Here I’ll discuss the top Kia Sorento model years that are unquestionably worth purchasing. These models have a stellar history throughout their use, according to numerous owners.
These models are therefore the greatest choice for you if you want to get the best experience.
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#1 Best Year: 2009 Kia Sorento
The 2009 Kia Sorento has to be among the most dependable vehicles one can purchase, starting with the first model on this list. This model is available in five distinct trim levels, each with its own features and cost.
Do keep in mind that this model has more characteristics as the level rises. Be sure to select the 2WD 4 Door LX style if you intend to buy this vehicle.
This model is easily capable of 22 mpg on the interstate and 16 mpg in the city. It is available at a reasonable $22,645 price.
Many people adore this model’s strong towing capacity, available four-wheel drive, two potent V-6 engines that can be added on, but most importantly, it does very well in crash tests.
This SUV is ideal since it offers greater fuel efficiency and can be driven effortlessly at all times.
#2 Best Year: 2010 Kia Sorento
Another vehicle that has a lot to offer its customers is the 2010 Kia Sorento. One of the best things about this model is that it is lighter than the previous ones, so keep that in mind.
Due in large part to its less weight and six-speed automated transmission system, the V6 engine from 3.8 to 3.5 will guarantee to deliver exceptional performance without any compromise.
Some claim that this one is ideal for handling and accelerating when driving, which is crucial for drivers to have control over. The front and rear suspensions, the quiet interior, and the roomy cabin are all well-liked features as well.
In addition, this model has been updated with a number of simple-to-use technological features.
#3 Best Year: 2015 Kia Sorento
The 2015 Kia Sorento is a vehicle that is worthwhile to own because to its high reliability and safety ratings.
The autonomous in-cabin technology is popular since it is simple to operate and reacts swiftly. It is renowned for running smoothly all the time. People also adore the available V6 engine choices that you may obtain in this car, aside from that.
With ease, this vehicle can go at speeds of up to 20 mph in the city and 24 mph to 27 mph on the highway. This type can generate between 191 and 290 horsepower and is quite effective at providing outstanding fuel economy.
#4 Best Year: 2017 Kia Sorento
The 2017 Kia Sorento is renowned for its many top-notch safety features, which always keep the ride enjoyable and secure.
This car has undergone redesigning to be more fashionable and enticing. According to reports, this model has more room than its previous models, allowing up to seven persons to travel in luxury.
This vehicle is regarded by many as being the best for lengthy road journeys due to its high towing capacity, improved handling, and performance that is typical of a midsize SUV.
The LX V6 four-door SUV is the finest option out of the seven available 2017 model styles. Additionally, Kia prioritized safety when designing this vehicle.
It is noteworthy that this car has received a five-star overall safety rating from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick.
#5 Best Year: 2020 Kia Sorento
One of the top three-row vehicles that easily seats seven people is the 2020 Kia Sorento. Additionally, this model has 73 cubic feet of capacity and ample storage, which makes long road journeys easier.
The V6 engine, which can generate about 290 horsepower and Dynamax, is unquestionably the finest choice. It also offers all-wheel drive capabilities for better performance on the road.
There are many features of this model that people adore, and which you would also adore.
First and foremost, this model’s safety features will provide you peace of mind when traveling with your family because they were created to last and use high-quality materials.
Additionally, it has electronic stability control assist for great road handling, hill start assist, electronic brake assistance distribution, and much more.
#6 Best Year: 2021 Kia Sorento
The 2021 Kia Sorento, the last year on this list, must be the best option for you and your loved ones.
The Kia Sorento X Line model is the greatest choice if you really want to get this car because it offers a ton of high-quality amenities that you can use while driving.
The X line’s tough style features include a downhill descent control, roof racks, a center locking differential, and robust front and rear fascia.
Some purchasers particularly adore how roomy it is on the inside and in the third row, where there is even more room for passengers’ legs.
