2012 Kia Sorento Review: Serious Mechanical Problems And High Ownership Costs

Alex Showalter

Apr 5, 2022

The 2012 Sorento will only last around 150,000 miles with a lot of engine failures and even some fires. At $9,587 – 13,000, it’s too costly for an SUV with this many headaches.

The Good

Handling and steering are responsive, the technology is good and interior materials are nice.

The Bad

The suspension is stiff, passenger space is smaller than some rivals and breakdowns are common.

Is the 2012 Kia Sorento a Good Used SUV?

No, 2012 is a bad year for the Sorento. Owners have complained about oil leaks, fires, and overheating issues.
Reliability ratings are poor. Models from 2011–2016 all have a lot of mechanical issues, with reliability improvements for 2017 and newer.
Performance is weak from the base four-cylinder engine, but the V6 is very quick.
The Sorento is a safe SUV earning four out of five stars in government crash tests and a Top Safety Pick Award.
Fuel economy is good at up to 24 mpg combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

Caitlyn M

Really great on gas mileage. The storage throughout the car is incredible.

I really haven’t had any problems with my Kia Sorento. It is probably the best car I have owned. I bought it used with 101,000 miles on it and I have put close to 90,000 on it in the past two years. The only thing I have had to replace was the starter and a set of tires. It is a really great size vehicle for one person or a family of five. Lots of storage under vehicle as well. I would buy the same exact vehicle again if I had the chance. It is been a good car.

Kala M

It's got third row seating and can easily fit a big family

I love my vehicle. It has third row seating. Cooled and heated seats. Backup camera. Moonroof and sunroof

dino m

It is a safe reliable car that is really safe and reliable.

It is a nice reliable car, that i love to drive around.

Karen L

Kia Sorento is durable and long-lasting, it has surpassed mileage expectations.

My Sorento has required very few major repairs. My vehicle has over 250,000 miles, and is still running well. The SUV is very versatile.

Vlad K

Very reliable car. Very good value for its price.

Kia Sorento is very reliable car. I drove it for 6 years. No problem at all. Just regular maintenance, oil change. AWD is very good. Snow, black ice, I always felt safe. Very warm in winter and cool very fast in summer. Just regular ac, no climate control.

Eric J

It's very dependable and great for families.

I love It's great mpg. I love how comfortable it is. I love how much room it has. No complaints or dislikes.

Larissa L

Kia Sorento for me and all my stuff.

The things I like most are the storage is always flexible 2 seats to four and back to 2 seats down for larger items that I sometimes carry. I also like the maintenance on the vehicle thus far has been the basic stuff and not a lot of fuss. I like that is also has a bit of height to the ride. Recently, I think the electrical system may be on a fritz but I am not sure yet.

Laurie L

Great SUV with a tow package.

The car has been very reliable. I love having the tow package. The door handles are cheap though, I have had to have them fixed a couple of times. The brakes on the Kia's seem to go/need replacing quickly. My current Sorento has over 100k miles and it is still going strong.

Negative Owner Reviews

Joyce Leipold

Engine defect Kia won’t stand behind

Car ran great until 70k miles when it started on fire, lost power, melted the radiator cap from fire/overheating and Kia dealer found metal in the engine and coolant fluid. Manufacturing defect found causing metal and engine failure for which Kia recalled only the 4 cylinder models. Mine is an SX, 6 cylinder. Exact same problems as the 4 cylinder models which were recalled but Kia won’t do anything g about mine because it was ‘t Part of the recall. Well, maybe it SHOULD have been. Multiple complaints for similar problems from other SX owners on record. Kia Dealer charged me $12k to replace engine with a used 2013 engine and now the replacement engine is showing signs of same problem. Kia and it’s dealership in Lakeville MN need to get their heads out of the sand. Over a million Kia cars were recalled,. But even more were defective! Even different models. So to sayonly 4 cylinder models had problems is bogus. Dealer told me my problem was due to the manufacturing defect but unless Kia formally recalls the 6 cylinder models, it’s as they put it, “me against avery big automobile manufacturer.” Great attitude, huh?

