The fourth-generation Kia Sorento debuted in North America on September 22, 2020. It is available in the LX, S, EX, SX, SX Prestige, and SX Prestige X-Line trim levels, among others. While the 2.5-liter Smartstream 4-cylinder gasoline engine used in the LX and S models produces 191 horsepower (194 PS; 142 kW), the 2.5-liter Smartstream 4-cylinder gasoline engine used in the EX, SX, SX Prestige, and SX Prestige X-Line versions produces 281 hp (285 PS; 210 kW). Although vehicles with the 2.5-liter turbo engine employ an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, all North American Sorento models use an 8-speed automatic transmission. Hybrid versions of the Sorento will be offered following the first release in late 2020. [32] There is no longer a V6 engine available. The Sorento PHEV[33], from Kia, will go on sale in 2021. Its 1.6-liter turbo-four-cylinder engine is paired with an electric motor to provide 261 horsepower. The claimed electric vehicle range is 51 km (32 miles), and the total range is 740 km (460 miles). Prices will be revealed at a later time.
In the United States, at its assembly factory in West Point, Georgia, Kia continues to produce the Sorento for the North American market. Except for the hybrid variants and the SX Prestige X-Line vehicle, which come standard with all-wheel drive, all models come with front-wheel drive. Three rows of seating are standard on all 2021 Sorento models sold in North America, and higher trim levels come with second-row captain’s chairs rather than the normal second-row rear split bench seat. [34]
In This Article...
Are Kia Sorentos front-wheel-drive vehicles?
The Sorento is offered with front- or all-wheel drive and a variety of engine choices. Both a basic 2.5-liter inline-4 engine with 191 horsepower and a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 281 horsepower are offered. The hybrid variant uses a six-speed automatic transmission, while both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While we like the turbo four’s obvious kick while driving the top-of-the-line SX version, we wished it had more immediate response. The same vehicle had balanced handling, a peaceful ride, and firm brake pedal sensation. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 44.0-kW electric motor are paired in the environmentally friendly Sorento hybrid to produce 227 horsepower. The hybrid’s plug-in version has the same engine and transmission but produces 261 horsepower overall, has a bigger 66.9-kW electric motor, and only has all-wheel drive. The Sorento can tow up to 3500 pounds when it with the towing kit.
The Kia Sorento of 2021 has front-wheel drive.
The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, and variable drive modes are included as standard equipment on the front-wheel-drive base 2021 Kia Sorento LX (Comfort, Sport, Eco, Smart).
How can I tell if my Kia Sorento has all-wheel drive?
The driveshaft is rotated by the transmission, and this interaction with the differential causes the rotation to be distributed to the wheels. AWD and 4WD both have two differentials, however FWD and RWD only have one.
Ensure the car is turned off. then have a look underneath the vehicle. Find the axle shaft after determining the location of the brakes, ball joints, and wheel knuckles. This should resemble a broad bar that extends from the front to the back axle. You have 4WD or AWD if you see this.
You have a two-wheel-drive car if you cannot see the bar that runs from the front to the back of your vehicle.
It is possible to tell if it is front- or rear-wheel drive. To find the axle shaft, look. It will only be in the front or back if it is not moving from front to back. You can tell what kind of drivetrain you have by looking at this. RWD or FWD.
What’s wrong with the Kia Sorento?
Customers have experienced a number of issues with the Kia Sorento since it has been advertised and sold by Kia. These models share costly issues with one another. The following model years should be avoided: 2004, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016.
Common difficulties include those with the engine, the electrical system, the airbags, the seat belts, the lights, and the body or paint.
Engine failure is the most serious problem that these Kia Sorento models have. When most consumers have traveled an average of 62,000 miles, something happens. They could end up costing you more money in repairs, so we advise avoiding them.
Which Year Models of Kia Sorento Are Safe to Buy Used?
Production of the Kia Sorento has been going on for approximately 20 years. Not all of the models that are released, like many other cars in its market class, are flawless right out of the factory. Some people have flaws. Despite this, you have a selection of others. This is particularly true if you want to stay away from those already listed.
The following list of reliable Kia Sorento model years includes:
- Kia Sorento 2003
- Kia Sorento from 2005
- 2007 Sorento Kia
- Kia Sorento 2008
- Kia Sorento from 2009
- Kia Sorento 2010
- Kia Sorento 2015
- Kia Sorento 2017
- Kia Sorento from 2018
- Kia Sorento for 2019
- Kia Sorento 2020
- Kia Sorento 2021
The years 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 are among the safest Kia Sorento model years to purchase. Compared to the earlier mentioned model years, these have minimal complaints.
The worst issues with many of them were engine issues, a broken air conditioner compressor, electrical issues, light issues, and AC/heater issues. Most of them are also inexpensive to fix minor problems. However, they are among the minority of car owners.
The worst car troubles in early generations include crankshaft problems, frequent lighting system failures, and broken parts. It’s important to remember that these issues only occur in cars with more than 90,000 miles on the odometer.
