The 2016 Kia Sorento only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine failures and transmission problems. At $13,800 to $18,425, it’s cheap, but not worth the money when you’ll spend a small fortune to keep it running.
Is the 2016 Kia Sorento a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 6/10 – 2016 is a bad year for the Kia Sorento since there are still serious problems, giving it a low overall rating. Owner reviews complain about warranty issues, engine failures, and even some electrical problems.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nicer than a lot of other SUVs, the seats offer good comfort on long trips, however, cargo space is worse than average.
- Reliability 4/10 – Engine failures are still common on the 2016 Kia Sorento. Avoid models from 2011-2016, which all have problems. Newer 2017–2022 models offer better long-term reliability ratings.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is weak from both of the 4-cylinder engine options, while the V6 is reasonably quick for an SUV of its size.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2016 Sorento is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Optional upgrades include a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, along with collision warning systems.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great, at up to 24 MPG, giving 450 miles of range from the 18.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $32 cheaper than average, at $227 per month.
- Value 6/10 – Expensive mechanical problems and rapid depreciation make the 2016 Sorento a bad long-term value proposition.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Kia Sorento?
- Consumer Reports says the Sorento is not as competitive as it needs to be with midsize SUVs with low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Sorento at 4.3/5, praising the well-made cabin, although they don’t like the relatively weak turbo engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Sorento a 4.4/5 enjoying the high-tech features, but owners don’t like the lack of cargo space.
What Common Problems Does the 2016 Kia Sorento Have?
Common problems found on the 2016 Kia Sorento include engine failures, cruise control system issues, as well as shifting hard between gears. Overall, these problems are more severe than other midsize SUVs, leading to higher repair costs as they age.
Engine failures are a widespread problem mentioned by owners at around 80,000 miles. There are a lot of parts in the engine which fail as the Sorento gets older, and eventually it leads to total failure. Replacing the engine is the only way to fix the problem, costing around $6,500 if it happens outside the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.
Cruise control system issues show up on some Sorento models at around 25,000 miles. The computer which manages the cruise control system fails suddenly while being used. Replacing the computer costs around $800, depending on local labor rates.
Shifting hard between gears is another issue which shows up in the first 30,000 miles. Some owners have been able to solve the problem by replacing the transmission temperature sensor for $250. Other owners have needed to change the entire transmission, which costs over $3,500.
There are 8 serious recalls, which is worse than other midsize SUVs from 2016. The most dangerous recall covers a high pressure fuel pipe which can leak, leading to a fire. Kia will replace the pipe on affected models. Other recalls which are important cover the tow hitch wiring which can start a fire, along with crossmember welds which fail and cause an accident.
How Long Will the 2016 Kia Sorento Last?
A well-maintained 2016 Kia Sorento will last around 150,000 miles before it becomes too expensive to keep running, which is only half as long as the top-rated Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are average for a midsize SUV, according to data from Repair Pal, at $463 per year.
Since many 2016 Kia Sorento models for sale have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the power steering pump for $570, the radiator fan motor costing $535, as well as the parking cameras, which cost $970.
Yes my 2016 Kia Sorento is very reliable. I have had one issue with the fuel injection and one issue with the windshield wiper pump. Both were fixed by Kia for less than 500.00 total. They were covered under the 60,000 mile warranty.
Very reliable and no problems, as long as you keep up with the maintenance. Only needs an oil change every 6000 thousand miles and tire rotation.
Yes, it is very reliable. It has great mileage, great fuel economy and an overall amazing car to have.
No problems with Kia Sorento to date. Yes it is reliable. Couple of small recalls but nothing major.
Yes the Kia reliable so far I haven't any major problems with it so far just minor problems like brakes for the car and battery but so far nothing major.
I have not experienced any issues with it so far. My previous car had better gas mileage, but I was expecting to spend more on gas with a larger vehicle.
I have no worries south it running so far it's a good car. I would consider r buying another Kia.I love its back up camera.
Yes it's very reliable. It never has any problems. It also runs great. I took it to Florida drove it 1700 miles there and back and not 1 problem.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is average in the 2016 Sorento with standard Bluetooth connectivity, along with optional 4.3 or 8-inch stereo screens depending on the model. Safety technology is good, offering options including a rearview camera, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a collision warning system.
