Product Code Database
The Kia Sorento () is a series of two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive family SUVs manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 2002 through four generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sorento transitioned to a larger car-based platform which placed it into the mid-size crossover SUV class, and has been developed alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe.
It had two transmission options, a 5-speed manual or 4- and 5-speed automatic (pre-2005 models have a 4-speed automatic, whilst 2005 Sorentos came with a 5-speed tip-tronic style automatic). First generation Sorentos are equipped with a Hyundai-manufactured 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC V6 engine producing at 5500 rpm, and of torque at 3,000 rpm. Common features of the first generation Sorento were 4-wheel disc brakes (standard on all models), optional anti-lock braking system (ABS), and a 21.1-gallon (79.9 litres) fuel tank.
There were two trim levels available for the Sorento: either the base LX or the up-level EX.
| Test | Rating |
| Overall: | (2002) (2007) |
| Moderate overlap front: | Acceptable (2003) Good (2007) |
| Side: | Poor |
| Head restraints & seats: | Poor (2003) Good (2007) |
The second-generation Sorento introduced Kia's new design language, and introduced new features and technology that would later become available on other Kia models.
The four-cylinder model returned to the lineup for models after being absent between 2007 and 2010. The engine was transverse, and the suspension all-independent. The change in body construction as well as the loss of a low-ratio transfer case made the Sorento 475 pounds less than the old one model for model, to gain in performance and economy.
The second generation Sorento was originally available in four models – the Base, LX, EX and top-of-the-line SX models. The SX is only available with the 3.5-litre V6. The Base and LX both come standard with the 2.4-litre straight-4 and EX has the GDI version of the same engine which is rated 191 hp. The V6 is available as an upgrade for both the LX and EX. The SX Limited model became available in 2012.
For 2015, the six-speed manual transmission option, previously only available on the Base and LX models, was discontinued, leaving the six-speed automatic transmission as the only transmission option for the Sorento.
| Test | Rating |
| Overall: | |
| Moderate overlap front: | Good |
| Side: | Good |
| Roof strength: | Good |
| Head restraints & seats: | Good |
The second generation Sorento was awarded New Zealand Autocar magazine SUV of the Year, "great looker, does absolutely everything as it should. Engine is world class". Kia Sorento R picks up first global award – in NZ Fri, 4 Dec 2009. Allied Press Ltd The Kia Sorento EX V6 model earned an “Excellent” overall score by United States magazine Consumer Reports’ July 2010 issue.
Available engines are a 3.3-litre Lambda II V6, the existing 2.4-litre GDi I4 that make the same output as the outgoing engine, and the new 2.0-litre Turbocharger I4. A 2.2-litre Common rail diesel engine with variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) is also available.
The third generation Sorento comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission. Drivetrains are front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Other changes include new exterior colours, new wheels, third row seating became standard on all trim levels with all engine types, driver attention warning system added to all trim levels, and a 2.4-litre engine replaced the 2.0-litre engine on lower trim levels. The 2019 Kia Sorento features a 3.3-litre V6 engine on higher trim levels. The trim levels are available with all-wheel drive, except for the base L trim, which is only available with front-wheel drive.
| Test | Rating |
| Overall: | |
| Small overlap front: | Good |
| Moderate overlap front: | Good |
| Side: | Good |
| Roof strength: | Good |
| Head restraints & seats: | Good |
| Front crash prevention: | Superior |
| Headlights: | Poor/Good varying with trim level |
| Child seat anchors (Latch) ease of use: | Acceptable |
In January 2015, Kia released their Sorento Super Bowl XLIX commercial featuring Pierce Brosnan.
The updated Sorento sports a larger design with an extended wheelbase ( longer) while the vehicle's overall length is extended by . There are two engine options: a Hybrid vehicle (a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and single electric motor, amounting to and of torque) and a traditional petrol-only engine (a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, matched with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, output at and . A plug-in hybrid variation and additional petrol engine options are also being planned, along with a multi-collision brake system and a remote smartphone surround view monitor.
Inside, the interior designers have added a streamlined dashboard layout, as well as a new 12.3-inch curved display. Revised climate controls, a new ambient lighting stripe, and slimmer air vents have been added.