Kimberley Lynam

Engine Locked up

After 7 years and 8 payments left, my engine randomly locked up on the way to work one one. OUT.OF.THE.BLUE. Never had a single problem, never missed and oil changed, my service record was described by the dealership as "stellar". Ran smooth as ice until the very moment the motor blew. I'll never know why as the dealership and Kia would do absolutely nothing to help me. It has 167K miles on it, 167K that it was babied I might add. Sad that it didn't even make it to 200K. I thought 200 was the new 100 due to all the advancements in technology etc. Very disappointing. I loved my car, took excellent care of it. The day it died it ran smooth as ever, I thought it just randomly stalled as it was so quiet I didn't notice until I hit the gas and nothing happened. Don't ever buy a used 2012 Sorento.

Kayla F

Kia Sorento pros and cons.

It is broken right now usually I love it! Sporty and room for all my kids. Nicely made. Super comfortable. Runs good usually and smooth ride. Wish it was a tad bigger in the back. The 3rd row is super convenient just pretty tight and not much room for anything in the way back.

Jennifer O

It would be great if I bought it brand new. It's a nice size SUV.

Ever since buying it I've had to put money into it. Tires, oil leaks, something underneath has been rattling and no one can find it, something in engine rattling, sensors constantly going bad. In all honesty if I would have gotten the car brand new, I don't think there would be as many problems.

Sam U

Would not buy again and would never recommend to anyone either.

Didn't come with original motor, had to put another motor in. Door handles fall off, not tall enough for most men to get in and teenagers. Not enough leg room for men and teenagers. I do like the hidden trunk in back. We do not enjoy it for trips because not enough space. I will not buy again and would not recommend it to anyone. I have had people ask and have suggested they look further and do more research on other vehicles to see if there is something better.

Marie D

Don't buy a Kia vehicle because they are poorly made.

I love the gas mileage. I hate the cosmetic features. The paint job does not last long and the interior is starting to tear. I would not buy another Kia product.

Jennifer L

My car had some nice features upon buying it. Currently it is running better.

It has had many maintenance issues especially since after the warranty was done. There were so many repairs I cannot even listen ball of the issues. I wouldn't recommend the car. Currently even the automatic key does not work anymore and the window is broken. Not to mention that just had to replace brakes again.

Terry M

Kia Sorento, be Leary of problems.

It has had the transmission go out the heat and air doesn't blow. When everything is working right it's a good vehicle with good mileage. It handles very well but I do regret purchasing this vehicle. In the future I believe that I will stick with an American made product.

What Do Critics Say About the Sorento?

Consumer Reports finds the Sorento to be comfortable to drive, but has very low owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds rates the Sorento 4.2/5 and likes the third row, but the suspension is too firm
Kelley Blue Book users give the Sorento a 4.2/5 enjoying the fuel efficiency, but off-road performance is poor.

What Common Problems Does the 2012 Kia Sorento Have?

Problems with the 2012 Sorento are serious including engine failures, airbag system issues, as well as electrical fires.

Engine failures are an extremely widespread problem at around 85,000 miles. The only solution is to replace the engine, costing over $5,000.

Airbag system issues are frequent at around 80,000 miles, causing the warning light to turn on. A failed clock spring in the steering wheel causes the problem, which costs around $800 to replace.

Electrical fires have happened at under 100,000 miles, but are not as common as the other issues. There are weak electrical connectors which allow water into the system, leading to shorts and fires.

There are four serious recalls which can cause a lot of damage and total out a Sorento. The recalls include brake interlocks, engine bearing wear, high-pressure fuel pipe leaks, and engine fires.

How Long Will the 2012 Kia Sorento Last?

A well-maintained 2012 Sorento will last about 150,000 miles, half as long as top-rated SUVs like the Highlander. Repair Pal finds the annual maintenance costs to be expensive at $607 per year.

A 2012 Sorento is likely to have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should prepare to replace the powertrain control module for $1,400, engine mounts costing $325, and oil coolers which cost $400.

Christina R

I haven't had any problems except one. The sensor on the drivers side rear door sticks and alarms that the door is open when it in fact is not. Very annoying.