A few owners are also affected by the problems. They are less likely to happen in a Sorento with little mileage and good maintenance. The models from 2007 to 2010 and 2015 to 2021 are the least problematic. The year 2016 is an outlier; it is less dependable than the other years in the following years.
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Which Kia Sorento Years to Avoid
The aforementioned Kia Sorento model years should easily accommodate your family’s needs and daily driving requirements. You need a dependable automobile in addition to one with excellent handling, a luxurious interior, and lots of attractive amenities. Here, we go into greater detail regarding the model years that weren’t chosen.
Steer clear of the following Kia Sorento model years:
- Kia Sorento from 2004
- Kia Sorento from 2006
- Kia Sorento from 2011
- Kia Sorento 2012
- Kia Sorento 2013
- Kia Sorento 2014
- Kia Sorento 2016
These model years frequently experience issues with their engines, electrical systems, lighting, seat belts and airbags, and body and paint. These affect everyone, and numerous users have noted concerns that are essentially the same.
You should steer clear of the 2011 Kia Sorento the most. It tops the list for having the most owner complaints. It is most likely to experience brakes issues, drivetrain issues, airbag and seat belt issues, and engine issues.
An engine failure at 77,000 miles cost the most money of all issues reported for the 2011 model year. Fixing this issue will cost $4,600. Other serious issues include an airbag problem that cost $2,000 to fix at 92,000 miles and a door issue that cost $400 to fix at 94,000 miles.
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The 2016 Kia Sorento is another vehicle you should completely avoid. In comparison to other models with lower mileage, it has more issues and costs more to repair. The most common issues are with the engine, then the steering, body/paint, and lights.
The engine has experienced the worst reported failure at 62,000 kilometers. Repairing this cost $6,100. Other owners reported having to pay up to $600 to fix wiring that rodents had gnawed. At 22,000 miles, one user’s car stalled while accelerating.
Common Kia Sorento Problems
One of the greatest warranties for cars is offered by Kia. But that doesn’t mean you should be any less critical, especially when it comes to reliability concerns. The most typical Kia Sorento issues, spanning all model years, are listed below:
- Engine issues – The Sorento’s engine frequently fails, which is a common dependability problem. The engine failure, which was primarily reported in 2011, 2016, and 2017 models, was caused by a leaky head gasket, which mixed engine oil and coolant. These liquids when combined can seriously harm engines.
- Frustrated owners reported that the Sorento’s doors won’t open when reached from the outside, which is more unpleasant than dangerous. Additionally, defective door handles made users of the child-lock feature even more irate. Owners of 2011 Sorentos make up the majority of the complaints.
- Burning out of headlight bulbs: Numerous customers noted that the headlight bulbs on Sorento models from 2002 to 2009 were particularly prone to premature failure. Additionally, several stories claimed that additional headlamp component parts were also melted. There should have been a recall for this dependability problem, but there wasn’t one. Owners were required to purchase replacement bulbs for between $100 and $600.
Kia Sorento Problem Counts by Year
Young and experienced drivers equally are impacted by winter driving. To help you get from A to B as securely as possible, we’ve put together a list of the best automobiles for snow.
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A Kia Sorento is it a 4×4?
Your choice of powertrain and standard will determine the price you pay for your Kia Sorento. With three equipment bands, 2, 3, and 4, Kia keeps the trim-level side of things rather straightforward. There are three additional engine options available under the hood: the standard 2.2-liter CRDi diesel with an eight-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic gearbox, a full hybrid with a 1.6-liter T-GDi petrol engine and a six-speed auto gearbox, or a plug-in hybrid with the same petrol engine and gearbox but a larger 13.8-kWh battery that allows for up to 35 miles of electric-only driving. Four-wheel drive is standard on all versions.
The entry-level 2 vehicles come with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital gauges, and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment. Although the front seats are made of cloth rather than leather, they are heated, just like the steering wheel. Additional safety features include a reversing camera, smart cruise control with Stop and Go, LED headlights, and many others.
The Sorento 3 variants include ambient interior lighting, keyless entry and start, powered tailgates, 19-inch alloys, and the more stunning 10.25-inch touchscreen in addition to leather trim. The top-tier 4 vehicles come equipped with premium Nappa leather trim, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a Bose 12-speaker audio, ventilated front seats, and a 360-degree Around View Monitor to aid with parking and off-roading. With the Sorento, you receive a lot of equipment for your money, as is typical of Kias, at every level.
Is the Kia Sorento a good investment?
Over the past few years, a ton of excellent SUVs that are suitable for families have been produced. As a result, the area feels fairly confined, and many customers are unsure of which vehicle to select.
The 2020 Kia Sorento is one of the most notable current models since it provides many advantages over rivals. Much of this can be observed in the fact that the car is one of the most cheap models in its class while yet offering a high-quality cabin.
Many people would presume that the 2020 Kia Sorento lacks a considerable number of amenities because of its affordable price, but this isn’t the case. Instead, a wide range of them are offered as standard features, and the ones that are optional are similarly reasonably priced.