The facelifted Sorento debuted in Mexico on 12 March 2024, with trim levels and powertrain options remain unchanged from the pre-facelift model.
In 2021, Kia announced the introduction of the Sorento PHEV which gets 261 hp from its 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder mated to an electric motor. Claimed EV range is 51 km (32 miles) and has a combined range of 740 km (460 miles). The only available trim for the PHEV model is SX Prestige.
Kia continued to build the North American-market Sorento at its assembly plant in West Point, Georgia, United States. All models include front-wheel-drive, except for the SX Prestige X-Line model and the hybrid models, which include standard all-wheel-drive. All North American-market 2021 Sorento feature three rows of seating, with higher trim levels featuring second-row captain's chairs in place of the standard second-row rear split bench seat. In North America, the Sorento's standard third-row seating distinguishes it from the related Hyundai Santa Fe (TM) which was only offered in a two-row configuration.
The facelifted Sorento was launched in February 2024.
The facelifted Sorento was launched in South Africa on 25 June 2025, with the same trim levels and engine option from the pre-facelift model and all-wheel drive became standard on the SX trim.
The facelifted Sorento was launched in the Cambodia in August 2025. It is only available in the sole unnamed trim, powered by the 2.2L CRDi turbocharged diesel engine standard with all-wheel drive, and a 5-seater configuration.
The facelifted Sorento was launched in the Philippines on 6 February 2025, in three trim levels: EX, EX+ and SX. All variants are powered by the 1.6-litre T-GDi Hybrid, and all-wheel drive standard on the EX+ and SX trims.
The facelifted Sorento was launched in Singapore on 5 September 2024, in two variants: SX and SX Tech Pack, both variants are powered by the 1.6-litre T-GDi Hybrid.
The facelifted Sorento was launched in Vietnam on 13 September 2025, in four variants: 2.5G Signature FWD, 2.5G Signature AWD, 2.2D Signature FWD and 2.2D Signature AWD, it is powered by either 2.5-litre GDi petrol and a 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel engines each available as either front- and all-wheel drive.
In June 2022, the Sorento won Auto Trader UK's New Car Award for Best 7 Seater. Auto Trader awarded the Sorento four and a half stars out of five in its review of the car.
Markets
Europe
The fourth-generation Sorento was released in the European market in August 2020. Three powertrain options are available: 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel, 1.6-litre T-GDi Hybrid turbocharged petrol and a 1.6-litre T-GDi Plug-in Hybrid turbocharged petrol; an all-wheel drive system is optional but standard on the latter powertrain. For the European market, the Sorento is sourced from Hwaseong Plant located in Gyeonggi, South Korea.
Latin America
Chile
The fourth-generation Sorento was launched in Chile on 22 April 2021, in two trim levels: Standard and Full. All variants are powered by a 2.5-litre GDi petrol engine, with option of all-wheel drive.
Colombia
The fourth-generation Sorento was launched in Colombia on 18 October 2023, as a sole variant, powered by a 3.5-litre MPi V6 petrol engine and all-wheel drive is standard.
Mexico
The fourth-generation Sorento was launched in Mexico on 14 January 2021, in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX Pack and SX. All trim levels comes as a 7-seater, except for the SX that comes as a 6-seater. All variants were powered by a 2.5-litre GDi petrol engine. In November 2021, the 2.5-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine was added for the SX-L trim (replacing the former SX trim) and the LX trim was discontinued.
North America
In September 2020, the fourth-generation Sorento made its debut in North America. It is offered in several different trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, SX Prestige, and SX Prestige X-Line. LX and S models is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder Smartstream petrol engine producing , while EX, SX, SX Prestige, and SX Prestige X-Line models uses a 2.5-litre turbocharged Smartstream 4-cylinder petrol engine producing . All North American Sorento uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, though models equipped with the 2.5-litre turbo engine uses an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The V6 engine is no longer offered. Sorento hybrid models will be available after the initial launch in late 2020.
Oceania
Australia
The fourth-generation Sorento went on sale in Australia in August 2020, in four trim levels available at launch: S, Sport, Sport+ and GT Line. Two powertrains were available at launch: a 3.5-litre MPi V6 petrol and a 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel; the latter options comes with all-wheel drive as standard. The 1.6-litre Plug-in Hybrid petrol was added to the range in October 2021, for the GT Line grade. The 1.6-litre Hybrid petrol was added for the GT Line grade in April 2022, it has the option of all-wheel drive.
