For the 2022 model year, the Sorento lineup will include a plug-in hybrid option. With a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor, its powertrain produces 261 horsepower overall. Kia claims the plug-in Sorento has a combined fuel-economy rating of 79 MPGe and an electric-only range of 32 miles. All-wheel drive is standard. The price of the PHEV model is unknown, but we do know that it will be available in two premium trim levels: SX and SX-P.
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Is the Kia Sorento available with all-wheel drive?
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.
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.
Do Kia vehicles have four wheels?
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.
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.
On a Kia Sorento, how do you activate the AWD?
As soon as the Kia Sorento is turned on, automatic all-wheel drive (AWD) is activated.
Under typical circumstances, this mode is ideal for driving. The Sorento also offers an AWD lock mode, which is handy in some circumstances and is triggered via a button on or near your center console.
The following situations call for the employment of AWD lock mode:
- Vehicle is enmeshed in snow or mud
- driving on or off an incline
- driving through unlevel or difficult terrain
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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
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A 2009 Kia Sorento is a 4WD, right?
Automakers have turned to car-based crossovers in an effort to satiate SUV demand while enhancing fuel efficiency after realizing that the majority of buyers choose SUVs for their load capacity and visibility rather than their off-road ability. However, Kia is still sticking with the truck-based Sorento for 2009 and hasn’t joined the crossover bandwagon yet.
The base model of the 2009 Kia Sorento has a 242-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 engine, while the EX model has a 262-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6. A five-speed automatic is mated to each. The larger engine’s additional 20 horsepower increases the towing capacity to 5,000 pounds from the smaller engine’s 3,500-pound limit. Both engines are enjoyable to drive while under power, but they only achieve the class average of 15/20 mpg (city/highway) for the larger engine and 16/22 mpg (city/highway) for the smaller V-6.
Rear- or four-wheel drive can be added to the 2009 Kia Sorento with any engine, although the sort of four-wheel drive system depends on the trim level. Only the smaller engine is compatible with the part-time system, while the larger V-6 in an EX trim must be paired with the permanent Torque-on-Demand system. Both have a low range option, but this is likely more for consumers who tow than for serious off-roaders because neither trim level has the underbody protection required for challenging trail riding.
The Sorento has a smooth on-highway ride, but it may be a little restless on bumpy city streets. However, when it comes time to turn, it starts to reveal its flaws. It is not the kind of vehicle that appreciates high-speed maneuvers and swift changes of direction, and steering can be hazy on base versions.
Three adults across in the back is a bit of a squeeze, but two adults and three children can fit in the seats rather comfortably. Third-row seating is not available. Although the interior’s materials and assembly are superb, it won’t garner any design accolades.
All Sorentos come standard with dual front and curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, tire-pressure monitors, and active headrests. The Sorento receives five-star crash ratings from the federal government for front and side hits.
Although the Sorento is equipped with leather upholstery and a sunroof, it is evident that it lacks many modern amenities.
There is no rear-seat DVD entertainment system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, or navigation system. You’ll get a lot for your money with the standard equipment list, which includes air conditioning, power windows, door locks, and heated mirrors, cruise control, a 10-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, roof rails, and a keyless entry system.
Which Kia vehicles are four-wheel drives?
Visit our Kia showroom in Kenner, Louisiana to learn more about the AWD cars for sale nearby New Orleans. There are many Kia AWD models available for purchase here. When looking for an AWD vehicle from Kia, crossovers and SUVs are common selections.
The following recent Kia models come with AWD:
- Seltos
- Sportage
- Sorento
- Telluride
- Stinger
- K900
The innovative DynamaxTM AWD system from Kia uses electrical sensors to intelligently distribute power among the four wheels. No matter your driving style or the state of the roads, this intelligent system is continually working to improve performance and efficiency. The Center Lock option, available on Kia AWD vehicles like the new Telluride and Seltos, locks the torque arrangement to 50/50 front and rear, making it perfect for more challenging conditions such negotiating minor off-roading or heavy snow.
What Kia SUVs are AWD?
An SUV is a great option for your next vehicle if you value utility and want a model that will handle any task you face. All-wheel drive SUVs and crossovers are designed specifically to handle challenging driving conditions. The following SUV models are available with all-wheel drive from Kia:
- Kia Sorento: The Kia Sorento is a spacious, cost-effective midsize SUV that has received numerous safety awards. The Sorento has a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in addition to receiving the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ designation. All-wheel drive is a feature that is available on the Sorento LX, S, EX, and SX grades. The Sorento sports a V-6 engine that is also an option, seats seven passengers, and has plenty of storage space.
- The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV with seating for up to five people. The NHTSA awarded this model a 5-star overall safety rating. The Kia Sportage is a great option for any driving excursion thanks to that mix. You’ll like driving this car because to its array of standard technologies and two available engines, one of which is turbocharged. AWD is an option for all four Sportage grades (LX, S, EX, and SX Turbo).
- Kia Telluride: The Kia Telluride combines SUV dependability and luxury. To discover the ideal match for you, choose from a choice of AWD models and settings. The Telluride stands out from other SUVs thanks to its cutting-edge technology, excellent power and handling, and the greatest interior passenger space in its class. The Telluride has a naturally aspirated V-6 engine that generates 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.