Choose the perfect Kia Sorento model year for yourself. Our comprehensive guide explores the best and worst Kia Sorento model years for you.
In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the Kia Sorento’s production history, identifying the model’s finest, neutral, and worst years for you.
Our analysis is based on data and insights from numerous dependable sources, including owner-reported reliability surveys, safety ratings, and recall records, ensuring an impartial and thorough perspective.
More specifically, we’ll describe each of the Sorento’s four generations, exploring their unique characteristics, innovations, and challenges, which will provide useful insights for both current owners and potential buyers.
The Kia Sorento, a mid-size SUV known for its affordability and feature-rich configurations, has been a staple of the Kia lineup since its inception. With flexible interior space, efficient powertrains, and numerous safety features, it’s favored by families and adventure seekers alike.
Let’s explore the diverse Kia Sorento generations.
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Kia Sorento Generations
The Kia Sorento’s lifespan has been divided into four distinct generations, each showcasing a unique blend of performance, style, and technical innovations.
To better understand how the Sorento has evolved, the table below presents an overview of each production:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (BL) | 2003-2009 |
| 2nd generation (XM) | 2011-2015 |
| 3rd generation (UM) | 2016-2020 |
| 4th generation (MQ4) | 2021-Present |
The clear delineation of generations offers a useful snapshot of Sorento’s evolution. Each generational transition often brings substantial alterations that can be crucial factors for potential buyers.
Kia Sorento Best, Neutral and Worst Years
In forming our categorizations and rankings, we rely on multiple sources and metrics including, but not limited to:
- Owner-reported reliability (surveys)
- Annual maintenance costs
- Safety ratings
- Consumer Reports reliability scores
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Edmunds owner ratings
- JD Power owner ratings
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
- VehicleHistory owner ratings
- Cars.com owner ratings
The following graph combines ratings from all these sources, offering a thorough overview of Kia Sorento’s performance over the years.
Here’s how the Kia Sorento models are categorized based on our thorough research:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (BL) | 2003 2004 2009 | 2006 2008 | 2005 2007 |
| 2nd generation (XM) | 2011 2015 | N/A | 2012 2013 2014 |
| 3rd generation (UM) | 2017 2019 | 2018 2020 | 2016 |
| 4th generation (MQ4) | 2022 | N/A | 2021 2023 |
The “Neutral Years” represent models that did not particularly stand out in either a favorable or negative way. These models performed adequately but did not excel exceptionally in any of the criteria compared to other years.
Remember, some elements contribute negatively like NHTSA recalls. The higher the number of complaints and recalls, the lower the car’s reliability score, dragging down its overall ranking.
Now, let’s delve into the specifics of the finest, neutral, and worst years.
Best & Worst Years for Kia Sorento 1st Generation (2003-2009)
In 2002 (the 2003 model), the Sorento debuted as a conventional, trucklike (body-on-frame) SUV that provided outstanding value in terms of space, comfort, and features. It was a testament to Kia’s ambitions in the competitive SUV market.
The Best Years: 2003, 2004, 2009
The 2003 model Kia Sorento featured a powerful 3.5L V6 engine, delivering 192 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque.
The 2004 model, continuing with this sturdy V6 engine, introduced an electronic, full-time four-wheel-drive system that offered low-range gearing for off-road excursions.
In 2009, the Sorento saw substantial improvements, including a newly standard 3.3L V6 engine and a roomy, more polished cabin. It also included more contemporary styling and additional standard features, such as full power accessories and keyless entry.
The Neutral Years: 2006, 2008
The 2006 model year introduced a fresh athletic trim level, the Sport, which offered ebony leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and other premium features.
The 2008 model saw the introduction of a more potent 3.8L V6 engine, delivering 262 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
While these models offered excellent value for the money, they didn’t stand out as noticeably as the best years, hence their classification as impartial years.
The Worst Years: 2005, 2007
Despite its strong performance credentials and value proposition, the first generation of Kia Sorento wasn’t without its issues.
The 2005 model was particularly problematic, with owners reporting issues related to the vehicle’s airbags, electrical systems, and exterior lighting. Some owners also reported engine problems, such as engine misfiring, stalling, and breakdown.
The 2007 model, despite its five-star crash safety rating from NHTSA, also had its share of challenges. It was reported to have ongoing issues with airbags, alongside other rare concerns.
Best & Worst Years for Kia Sorento 2nd Generation (2011-2015)
The second generation of the Kia Sorento, introduced in 2011, signified a significant shift from its predecessor. It transitioned from a truck-based SUV to a car-based crossover, bringing with it enhanced handling and fuel economy.
However, keep in mind that the thorough evaluation of the second generation is lower compared to the other generations.