Sara C

So far it has been a reliable vehicle for our family of 6. Gets decent gas mileage too which is a plus.

Cc G

The car is very reliable. We've had this car for almost 2 years now. So far we have had zero problems I am with this car.

sandra w

My Kia is very reliable with no major problems. I keep up with my monthly maintenance appointments with dealership.

Ryan B

The Sorento has been very reliable. Our vehicle currently has over 116,000 miles and continues to drive well.

Nicole P

My Kia is very reliable. The only problem it has is the wheel alignment from dealing with and driving over potholes in the road.

Katie D

We have only had one problem. I had to get new brakes on it but that is to be expected. Still has a AC that is so cold you could hang meat in it. I would have no problem driving it to California and back. Plus it gets great gas mileage.

Lisa S

It is a reliable car. However the cosmetic features of the car did not last long. The tires on it were great and I would recommend purchasing the same brand of tires

How Much is the 2012 Kia Sorento Worth?

Blue book prices range from $9,587 – 13,000 making the Sorento $2,000 cheaper than a Pilot or CX-9. When new, the price range was $21,250 to $34,850. Depreciation is worse than average, losing 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Sorento?

There are four models of the Sorento available. Technology is good since the last update was in 2010, with a complete redesign and more up-to-date infotainment system arriving in 2016.

Base is the entry-level model with:

17-inch Alloy Wheels
Cloth Seating
Power Windows And Locks
Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
AM/FM/CD Stereo System With Bluetooth And AUX Jack

LX is a step up adding features such as:

Heated Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
Third-Row Seating
Rear Parking Sensors

EX focuses on luxury with some items including:

18-inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Seating
Keyless Entry And Ignition
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Leather Steering Wheel
Kia Uvo Voice Activated Infotainment

SX is the sport-oriented model and has:

Sport Suspension
Panoramic Sunroof
New Exterior Bumpers
Metallic Interior Trim

Base

175 HP 22 MPG

191 HP 24 MPG

272 HP 20 MPG

272 HP 20 MPG

What Engines Come in the Sorento?

The base engine in the Sorento is a weak 2.4L four-cylinder available with either 175 or 191 horsepower depending on the configuration, and gets up to 24 mpg combined.
An upgraded engine is the powerful 3.5L V6 making 276 horsepower, getting up to 22 mpg combined, and only takes 7.4 seconds to go 0 to 60 miles per hour.

What Colors Does the Sorento Come in?

How Big is the Sorento?

The Sorento is smaller than other midsize SUVs including the Grand Cherokee and 4Runner. Passenger room is good in the first and second row, but the third row will only accommodate young children.

Cargo space is similar to rivals, with 19 cu. ft. of space behind the third row, 37 behind the second, and a maximum of 72.5 cu. ft. of room.

How Does the Sorento Compare to the Competition?

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a rival costing about $1,500 more. Both SUVs are built on the same platform, but the Sorento has a higher-quality interior. We recommend avoiding both SUVs since they suffer from the same engine issues.

The Toyota Highlander is a popular competitor at around $5,000 more. Passenger space and reliability are better on the Highlander, but the Sorento’s interior is more luxurious. We recommend the Highlander, which will last longer and be more affordable to own.

Ranks #14 Midsize SUV by Owners

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser

4.88

2012 Toyota 4Runner

4.69

2012 Kia Sorento

4.28

Do Owners Recommend the Kia Sorento?

Christina R

Yes. Very reliable as well as spacious. As a single mother I often play taxi driver for my children. They are never cramped and I can separate them when I need to. The self closing doors are very helpful and the sound quality of the Bluetooth system is wonderful.

Sara C

Yes so far so good had to replace a water pump before 100k miles though which was annoying because that seems early.

Cc G

The vehicle is great. It is good on gas and good on speed. The interior is also very nice. The car is very good if your looking for something that drives smoothly.

sandra w

My car is in excellent condition. It is 7 years old. It rides smoothly, low on gas and mileage. I recommend a Kia to all my family and friends.

Ryan B

I have really enjoyed the Sorento. The vehicle is spacious for my family and consistently drives well. We have also had no major maintenance issues.

