The 2018 Kia Sorento lasts around 250,000 miles with relatively minor door lock and suspension noise issues. At $16,700 to $24,125, it’s a great value compared to many other midsize SUVs since it holds up well over time.
Is the 2018 Kia Sorento a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Kia Sorento since it’s more reliable than earlier years, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the advanced technology, smooth suspension, as well as the low fuel costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for an SUV, the seats are comfortable on longer drives, although there’s less cargo space than some competitors.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems on the 2018 Kia Sorento. Avoid models from 2011–2016 since they have engine failures. Models from 2017–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from both of the four cylinder engines, while the turbocharged 4-cylinder & the V6 offer good power for its size.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Sorento is a safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, as well as automatic emergency braking.
- 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 $35 cheaper than average at $182 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2018 Kia Sorento is cheaper than many other midsize SUVs, although it also depreciates quickly, giving it an average value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Kia Sorento?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Kia Sorento offers a lot of technology features for the money, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Sorento at 4.2/5, praising the very long 10-year warranty, but doesn’t like the weak base four-cylinder engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2018 Sorento a 4.4/5, enjoying the high-end interior, but owners don’t like the cramped third row.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Kia Sorento Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Kia Sorento include the automatic door locks not working, squeaking noises from the suspension, as well as low airflow from the A/C system. Overall, these problems are similar to other SUVs, with lower repair costs as well as they age.
The automatic door locks not working is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Kia Sorento owners in the first 20,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by a dead battery in the key fob. Replacing the battery is easy and costs under $5. If there is a door lock system issue then diagnosing and repairing it can be done for under $150.
Squeaking noises from the suspension have also shown up on some Sorento models at around 5,000 miles. Excessive noise is usually a sign of bushing issues on the shocks or struts. When it happens on very new cars, they are typically replaced under warranty. If your Sorento is out of warranty, it’s around $200.
Low airflow from the A/C system also happens on the 2018 Sorento at roughly 30,000 miles. There are some refrigerant pipes which have come loose on some Sorento models according to owners. Replacing these pipes costs roughly $400, depending on local labor rates.
There are three recalls on the 2018 Kia Sorento, which is similar to many other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall is for the tow hitch harness, which may short circuit, causing a fire. Kia will replace the harness on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the steering column, as well as an airbag inflator, which Kia will also fix.
How Long Will the 2018 Kia Sorento Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Kia Sorento can last around 250,000 miles, which is slightly shorter than the top-rated Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other midsize SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $402 per year.
As a used 2018 Kia Sorento reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the fuel filter for $150, A/C drier assembly costing $300, as well as the timing chain tensioner which costs around $
Very reliable no problems Sorento is an awesome vehicle for the price great fuel Mileage and roomy it is nice.
Kia Sorento is really reliable. I never had any problems whatsoever. It is a very nice car and I enjoy driving it.
It is reliable. The exterior plastic parts turn a waxy white and need to be clean and sealed often to remove and prevent. The seats are comfortable but not completely ergonomic.
No problem so far... Except for the maintenance issue with engine. It is a reliable car really strong and sturdy.
It does not have any problems in my eyes and is very reliable in my eyes and gets you from places safely and is a very reliable car
I haven't seen any problems. I've only had mine a week, but I haven't seen anything. It seems great. No complaints.
Have not experienced any problems On the road and on long trips did not have to fill up with gas too many times. Cool temperature in the hot humid country
Yes reliable never had any issues at all. The only reason it has been to a shop/dealer is to get the oil changed and tires rotated and routine maintenance.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is okay on the base Sorento L, although the LX offers a nice 7-inch Uvo touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a larger 8-inch touchscreen available on the SX model.
Safety technology is good with a standard backup camera. Optional advanced safety features include a surround-view parking camera, rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, as well as adaptive headlights.
Is the 2018 Kia Sorento a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Kia Sorento is a good value since there are no major problems and it has a nice interior for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $16,700 to $24,125, making it cheaper than a Subaru Outback or Honda Pilot. When new, the price range was $25,900 to $46,300. Depreciation is worse than some other midsize SUVs, losing about 14% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Kia Sorento?