The Best Years: 2011, 2015
The 2011 model year marked a significant milestone for Kia, with the Sorento becoming one of the first vehicles to showcase Kia’s modern design language, featuring the company’s signature “Tiger Nose” grille.
It was also the first Kia vehicle to offer the UVO (“Your Voice”) infotainment system, a sophisticated in-car communication and entertainment system. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a “Top Safety Pick” due to its comprehensive safety suite, further cementing its reputation.
By 2015, Kia had worked out many of the issues from the earlier years of this generation. The brand continued to refine the Sorento’s feature set, making substantial strides in comfort, build quality, and accessible technology.
Despite ongoing engine issues, Kia managed to resolve many of the technical, mechanical, and electrical difficulties experienced in prior years.
The Worst Years: 2012, 2013, 2014
Unfortunately, this generation didn’t escape without some dark spots. The 2012, 2013, and 2014 model years suffered major setbacks, particularly concerning their engines. Owners reported oil leakage and extreme oil consumption, leading to countless NHTSA complaints.
Kia finally announced a recall for more than 618,000 model year 2011-2014 Kia Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento, and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles due to engine bearings wearing out prematurely, causing the engines to fail.
These ongoing engine problems were largely responsible for these years earning the ‘poorest years’ label.
If you’re considering a Kia Sorento from this generation, it’s essential to note these issues and, if possible, choose a model from the ‘best years’ or ensure any potential purchase from the ‘worst years’ has had these problems resolved.
See NHTSA 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Kia Sorento recalls and complaints.
Best & Worst Years for Kia Sorento 3rd Generation (2016-2020)
The third generation of the Kia Sorento (2016-2020) represents a significant leap forward for the brand, both in terms of design and technological advancement.
The Sorento now featured a sleeker, more refined aesthetic, paired with enhanced technology and improved safety features.
The Best Years: 2017, 2019
The 2017 Sorento model was a standout year, with extensive safety features earning it a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS. It also offered a smooth, pleasant ride, high-quality interior materials, and a user-friendly infotainment system.
These elements, coupled with fewer engine complaints than the preceding years, earned 2017 its place as one of the finest years of this generation.
Similarly, the 2019 model received high praise from owners and critics alike for its safety, reliability, and strong performance.
The vehicle also featured an advanced cabin and an improved infotainment system with available features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, giving it a competitive advantage over many of its rivals.
Neutral Years: 2018, 2020
The 2018 and 2020 Sorento models, while not quite reaching the same heights as their counterparts from 2017 and 2019, provided a dependable and enjoyable driving experience.
Both models offered outstanding technology and safety features but didn’t notably stand out or have significant complaints that would qualify them as ‘worst years’.
The Worst Years: 2016
The 2016 Sorento model, regrettably, didn’t fare as well. While it was the first year of the third generation Sorento, it was marred by engine issues including serious oil burning, stalling, and engine failure.
These recurring issues, coupled with the multiple complaints lodged with the NHTSA, have marked 2016 as a year to be wary of when considering a used Sorento.
Best & Worst Years for Kia Sorento 4th Generation (2021-Present)
The fourth and current generation of the Kia Sorento (2021-Present) showcases a complete redesign of the model, featuring sharper lines and a more upscale, contemporary aesthetic.
The new generation brings additional improvements in technology and safety measures, aligning the Sorento more closely with premium SUV offerings.
The Best Years: 2022
The 2022 model stands as the pinnacle for the fourth generation so far. After the original launch year, Kia was quick to address early issues, and the 2022 model year delivered on the promises of the new generation.
The vehicle features premium technology and safety features, while owners praised its luxurious interior, seamless ride, and sturdy powertrain options. These factors, combined with fewer reported issues, make 2022 the best year of this generation.
The Worst Years: 2021, 2023
Despite the excitement around its launch, the 2021 Sorento unfortunately had several early issues. This model year saw a number of complaints around power train issues, including transmission difficulties.
Meanwhile, the 2023 model, while offering significant improvements over its predecessor, has been marred by a number of initial complaints.
At the time of writing, these problems are still being evaluated, so it’s vital to monitor customer feedback and recall notices if you’re considering purchasing a 2023 Sorento.
Kia Sorento Average Resale Values
The following graph illustrates the average resale values of Kia Sorento models over the years. This data gives potential buyers or sellers a clear snapshot of the Sorento’s value retention, a vital aspect of vehicle ownership.
Conclusion
Now, you have a thorough understanding of each Kia Sorento generation and model year. Don’t forget to consider the pros and cons before your final decision.
Which generation of the Kia Sorento do you think achieves the ideal balance between reliability, innovation, and value, and why?
Share your opinions and experiences with the Kia Sorento in the comments below.