Riley B

Yes, my Kia is a very good vehicle. I am very happy with my Kia and intend to keep it, which is good for me because I trade cars like shoes..

Beth O

So far it's been great. Only thing we have done to it is put a set of brakes on it. It runs as good as the day we purchased it. You would be surprised what I have at the things we have hauled in it. When I am ready to buy another vehicle it will be a Kia !

Amy C

N0. I have had to have it painted because the paint from the manufacturer didn't last more than four years. The seats on the interior were beginning to tear and had to buy car seat covers. The passenger door handle fell off. The brake sensors on both sides had to be replaced. I would not recommend purchasing a Kia because they are cheaply made vehicles

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

2012Sorento on September 24, 2023

98,000 miles on my 2012 sorento ex v6

Probably have changed oil more times than necessary over the years I have owned it. Only issues were intake manifold (tumbler) and oil sending unit. Makes a noise like a timing chain against Metal best I can describe it , but only on startup. Other than those issues it's a beast , I runArctic claws ,it goes anywhere, and being able to lock all wheels in,and a slow downhill feature, it boosts confidence. If it dies tomorrow I would feel like it owes me nothing.

Oscar Trigueros on December 20, 2022

Kia Sorento reliability.

I have a 2012,crdi awd, only problem a bushing in the front and the airbag light. With190k kilometers, very reliable.

Cody Richardson in texas on February 10, 2024

315,000 miles in 2024 and still going strong

2012 kia sorento sx very reliable, would highly recommend.

Jamie S on June 25, 2021

Power everything and great extras.

Bought it used from a Kia dealership, but almost immediately had the have the alternator replaced. Love the sunroof, leather seats and third row seating. Power windows, doors, and keyless entry are a positive. Overall it is a really great vehicle for my family.

Tristan C on June 24, 2021

2012 Kia Sorento ex, push to start.

There are no issues with my vehicle honestly. It runs well and is good on gas. My only grievance would be there is a thumping noise when I am parked and I cannot figure out what it is. And sometimes when the FM radio is on I can hear a squealing noise. But other than that I truly love my 2012 Kia Sorento!

christina H on June 11, 2021

2012 Kia Sorento, I love the heated seats and window warmer for the cold months.

I have a 2012 Kia Sorento my mom got it in 2013 and has since then passed it to me. I absolutely love it is very comfortable and plenty of room for a small family. We often travel a lot so it's a good car for that. Does not use as much gas as a bigger SUV it is pretty updated for a 2012.

Samantha B on June 5, 2021

Reliable. Vehicle for family adventures.

It is a really nice care. It rides smooth. It is reliable and has enough room for my family. We have taken it on many long trips and we have never had issues with it. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to a family that doesn't really want a minivan or a typical soccer mom car.

Samone I on June 3, 2021

It is very good from getting to 5 mph to 30mph.

The car has really great pick up. It is really good for the winter. And in windy conditions it is good to drive. It has good air conditioning and heat. It also has a lot of room in the back seat. It also has a very spacious trunk. The wheel is very easy to use it is not too tight.

Saralyn S on May 23, 2021

New tires and brakes. Burgundy is the new black.

It burns oil which needs to be refilled about once a month but it is in great working condition. It has no defects, brand new tires and brakes. It is in great physical condition, with no dents, scratches or rust. Has over 150,000 miles, but still has many more to drive.

Megan W on May 17, 2021

Great vehicle for a family.

I had a lot of issues a few years ago and eventually an engine recall came out and I was able to get a new engine which solved all of the issues that I was having. It drives nicely and has been a reliable vehicle for my family of 4. It is roomy in the back which has been great with having children.

Kaylee S on May 9, 2021

Great family car; lots of room.

Great family car, plenty of feet room and great for road trips. Fairly nice and nice speakers, would recommend to someone who has a larger family cause it seats seven. We have taken it to Florida many times and it has been great each time. Buy it is so worth it.

Jeff E on April 27, 2021

Kia Sorento: good vehicle for the price.