The strong turbo it has is also well-liked, particularly in the SX Prestige AWD, which boasts a 2.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can generate 281 horsepower and 311 pounds-feet of torque.
You definitely do not want to miss out on this model year because the SX trim level offers a ton of fantastic and cutting-edge tech features as well as a ton more at such an affordable price.
When it comes to the worst model years, many automotive experts and users agree that it is best to stay away from them all.
This is due to the numerous complaints and major problems that many of these models have.
#1 Worst Year: 2006 Kia Sorento
The 2006 Kia Sorento is the first model on this list, and despite the fact that it has received very few complaints and hasn’t been recalled very much, it is a difficult vehicle.
This one primarily involves electrical system problems that could get worse and worse for your car.
The electrical system issues are so severe, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, that if they begin to malfunction or fail completely, they might cause significant car accidents that could leave you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road seriously injured.
This car also has problems with excessive oil consumption, which increases the likelihood of a fire starting and causes the vehicle to run out of gas quickly.
Several customers claim that the majority of issues begin around 14,000 miles into the vehicle’s odometer and call for repeated replacements.
#2 Worst Year: 2011 Kia Sorento
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued six recalls for the 2011 Kia Sorento, another model that has received numerous complaints about acceleration and handling.
Some drivers claim that this 2011 model’s gearbox problems make it difficult to shift gears, which may be rather tough to deal with while driving.
In addition, many mentioned that driving on speed bumps or other road defects is difficult. One motorist even claimed that the steering wheel would experience ongoing issues due to the steering column’s tendency to lock up at random when the car is started.
In addition to all of that, individuals also reported a decrease in the brakes’ effectiveness, issues with the speed control, defective cables, electrical system malfunctions, and much more.
#3 Worst Year: 2012 Kia Sorento
The engine system of the 2012 Kia Sorento is the cause of a number of problems with this model.
Unnoticed oil leaks, engine overheating, careless maintenance, and many other factors are the main causes of this issue.
A broken timing chain, blown out pistons, holes in the engine block, blue or white-colored smoke emanating from the engine, and many other issues can occur if the car achieves its maximum mileage.
The only option to solve this issue is to totally repair or replace the engine system, which can be very expensive.
#4 Worst Year: 2013 Kia Sorento
Drivers have reported that this midsize SUV will commonly experience alignment issues, ball joints will wear out, and the wheel balance is also off, making it difficult to drive and posing a danger to others on the road.
There have been a number of concerns concerning the in-car electronic system, according to Consumer Reports. People became aware of how their backup cameras stopped working and how their infotainment systems would need to be replaced.
Similar to the 2012 model, this one is probably going to suffer engine issues. Even some consumers said that their car’s suspension is prone to major problems as it begins to perform erratically.
#5 Worst Year: 2014 Kia Sorento
The 2014 Kia Sorento is another another vehicle that has caused Kia and the different owners who have driven it problems.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recalled this car five times, mostly because to concerns with the brakes, fuel system, engine, engine cooling, and powertrain.
According to the Car Complaints website, the engine’s propensity to frequently stall and shut down while driving was the most frequent complaint made by various customers.
A blown-out motor would also be present, which might result in the engine failing. This one is equally difficult to drive and must be avoided because it can result in significant traffic accidents due to its acceleration and handling concerns.
#6 Worst Year: 2016 Kia Sorento
The penultimate model on this list of the worst models is the 2016 Kia Sorento. Another car full of problems that just wouldn’t go away is this midsize SUV.
Although Kia had gradually fixed engine issues when the third-generation models were released, it did not happen for the 2016 model. Numerous car parts that are prone to swiftly wearing down were to blame for major engine failure issues.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that about 74 complaints about engine issues were made. Most engine problems appear in the early stages of driving, or at 60,000 miles on the odometer.
The primary causes are the prevalence of blown-out nuts, flaws in the engine block, and the expiration of the powertrain warranty.
Depending on how severe the issue is, most of these issues would necessitate replacing the entire engine system, which might cost more than $4000.
What year is ideal for 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
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