Sale of the Kia Sorento: All-wheel drive is available on all trim levels of the Kia Sorento. The 2019 Sorento offers standard third-row seating, while the 2018 model offers available third-row seating for people searching for a family vehicle. Both models can accommodate up to seven passengers.
In This Article...
Has the Kia Sorento AWD?
Kia Sorento: The Sorento has more interior space than the Sportage, seating up to 7, and offers front- or all-wheel drive on four of its five trim levels.
Kia Sorento is it FWD or AWD?
The majority of 2021 Kia Sorento models have front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is an option. With hybrids, things change a little because the base model only has front-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid only has all-wheel drive.
Do all Kia Sorentos have 4WD?
A new front grille, bumper covers, and exterior lighting were added to the Kia Sorento for the 2018 or 2019 model years, depending on the market. These improvements were inspired by the 2019 Kia Forte and the 2018 Kia Cadenza for the 2019 model year. Projector beam headlamps with LED positioning lights were updated for the L, LX, EX, and SX trim levels. New LED headlamps with daytime running lights, LED amber turn signals and positioning lights, and LED tail lamps were added to the SXL trim.
A third row of seats is now standard on all trim levels with all engine types. Driver attention warning systems have also been introduced to all trim levels, and the 2.0-liter engine in lesser trim levels has been replaced with a 2.4-liter engine. On higher specification versions of the 2019 Kia Sorento, a 3.3-liter V6 engine is available. Except for the entry-level L trim, which is only offered with front-wheel drive, all trim levels can be had with all-wheel drive. [22]
What Kia SUVs are AWD?
Kia Sportage: Any trim level of the new Kia Sportage is available with AWD. Drivers in West Palm Beach can feel more secure knowing that this new Kia SUV has been rated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in addition to having AWD. Kia Sorento: Every trim level of the new Kia Sorento is available with all-wheel drive.
Which model of Kia has four wheel drive?
Prior to the Kia Stinger becoming the first AWD sedan in the range in 2018, the Sorento and Sportage were the only two All-Wheel-Drive models offered by Kia.
How do you engage the 4 wheel drive on a Kia Sorento?
The KIA Sorento boasts a variety of powertrain options, and it is a joy to drive. You must switch your Sorento to AWD or 4WD if you want to drive off the road or in difficult terrain. We conducted study to find out how this process functions and have provided the answers below.
Depending on the system your KIA Sorento has, employing one of the following can help you maintain better control of your car when driving on a slope, muddy, wet, or slick road:
- Press the auto-mode button on your steering wheel to activate the all-wheel drive system (AWD).
- Full-time AWD automatic engagement – Your car will automatically switch to this mode.
- 4WD – Unless you have a part-time 4WD, in which case you must shift a lever or a switch to 4×4, no action is required to activate this mode.
To learn how to operate the AWD or 4WD system in your KIA Sorento, continue reading. We’ll also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of these technologies as well as practical advice for driving a car equipped with them.
The 2021 Kia Sorento has four wheels.
It can be challenging to stand out when there are more than 20 midsize SUVs offered by major automakers competing for the consumer’s money. The 3-row SUV that the 2021 Kia Sorento delivers can still fit easily into the normal garage, making it a unique product position.
For 2021, Kia gives the Sorento a new square-jawed, rugged external appearance that harkens back to the initial sport-utilities of the 1990s to help it stand out from the midsize SUV crowd. Back then, SUVs were constructed using truck frames and reinforced materials to withstand the harshest abuse that off-roading could dish out. They also appeared the part.
Years later, millions of families looking for somewhat higher seating and cargo room for who knows what have switched to midsize SUVs as their go-to mode of transportation. However, it’s the sense of adventure that counts. If not, they would be operating minivans.
This is especially true with the brand-new Sorento X-Line variant, which rides taller. A fun-to-drive turbocharged 4-cylinder with 49 more lb.-ft. of torque than the bigger Kia Telluride is also available from Kia. And the brand-new Sorento Hybrid for 2021 is a first for this particular model.
Not to worry. The smaller midsize 3-row SUV from Kia has a seating capacity of six or seven passengers and comes with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. For those trips to the grocery store or getaways into the wide unknown, it just adds a little bit more attitude than the last one.
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.
You want to find the best bargain on the car you want, not actually purchase it. If a comparable vehicle is offered locally for less money, the CoPilot app will let you know, so you can be sure you received the best bargain.
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.
You might not be particularly knowledgeable about your car’s brakes unless you’re a mechanic or a super-committed auto enthusiast. How much time do they usually last? How frequently should brakes be replaced? We have solutions.
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.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The simplest way to purchase a car is using the CoPilot auto shopping app. You may create a customized list of the top car listings in your area by telling us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area.
Just seeking for more recent models? The search engine for virtually new vehicles is CoPilot Compare. only observe recentfive years or lessautos with little mileage. The greatest place to look for off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO vehicles is CoPilot Compare.
What’s best? We have more information on each vehicle than our rivals since CoPilot was developed using the same technologies that dealerships use to acquire and sell their inventories. Since CoPilot doesn’t partner with automakers, there aren’t any sponsored posts or other dubious tacticsjust the most information about the best vehicles. To learn more about CoPilot’s operation, see our About Us page.
What distinguishes a Kia with AWD from one with FWD?
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is sometimes known as all-wheel drive (AWD). Which sets of wheels receive power from the engine differs between the two. In FWD, the front axle receives power from the engine, whereas in AWD, power is simultaneously sent to the front and back axles.
What Kia Sorento model has 4WD?
The Sorento is a well-known large SUV made in Korea, with used car pricing from a dealer starting at $40,800.
The 2.2L DIESEL TURBO 4 engine in the Sorento, a four-wheel drive, four-door vehicle with seven passengers, produces 147 kW of power at 3800 rpm and 441 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. According to KIA, the Sorento Si (4×4) FLEET uses 7.2L/100km of diesel while emitting 190g of CO2 on combined city and highway cycles. Given that it has a 71-liter gasoline tank, a full tank should allow for a 986-kilometer trip.
The Sorento weighs a total of 1985kg (4376.2 lbs) when it is empty. Its dimensions are 1690mm (66.5 inches) in height, 4800mm (189.0 inches) in length, 1890mm (74.4 inches) in width, and 2780mm (109.4 inches) in wheelbase. The front and rear tires of the Sorento Si (4×4) FLEET are both 235/65 R17 as standard. Every 12 months or 15,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, it needs to be serviced.
The ANCAP gave the Sorento a five-star grade. The compliance plate is positioned on the LHS – Lower Door Aperture, and the VIN number is located on the floor under the driver’s seat. The VIN number KNAP*815M*5123456 is an illustration.