I bought a 2012 Kia Sorento brand new. It has been a dependable vehicle for me. After I bought the Sorento Kia falsely advertised the mpg so every year I fill out a form with how many miles I drove and I get a rebate usually about $80. I would recommend a Kia Sorento if you are car shopping. No serious mechanical problems up until now. My engine started consuming oil and I now found out that this is a problem with various years of Sorrento. I know that my engine is going to fail, but I also have the security of knowing I will get a brand new one after it does.

Kayla F on April 26, 2021

Kia Sorento pros and cons.

Samantha C on April 26, 2021

My Kia Sorento is and always will be one of my favorite vehicles.

Certain lights remain on even when the button for that certain light is not on. Door handles have broken off and have had to replace them. The sunroof will open but will not close I have had to force it closed. It takes a while for the ac to get cold even though I have had it looked and it needs no antifreeze or freon added.

Thea D on April 22, 2021

Really great, just some warnings.

I love this vehicle for the most part. It is really great when it comes to space and seating mixed with great storage. It is also very comfortable and has pretty reasonable leg room if you are taller. The biggest issue is that it can occasionally be pretty loud when driving and almost seems like the windows are not rolled up all the way, which is not the case. It has also started to drive rather rough, but it wasn't like that in the beginning. Overall, a pretty good vehicle with just some minor issues.

Angel G on April 20, 2021

Kia is a great all wheel drive vehicle. Drives amazing in the snow.

Super comfortable. My model is fully loaded. And has third row seating. Seats 7 comfortably. Absolutely love my back up cam and heated seats. Had a problem with the hydraulic for my trunk, was a super easy fix. I also love the leather seats and dark wood grain on the steering wheel. Would definitely buy another Kia.

Natalie T on April 11, 2021

Reliable SUV and would definitely buy again and again.

My car has been very reliable and I have only had one major issue in the last 9 years. The issue was a recall on the engine which Kia took responsibility for and replaced the entire engine. My car has been on many long road trips and I never have to worry about it. It is always been comfortable for all passengers, even the four legged ones. I would definitely purchase another Kia Sorento again.

Caitlyn M on April 11, 2021

Really great on gas mileage. The storage throughout the car is incredible.

Ty M on April 9, 2021

Best ride for the best price.

Very comfortable! Rides smooth and very few engine problems! These models are well built but come out on the easier side for your wallet. Even though it is almost 10 years old it still drives like it is new. I would definitely recommend this car to people who haven't had a Kia before.

Christina T on April 3, 2021

Oldie but goodie: my 2012 Kia Sorento.

It is getting older so it experiences some glitches, like the gas tank not opening with the button anymore, or the trunk door hydraulics not working. We would have to hold the heavy door up manually. But otherwise we take good care of it and 8 years later it is still running well.

Melissa H on April 1, 2021

Pros n cons of 2012 Kia Sorento.

Great size and decent gas mileage. Bought for 3rd row seating, stow n go style. Safe and reliable in my opinion. Maintenance has been affordable and haven't needed to do a lot to it. Good pick up when I need it. Color, silver, does not show dirt. Backup camera display is in rear view mirror but not a great image, in my opinion. Better than nothing though. Like that it has Bluetooth. Husband prefers to take my vehicle over his if we travel together anywhere. Navigation would have been nice, but I'd still probably use my phone for that anyways. Heat and ac both work well, including heated seat. Easy to see out of and drivers seat does elevate some if needed for shorter drivers. Front wheel/ AWD is a nice and necessary feature where we live. Nice overall size, plenty of storage, huge with seats folded down..

Ann B on March 31, 2021

The warranty was excellent. 100,000 mile warranty.

The warranty is great. Vehicle drives great with no problems. I love the room we have with a large trunk area and ample seating.

Britnei B on March 31, 2021

Roomie, comfortable Kia. Great for families!

I love this car! It is great for my family and has plenty of room for the kiddos! 3rd row seating is awesome with plenty of storage when it is not in use. Did great on our move across the country! Seats are very comfortable and car rides very smoothly. Heated seats are great! Only thing I wish was different would be more air vents in the back seats.

