunroof that is leak proof. This vehicle gets good gas mileage for you to get the best performance when you travel.
accountCircle Tracy B
The joy of a Kia owner: I love the smooth and quiet ride.
I never thought I would be a SUV type person, but my Kia Sorento changed my mind. I love the comfort of the seats, the powerful headlight at night, the smooth ride and it has been totally reliable. My husband loves the power of the engine in his and the stylish body. We both like to drive our own Kia, even if we are going to the same event. Just to drive the Kia Sorento is an adventure.
accountCircle Nina M
Overall great vehicle to have for single or small family.
It has great space, back seats go down, good on mileage whether it's long distance or just in town usage. Interior is easy to clean! Had mine for years and just minor wear and tear from usage. Regular maintenance required and tune ups. Easy clean ups on seats. Overall great vehicle to have.
accountCircle J B
Radio, sunroof,air.reliable
I have had this car for about 3 years now. We bought it from a previous owner and it runs so wonderful. My air is currently not working but seems to be an easy fix. I enjoy the sunroof and use it often. My radio is messed up because a cat actually got stuck in there but have bought an aux charger port and that works just fine.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Anne A
It is not the most expensive or nice car out there, but it gets me where I need to go.
It is very nice considering it's old. The air conditioner went out this summer, so that sucks. It runs well and looks pretty good.
accountCircle tiffany p
Don't buy an older KIA, 2007 or older. Other than the issues I have found, I have no complaints.
It needs mechanical work and some of it should have been a manufacturer defect and covered by KIA.
accountCircle Laura R
The Kia Sorento is a good SUV overall.
Since my car is over 10 years old, I've had many repairs - new water pump, timing belt, and fuel problems. It's been reliable especially in the winter. It doesn't have much pick-up speed but is fairly comfortable. The trunk has enough room for groceries, etc. The seats fold most of the way down so you can fit small furniture and boxes.
accountCircle Lydia S
Expect going to the car shop a lot
I've had to go to the auto shop various times ever since I've gotten this car. The engine doesn't seem 100% durable. Also, the headlights and brake lights tend to go out frequently. The process to take out the headlights is very tedious and hard to get to. You pretty much have to take off the whole headlight in order to replace the bulb.
accountCircle Lex W
The best car for you the 2006 Kia Sorento review
Since I've had it ran nicely i just had a oil leak problem that was it! The inside is comfy. There is slot of space in the truck. The car drives smooth. The oil leak is the only problem I had out of the car since I had and I have had it for 5 years. I love it's the best car I ever had
accountCircle Matthew C
Kia Sorento is an okay SUV.
One problem is the gas mileage. She gets terrible gas mileage, even for a 4x4. Also I have had electrical issues with the tail lights. Lastly the car, even with a v-6 does not seem to have the power that is should.
accountCircle Brenda A
It saves gas and it is small I can park anywhere. It also runs good.
I like that it saves gas, it is small but not too small and it is perfect for the kids. What I dislike is that is an older model.
accountCircle Margaret S
Handles like a dream. Eye catching and fun to drive.
Fun car to drive. Handles very well and nice to drive in back country roads. Heated seats are very nice in the winter. Has always been a reliable vehicle. Never had any major issues. Normal fixes for a car 12 years old. Had to replace a wheel bearing and have had issues with belts. Have a loud shrieking noise when first started in the winter and the heat or defroster comes in. Belts were replace but now being told this is an issues with the belt pulleys. Apparently this is a common problem. We did have to replace the air conditioner compressor and hope this is not another problem with this going out.

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

2006 Kia Sorento Owner Reviews

4.27
78 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 49%
4 stars 29%
3 stars 22%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Dolores on June 8, 2021
Low voltage to crankshaft position A sensor
How do you fix a p0337 crankshaft position sensor A
accountCircle Joan E on March 18, 2021
If you take care of the engine it will run forever. It is well made.
Love the mileage. Love to the look., love the smooth ride it gives me love the room, love the amount of space it provides for me and my family.
View All Reviews (78) chevronRightAlternative

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Nicole D.

Four wheel drive is always a plus. Has a lot of space in the back for basically anything you would need to put inside. It is an SUV but it is also kind of like compacted since it is smaller than some large SUVs.

likeFilled Haley R.

The pros of owning a 2006 Kia Sorento is that there is a lot of space but it is a smaller SUV, so the car does not take a lot of space. The interior is nice, deep center console. And the Kia drives smoothly.

likeFilled Kyle C.

Good size of vehicle. It's comfortable to drive and sit in. I liked the color. It drives well and gets ok gas mileage. The top rack is good for strapping things down like canines or anything else as long as you have straps for it.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Nicole D.

Older model and has wear and tear as it would being as old as it is. Can sometimes be rough due to the types of roads you are driving on.. Because of the four wheel drive aspect. The seats in the back do not lay down completely flat as other cars do.

dislikeFilled Haley R.

The cons of my 2006 Kia Sorento is that the gas mileage is terrible. A brand new it is 15 miles to the gallon city wise now that it is older it is drop down to 10 to 12 miles to the gallon. I probably get 15 highway miles.

dislikeFilled Kyle C.

The gas mileage would be a lot better, it's getting older so there are more problems popping up. Switching to the four wheel drive hurts the gas mileage even more but it's a good option to have. The back could have more storage space.

