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.
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A Kia Sorento has 2 or 4 wheels.
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.
Which model of Kia has four wheel drive?
Kia AWD Vehicles The most recent versions of these vehicles are the Kia Telluride, Kia Seltos, and Kia Stinger. You’ll be astounded by the power that these Kia all-wheel drive cars have to provide thanks to their variety of engine choices.
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.
Does the Kia Sorento have rear-wheel drive?
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]
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.
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.
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How does the AWD system in the Kia Sorento operate?
For many Kia vehicles, the automatic all-wheel drive mode is the default setting. This means that your Kia car will start up in automatic All-Wheel Drive mode without any input from you. When in this mode, the car will provide each wheel the necessary amount of power. A typical excursion on the road or around town is best taken in this mode.
What is All-Wheel Drive Lock mode?
Torque is transferred evenly to all four wheels when the All-Wheel Drive Lock mode button is pressed, maximizing traction. Once the button is pressed once more, or when your car reaches a speed of more than 19 mph, it is locked into this mode of operation. When your car is bogged in the mud or in other slow-moving conditions, you should use the All-Wheel Drive Lock mode.
When should I use All-Wheel Drive Lock mode?
As we previously stated, this mode is only usable at slow speeds. It is typically designed for off-road settings, including going up or down a steep incline. This enables you to maintain control. You can use it to navigate sand or other rocky terrain.
Ride comfort rules the 2020 Sorento’s performance portfolio.
The 2020 Kia Sorento moves more slowly than it should in base form, but it accelerates quickly in V-6 models. No matter which powerplant is in the front, it has a smooth ride. For performance, we give it a 7 and award it points for both of those admirable qualities.
The 2.4-liter inline-4 base engine for the Sorento is a rare sight in dealerships. This year, only the two cheapest variants are available. It has a modest 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque and is mated to an outdated 6-speed automated transmission. Despite our limited experience with this version, the Sorento’s sluggish performance makes it evident that it is the less common Sorento.
The V-6 Sorento is a choice we recommend because it doesn’t cost much more each month. The 3.3-liter V-6’s 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque enable outstanding acceleration. When paired with an 8-speed automatic, it moves forward smoothly and rarely complains. The Sorento has the option of all-wheel drive and can tow a trailer weighing up to 5,000 pounds.
An all-wheel drive system is available for every Sorento model above the entry-level model. The car itself has a maximum ground clearance of 7.3 inches, and the system features a lock mode for mud and snow. Even so, we would be hesitant to use it off of paths that had been plowed; it is a better all-weather equipment than an all-road champion.
The Sorento now has a precise feel thanks to subtle steering and suspension modifications that are complemented by the even superior tune on SX variants. The Sorento drives with confidence, if not quite zeal, by the standards set by competitive three-row SUVs. It rides fantastically well-damped and drives sublimely, connecting it to the larger Telluride.