There are five models of the 2018 Kia Sorento offered, from the base L, the more popular Kia Sorento LX, all the way up to the well-equipped SX Limited. The 2018 Sorento is also offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the model.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Back Up Camera
- Selectable Drive Modes
- Height-Adjustable Driver Seat
- Bluetooth
- Satellite Radio
- Six-Speaker Sound System
LX is a step up, adding:
- Noise-Reducing windshield
- Dual Zone Climate Control
- Roof Rails
- 7-Inch Uvo Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Optional Safety Technology Package
EX is next in the lineup with:
- 18-Inch Wheels
- Leather Upholstery
- Fog Lights
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Second-Row Retractable Sunshades
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
SX is a sportier model which has:
- 19-Inch Wheels
- LED Running Lights
- Panoramic Sunroof
- 10-Way Power Driver Seat
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- 10-Speaker Infinity Sound System
- Improved Suspension
SX Limited is the flagship model which adds:
- 19-Inch Chrome Wheels
- Upgraded Leather Upholstery
- Heated Second-Row Seats
- Wood-Trim Steering Wheel
What Engines Come In the Kia Sorento?
- The base engine is a weak 2.4L 4-cylinder which makes 185 horsepower while getting good gas mileage at up to 24 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the more powerful 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder which produces 240 horsepower while getting up to 23 MPG. This engine also has a six-speed automatic transmission.
- The flagship engine is the stronger 3.3L V6 which generates 290 horsepower at 21 MPG. There’s a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking 7.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Kia Sorento Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Kia Sorento?
The 2018 Kia Sorento is considered to be a comfortable SUV with seating for up to five passengers. It has a smooth ride and well-cushioned seats, and owners noted that the interior is quiet and well-insulated from outside noise.
The front seats are spacious and offer good support, and the second and third rows have enough room for adult passengers. Some owners did say that the third row may be tight for taller passengers.
How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Sorento Have?
Cargo space is lower than many other midsize SUVs with enough room for 2-3 suitcases behind the third row, 6-8 behind the second row, and around roughly 15 suitcases with both rows folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Kia Sorento came out in 2016, and was replaced by the fourth generation in 2021.
2015: No major changes.
2016: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new styling and engines.
2017: New emergency braking system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added.
2018: No major changes.
2019: Standard third row seat, new 8-speed automatic transmission, turbocharged motor discontinued.
2020: Small exterior styling changes, EX and SX Limited models removed from the lineup.
2021: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with a larger interior, new technology, and engines.
How Does the Kia Sorento Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Kia Sorento is a very good midsize SUV since it’s more affordable than most of the competition while still offering a good amount of passenger room and technology, making it a great family car.
The Kia Sportage is a slightly smaller SUV offered by Kia which is around $1,500 less. Steering is more responsive in the Kia Sportage, while the Kia Sorento offers a lot more passenger room. We recommend the Kia Sorento since it has better reliability ratings as it ages, and is worth the extra money.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is another midsize SUV which is available for about $2,000 more. Both the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are built on the same base platform, with nicer interior materials in the Hyundai Santa Fe. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe since you get a more luxurious experience for your money, although both are good choices.
Do Owners Recommend the Kia Sorento?
Yes it is economical and very affordable, great features and gas mileage great dealership and maintenance.
Yes it is a really good car. I use it everyday to drive my kids to school and to other activities like dance and gymnastics. Never had any trouble.
Yes it is a good vehicle. It is spacious, reliable, and strong. My family fits well in it and it has plenty of cargo space.
Yes it drives well and smooth. It has good interiors. Leather heated seats. The seven seater car is ideal for log drives or trips.
It is a very good vehicle and I like how the car looks and how the car is on the inside and has a built in backup camera
I absolutely love it! I didn't think I'd want a mid size SUV, but it handles great! It suits the needs of me and my family and it's fun to drive.
Drives tell good mileage strong features. Air conditioned. Well control, heated seats. Quite handles road bumps well. Bluetooth. Blue link handy. Clear stereo much room for 5 people and luggage
Yes it runs well has very little road noise and gets me where I am going looking good. I like the gas mileage and power to get me where I am going with no worries