Jasmine W on March 31, 2021

Kia Sorento the best SUV for families

It's an amazing SUV. It has taken me all over the west coast. From New Mexico to California to Alaska and back to Washington. I have had it since 2012 and have barely ever had to take it in the shop for repairs. The only thing I don't really like about it is that it is a roll hazardous vehicle and can tumble and flip over easier than other cars. So be careful while traveling.

Susan k on March 28, 2021

Has a lot of minor problems, and probably wouldn't purchase again.

Vehicle has a lot of road noise and frequently surges. Has a few dash lights on. Otherwise, pretty dependable.

Karen C on March 24, 2021

It is very dependable and has given absolutely no problems at all during the 5 years I have been driving it.

I like the size and the versatility of it. It's large enough for our family plus 1 or 2, yet small enough to not be a gas guzzler. Handles well. Wish it had a little more zip to it, but it is very dependable.

Kerry R on March 22, 2021

It is got seven seats so I can haul my daughter and all her friends around.

None. It is a great car. Love it. Gets 20 miles to the gallon. Is a seven seater. Handles great and is perfect for road trips. The sight lines are good and I feel very safe in this vehicle. I have real also that it is very reliable and easy to work on. But I am over a year all I have had to do was change to oil so far.

Gina I on March 18, 2021

It is very spacious and good on gas.

It doesn't have a sunroof. Also I don't care for the seats specifically the driver's seat when drying long distances. Its uncomfortable.

Renee A on March 8, 2021

It is a mid size SUV Kia Sorento. It is great for the entire family.

I like the look and technology features. I wish the engine was more quieter. I wish it didn't have to make a engine sound when I press on the gas pedal. The backup camera is the best feature. It has comes with Sirius xm radio if I want to pay for an additional cost. Overall it is a pretty good car.

Kelly B on March 6, 2021

Road trip strong and comfortable.

I love my vehicle because it is comfortable, great on gas and it has a lot of room for hauling or road trips.

Tammy M on March 4, 2021

Heated and air condition front seat

I love my Sorento , it's very dependable and very comfortable. Very luxurious. And looks good. It has heated front seats and the driver seat has air conditioning. Front and rear sunroof . Has backup camera , GPS and option for satellite radio, am , FM radio .

Fern C on March 4, 2021

Comfort and good in gas and mileage.

It ok, not luxurious but works well daily, it is good on gas and economical, it is excellent for traveling.

heather b on March 1, 2021

You can't beat the features and warranty on this vehicle for the price.

Great ride. Nice features for a reasonable price. No complaints.

Kimberly A on February 28, 2021

Good, reliable vehicle!!

Kia is a good company. My engine got recalled so I have a brand new engine, they paid for a rental also.. I have no had any problems with the car.. The car is great in the snow, I do have new tires but it was good last year, maybe the weight.. Also I love driving a SUV.

Darlene T on February 27, 2021

Kia sorento review very satisfied.

I really haven't had any problems that have been major. Just maintenance done on it. Oil changes; alignments; new tires. Very satisfied with this vehicle. Purchased it new. If I bought another vehicle would definitely purchase a Kia. Thank you do not have anything else to say.

Karen L on February 26, 2021

Kia Sorento is durable and long-lasting, it has surpassed mileage expectations.

My Sorento has required very few major repairs. My vehicle has over 250,000 miles, and is still running well. The SUV is very versatile.

Linda S on February 25, 2021

It is very roomy and comfortable. Drives great.

I really like that the backup camera is on the mirror. It drives great. I do not like the high payment on it.

Laurie L on February 23, 2021

Great SUV with a tow package.

Tracey G on February 22, 2021

Sometimes base has everything you didn't know you needed.

My Sorento is a base version, so no fancy bells and whistles I guess, but it has everything I want in my vehicle. Everything is power except for the seats, but I am fine with pulling a lever for a quick second. I have more storage space, optional additional storage space, & leg room that I could possibly use, even with 4 kids and my own company. It rides great, is good on gas, has not had any major mechanical issues since I bought it, and most importantly it has Bluetooth connectivity and plenty of stereo options. The speakers are pretty impressive too considering they're factory Kia. Honestly, I have been thrilled with my purchase and haven't regretted it a single day in over 2 years, possibly the only vehicle I have ever been able to say that about.