However, a lot of prospective customers might not be persuaded by price alone. Instead, they will want to make sure the car is suitable for them. There are a lot of reasons why you ought to think about purchasing it.
Over the past few years, the Kia Sorento lineup has seen quite a few noticeable alterations. The majority of problems, however, happened with the 2019 model of the car. The removal of the turbocharged engine option is among the more noticeable changes that were made.
Despite this, purchasers of the 2020 Kia Sorento can still choose a V6, which means they will still have access to a lot of power. In 2019, there were a few further changes in addition to the engine upgrade, such as a redesigned interior and appearance.
The 2018 Kia Sedona has undergone some minor changes and enhancements, but anyone hoping for brand-new features may be let down. The main reason for this is that there haven’t been many, if any, recent additions.
Despite this, thanks to these changes, the 2020 Sedona does provide a sizable amount of high-quality driving. As a result, those who have acquired earlier iterations may be able to benefit from the upgrades, particularly if their model is a few years old.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Kia SorentoThe Pros
There are a lot of noteworthy advantages to the 2020 Kia Sorento. There are a few important reasons why the car might stand out to many potential purchasers as a result. Although a lot of this may depend greatly on personal preferences, there are a few situations in which the SUV is strongly advised.
The Base Model Offers Excellent Value for the Price.
One of the most noticeable features of the 2020 Kia Sorento is that, contrary to popular belief, the base model is substantially more cheap. Although this could give some people the impression that there aren’t many features included as standard, this isn’t the case.
Instead, there are a significant amount of features that come with the base model, making it far more affordable than many alternatives. Even though the higher-end trims bring this down a little, it is still noticeable when compared to the majority of its rivals.
2. Numerous Powertrain Choices
Although the 2017 Kia Sorento no longer has a turbocharged engine, there are still a lot of different powertrain options. There is a V6 variant available, giving the SUV a sizable boost in power.
Additionally, an optional AWD is offered, which makes the ride much smoother than that of rivals. Regardless of the engine choice consumers make, they should be able to see quite an excellent fuel efficiency.
Drive Pleasant 3.
Unlike what many people might anticipate, the 2020 Kia Sorento offers a far more enjoyable driving experience. This is most apparent in the vehicle’s elegant cabin, which adds to its comfort when driving.
Much of this is also evident in how quiet the engine is within the cabin and how smooth the drive is. Along with this, there is a significant degree of shock absorption, so drivers shouldn’t be concerned about road imperfections.
4. Options for Smart Braking
Since most SUVs need to have a lot of power behind them to brake effectively, this is a problem for them. Despite the fact that this is generally true, some braking systems may feel considerably safer than others for a variety of reasons.
Most folks will wish to use the braking system that the new Kia Sorento has to offer. This is based on weight distribution rather than evenly applying the brakes, which frequently results in far better stopping force.
5. UVO App & Feature
The 2017 Kia Sorento’s availability of a UVO function is one of its standout features. Drivers can pair their smartphone or other connected device with the SUV in this way to control a number of features.
The most notable of them, among many more, include locking and unlocking the car and managing the music system. Even though not everyone might use this, it might end up being pretty helpful.
6. Superior Features
The 2020 Kia Sorento is offered in five trim levels, each of which offers a sizable amount of features. Each trim may offer quite a substantial variety of possibilities, depending on the specific preferences of a consumer.
Despite the fact that the higher-end options are inevitably more expensive than the base model, the features that are included with each trim level may offer a significant amount of value.
7. Safety Improvements
Although the Kia Sorento comes with a lot of safety features as standard equipment, there are quite a few enhancements that are available that many people could find appealing. Even if several of the SUV’s rivals provide comparable features, the Sorento’s improvements appear to be less expensive.
The 2020 Sorento excels over the bulk of its rivals when it comes to safety features that come standard.
8. Outstanding Warranty
Although this is something that most SUVs may lack in a number of aspects, particularly when it comes to distance, the majority of them will still give a guarantee that is lengthy enough. The 2020 Kia Sorento, however, offers a far longer warranty than many customers might have anticipated.
This applies to the entire car as well as the powertrain, both of which last a lot longer than many of its rivals.
9. Several Exterior Elements
The outside of many SUVs may not be as well-designed or upgradeable as some people may desire, which is one of its main disadvantages. However, compared to most of its rivals, the 2017 Kia Sorento delivers a significant number more enhancements.
The majority of individuals will want to take advantage of the fact that there are quite a few of them provided as standard, which goes hand in hand with this. The cost of the optional external enhancements shouldn’t be prohibitive for customers.
10. Large Towing Capability V6
The 2020 Kia Sorento’s base engine has a lot of towing capacity, but when compared to other vehicles in its class, it can be clearly missing. The SUV’s optional V6 engine upgrade, though, delivers a lot more than you might anticipate.
Buyers ought to perceive a lot of value in the update when combined with the increased overall engine power that comes with it.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.