Ranks #9 Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2006 Kia Sorento has an average owner rating of 4.27 out of 5 which ranks it #9 of 18 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
2006 Toyota 4Runner
4.74
2
car
2006 Jeep Wrangler
4.68
9
car
2006 Kia Sorento
4.27

Ranks #6 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2006 Kia Sorento has a combined MPG of 22 which ranks it #6 of 18 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
2006 Buick Rendezvous
26 MPG
2
Tie
car
2006 Nissan Murano
24 MPG
6
Tie
car
2006 Kia Sorento
20 MPG

Is The 2006 Kia Sorento A Good Car?

Yes, it is a great vehicle! It has almost 160,000 miles and still runs great! Plus, having a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty shows that Kia believes in their vehicles.
Bruce B.
Yes so far. It is high mileage. There are some things that need taken care of. 180,900 miles but it runs good, still looks ok. Pretty room also.
Clyde H.
A great vehicle. I love it I have not had any trouble with it. When I get ready for another car this one is on the top of the list.
Deborah M.
Im my opinion, it is a good vehicle. I purchased it in 2010 for $7000. I was a single Mom at the time. Have put about $1500 into it though. But it starts and gets me to where I need to go.
Cindy R.
It's not a good vehicle because it needed many repairs not covered by the warranty. Most of the repairs occurred after the warranty expired.
Ashley B.
It is an excellent vehicle! Kia believes so strongly in their vehicles, they give a 100,000/10 year warranty. Why don't more expensive car makers do the same?
Andrea S.
Yes. It's a big vehicle and it has 4 wheel drive. It jas for doors and a lot of trunk space. It also sits up really high and ride very smooth.
Leslie C.
My parents are unable to drive anymore so they have given me their 2006 Kia Sorento. Only 51,000 miles on it regularly serviced. It runs like a charm. I also have a GMC Acadia SLT-1 that I love but... Read More
Christina S.

How Reliable Is The 2006 Kia Sorento?

It is very reliable. If a person takes care of their vehicle (oil changes every 4000 miles, regular things, etc.), it should give them years of reliable service. Plus, having Kia stand behind their... Read More
Bruce B.
It needs valve cover gaskets replaced and I believe belt adjustment. Again with 180,000 miles these things need maintenance.
Clyde H.
It has had no major problems. Just oil changes. And new tires. It is very reliable runs smooth when I get ready for a new one this will be one that I think about.
Deborah M.
Hmm. I have had some issues with the coolant system. I had a crack in the house, and I needed to get the hose and the antifreeze holder. It also doesn't make the singing sound if you try to lock... Read More
Jennifer L.
The Kia Sorento was reliable in the first 7 or 8 years. Throughout the years it needed many costly repairs - water pump, timing belt, compressor, etc. It was reliable in the winter and started up in... Read More
Brittany G.
Didn't start having any problems at all until I recently reached 175, 000 miles. Time for a new Sorento!
John F.
It is reliable. The gas light comes on about 30 miles before you run out of gas. And it has automatic start
Jennifer J.
No issues whatsoever. Runs like a champ everyday. It is a great running car with a longevity that I was not expecting. I'd love to have a few more bells and whistles but this really has... Read More
Penny M.

Is The 2006 Kia Sorento A Good Value?

I purchased it new in 2006 for under $25,000, so, yes, it has been a great value. Leather seats, heated front seats, extra space, reliability, a great warranty...What's not to like?
Bruce B.
$1400. My mechanic seems to think it's a good car at a fair price. I knew it would need some work when I purchased it.
Clyde H.
It was a good value. I bought it used it HSS 109,000 miles. For about 10000 and I haven't HSS much trouble at all with it.
Deborah M.
It cost my $7000. It now has almost 200,000 miles on it. I don't remember the exact mileage when I purchased the Sorento, but I think it was approximately 60,000 miles. I really haven't had to do... Read More
Langston B.
I bought it new for around $21,000. I didn't compare other vehicles so I don't know if it was a good value. After all the costly repairs, I don't think it's a good value.
Judith M.
I paid a little under $25,000 in 2006. For the money and what you get, it was a great value. Leather heated seats, lots of room and a great warranty.
Russell R.
I got it used for 3500. I had to get the muffler fixed which was about 80 buck so over all I would say great value
Anthony Z.
I purchased my vehicle used from a dealer so there was almost 100,000 miles on it. J purchased it for approximately $7,000 after a trade in of my old car
Lily T.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2006 Kia Sorento transmission control module location?

Answer: The transmission control module on a 2006 Kia Sorento can be found in the back of the transmission housing under a cover. There will be wires that go into the cover and that makes it easy to find at the back of...

What's the 2006 Kia Sorento life expectancy?

Answer: The life expectancy of the 2006 Kia Sorento is dependent on how well it is taken care of. If You are careful and take really good care of it then it can last for 200,000 miles to over 500,000 miles or so and if...

What's the 2006 Kia Sorento bank 1 sensor 1 location?

Answer: The bank 1, sensor 1 location on the 2006 Kia Sorento is found on the cylinder, on the right side of the engine. It can be found close to the firewall. The sensor will bear the label of RH. If You are looking...

2006 Kia Sorento: What is the size of the trunk and cargo space?

Answer: The size of the trunk and cargo space on the 2006 Kia Sorento iS31.4 ft, 66.4 ft with seat area. The larger number is the size of the space with the seats folded down, while the smaller number is the seats...
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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