Is the 2016 Kia Sorento a Good Value?
No, the 2016 Kia Sorento is a bad value since there are some expensive engine problems which show up as it ages. Blue book prices range from $13,800 to $18,425, making it cheaper than a Honda Pilot or Subaru Outback. When new, the price range was $25,100 to $43,300. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Kia Sorento?
There are five models of the Kia Sorento offered in 2016, from the base L all the way up to the more luxurious SX Limited.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- LED Running Lights
- Cruise Control
- Bluetooth Connectivity
LX is a step up, adding:
- 8-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- Sound Reducing Windshield
- Leather Steering Wheel
- 3-Inch Touchscreen Stereo
- Rearview Camera
EX is next in the lineup with:
- 18-Inch Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Power Liftgate
- Optional Panoramic Sunroof
SX adds features such as:
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Tail Lights
- 10-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- 10-Speaker Infinity Stereo System
SX Limited is the flagship model which has:
- 19-Inch Chrome Wheels
- Premium Leather Seating
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Xenon Headlights
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Multi-Angle Parking Camera
What Engines Come In the Kia Sorento?
- The base engine in the 2016 Sorento is the weak 2.4L 4-cylinder which makes 185 horsepower while getting up to 24 MPG.
- A step up is the stronger 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder which produces 240 horsepower at up to 23 MPG.
- The flagship engine is the powerful 3.3L V6 which generates 290 horsepower while getting 21 MPG. Performance is good, taking 7.6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Kia Sorento Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Kia Sorento?
The 2016 Kia Sorento is a very comfortable midsize SUV with seating for either 5 or 7 people depending on the configuration. The seats are very comfortable with high quality materials used throughout the cabin for the price.
Passenger room is great in the first and second row while the third row is best suited for small children since there’s limited legroom.
How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Sorento Have?
Cargo space is a bit lower than other midsize SUVs with enough room for 2 suitcases behind the third row, 5-6 behind the second, and around 20 suitcases with all the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Kia Sorento was introduced in 2016, and replaced by the fourth generation in 2021.
2014: Slight exterior styling changes, more powerful V6 engine added, suspension improvements.
2015: No major changes.
2016: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new interior and exterior styling.
2017: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added, new emergency braking safety system.
2018: No major changes.
2019: New 8-speed automatic transmission, standard 3rd row seat, turbocharged motor discontinued.
2020: Minor exterior styling changes EX and SX Limited models discontinued.
2021: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new engines, and larger interior.
How Does the Kia Sorento Compare to the Competition?
The Kia Sorento is one of the worst SUVs made in 2016 since there are widespread engine problems, making it not worth buying.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is another midsize SUV which costs around $1,000 more. Both the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are built on the same platform, sharing the same problem-ridden engines. Where the Hyundai Santa Fe stands out is with a more luxurious interior. We recommend avoiding both the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe since they are expensive to own when parts fail.
The Chevy Equinox is a smaller competitor, which costs about $1,500 less. Performance is a bit better in the Chevy Equinox while the Kia Sorento has more technology and passenger room available. We recommend avoiding both SUVs for 2016 since the Chevy Equinox has some engine problems reported as well.
Do Owners Recommend the Kia Sorento?
Yes. I love my 2016 Kia Sorento it is my first white vehicle. It is very roomy and drives great. I use my car often for hauling decorations and such for events.
Yes. Drives smooth, has good gas mileage for an SUV, no problems, and very spacious. Five star crash rating with curtain airbags. Front and back seats recline.
Yes, the Kia Sorento lx is a good car. It has amazing features and one of the best of them all is fuel economy.
Yes, it is. Some road noise makes talking to passengers hard at times. Black trim hard to keep clean inside Kia.
Yes, it is has a lot of room and third row seat, it runs very well good transportation and I make sure that I keep up the maintenance on the vehicle.
Yes, it has a ton of trunk space. Also, for a mid-size vehicle, it feels like I am driving a smaller car which is more comfortable for me. It has a lot of back seat space, perfectly accommodating my toddler and her car seat.
Yes only problem is moonroof sticks sometimes. It run well and gets good gas mileage I have really enjoyed it.
Yes it's a great vehicle. It has good gas mileage, it also has powerful engine. It is a v4. It has 3 seats in the back and 2 in the front. It has a huge trunk.