Kailyn C on February 20, 2021

Kia Sorento review from owner.

I like my car and I feel comfortable in it. I just do not like how the handles come off very easy. Had to replace those. The trunk door is also broken now. But I love the 3 row seats and it gets good gas mileage. It is a good mom car and the payments are low. I would recommend.

Robert C on February 20, 2021

2012 Kia Sorento is the best SUV available.

I love this car. It has had no major problems since I have got it. Drives great. It is not too bad on gas. Has a sunroof. Fits my entire 6 person family plus one other person. I love the leather seats and seat warming option. This probably the best vehicle I have ever owned.

Nitisha F on February 18, 2021

Overall, my vehicle is awesome. I love the fact that it has a sunroof.

I love my vehicle, I just wish it had more features such as installed television, heated seats in the back as well. I wish I have chosen a different color oh I almost forgot. I also would enjoy the automatic start. Having the ability to crank my car while still in the house would be totally convenient and same just a little bit of time. Overall I love it and enjoy my leather seats.

Kasandra R on February 16, 2021

Kia Sorento pros and cons.

I had engine problems but it was a recall so I got my engine replaced for free. I wish it has a backup camera other than that the performance is great. But besides the cv boots I think all of the Sorentos in that year have that same problem. Once that's fixed it does ride real good though.

Kristy L on February 15, 2021

The best car out there for your buck.

Very reliable at all times. Rides extremely smooth and comfortable. Very few problems I have encountered. My white car paint is beginning to chip naturally above the windshield. The wheel tends to pull in one direction even after alignment. The only other issue I have encountered is that the headlights get really foggy over time.

brandi G on February 13, 2021

It's hard and expensive to work on.

It's expensive to work on, my car was recalled for airbags and for random explosions happening. It's really hard to work on since everything is everywhere under the hood, the gas mileage isn't true to what it says either, I go 50 miles and it takes 100 miles from my tank, the intake manifold kept breaking on me when was really difficult and expensive to work on.

Cassidy F on February 13, 2021

Performance of the Kia Sorento

The performance of the car is outstanding. I have had this car for a couple years now and have not had any problems

Jean R on February 13, 2021

I think I covered that in my previous statement.

We really like our Kia and get good gas mileage, not as good as we were led to believe but they do reimburse us for the difference. The only thing we are not happy with is the noise.

Sharon K on February 13, 2021

Great gas mileage. Pick up is quick.

I like the look of our car as well as some built-in features such as the seat heater and rear view mirror object detection warning system.

Christina T on February 9, 2021

Great vehicle still going strong after 8 years.

The Kia Sorento has a great sound system, drives smooth, good seats and air. It is kept us safe for 8 years. Our only problem is that the hydraulics on the opening trunk door gave out after 8 years and for a while we had to hold it open ourselves, which was heavy.

Jase W on February 7, 2021

It has a roomy interior. Looks good and like an SUV and not a station wagon.

Well it is a good mid-size sport utility vehicle. It is not quite considered luxury but is spacious and has nice options. Even at 8 years old it runs pretty smooth and has a nice interior. Power options like you would expect and lots of cargo space. It looks pretty smooth on the outside and looks like an SUV is supposed to and not these crazy newer station wagons they call crossovers.

carol j on February 6, 2021

That it handles very well and it gets pretty good gas mileage

Rides very well and we have not had any major problems with it

Renee M on February 5, 2021

Kia Sorento is a good family vehicle.

The Kia Sorento is a good car. It holds my family of 7 very well. It drives well and is smooth to ride in. The only issue I have is there is no room in the back with the seats up for luggage. So it's hard to take on a vacation unless you have a carrier on top of the car for luggage. Other than that I highly recommend.

Cindy G on February 3, 2021

The color is amazing, a burgundy color.

The vehicle is great, runs smoothly and does not give many problems. I can take it driving for hours with no issues, the design is great very spacious and comfortable. Enough to fit a big family which is what I needed in NY case. The colors are great too. The engine runs good and I haven't had issues up until now.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.