The facelifted Sorento range debuted in Australia in January 2024, with variants and powertrain options remain unchanged from the pre-facelift model.
New Zealand
The fourth-generation Sorento was launched in New Zealand on 15 September 2020, in four trim levels: LX, EX, Deluxe and Premium. At launch, it is powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel. In March 2021, the HEV and PHEV powertrains were added to the range, both powertrains were available in EX and Premium trims.
Middle East
The fourth-generation Sorento was launched in the GCC markets in March 2021. There are two powertrains are available; 2.5-litre and 3.5-litre petrol engines. It is offered in three trim levels; LX, Mid and EX1.
Pakistan
The fourth-generation facelifted Sorento was launched in Pakistan on 10 May 2025, in three variants: 3.5L V6 FWD, 1.6L Turbo Hybrid FWD, and 1.6 Turbo Hybrid AWD. Just like its third-generation predecessor, the fourth-generation facelifted Sorento is assembled locally in Karachi, Pakistan, by Lucky Motor Corporation.
South Africa
The fourth-generation Sorento was launched in South Africa on 24 January 2022, in three trim levels: EX+, SX and SXL. It is powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel engine, with all-wheel drive standard it is optional on the EX+ grade.
Southeast Asia
Cambodia
The fourth-generation Sorento was launched in Cambodia on March 2021 through local distributor Kia Cambodia. The Sorento is offered with a 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel engine and a 3.5 L Smartstream Naturally Aspirated V6 engine, both powertrains are equipped with all-wheel drive as standard. It is available in various trims, and all Cambodian‑market Sorento units are imported completely built‑up (CBU) from Kia’s plant in South Korea.
Malaysia
The fourth-generation Sorento was launched in Malaysia on 3 March 2023, in three variants: 2.5 2WD (7-seater), 2.5 AWD (6-seater) and 2.2D AWD (6-seater). Two powertrain options are available: 2.5-litre GDi petrol and a 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel. It is locally assembled at the Kia Motor Manufacturing Malaysia (KMMM) assembly plant located in Kulim, Kedah.
Philippines
The fourth-generation Sorento was launched in the Philippines on 8 November 2021, in two trim levels: EX and SX. It is powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel engine.
Singapore
Cycle & Carriage Kia launched the fourth-generation Sorento in Singapore on 17 October 2020, in three trim levels: SX Line, SX Tech Pack and GT Line Tech Pack. All variants are powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel engine. The 1.6-litre Hybrid petrol powertrain was added to the range in February 2022, it comes solely in the SX Tech grade.
Thailand
The fourth-generation Sorento was debuted at Thailand International Motor Expo 2023 in November 2023 and went on sale in Thailand in February 2024, in two variants: Premium HEV (7-seater) and Premium Plus PHEV (6-seater). Two powertrain options are available: a 1.6-litre T-GDi hybrid and a 1.6-litre T-GDi plug-in hybrid. Both variants are imported from Malaysia.
Vietnam
The fourth-generation Sorento was launched in Vietnam on 14 September 2020, in four trim levels: Deluxe, Luxury, Premium and Signature. At launch, two powertrains are available: 2.5-litre MPi petrol and 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel. All Sorento variants are locally assembled at the Kia THACO plant located in Chu Lai, Quảng Nam. In December 2022, the HEV and PHEV powertrains were added to the range, both powertrains were available in Premium and Signature trims.
Awards
In January 2021, the Sorento 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid 2 was named Large SUV of the Year by What Car? magazine. What Car? awarded the Sorento four stars out of five in its review of the car.
Safety
Euro NCAP
IIHS
2021
2024
Powertrain
+Specs Smartstream G2.5 MPi 2020–present 6-speed automatic @ 6,000 rpm @ 4,000 rpm Smartstream G2.5 GDi 8-speed automatic @ 6,100 rpm @ 4,000 rpm Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi 8-speed dual clutch @ 5,800 rpm @ 1,700–4,000 rpm Smartstream G3.5 MPI 8-speed automatic @ 6,400 rpm @ 5,000 rpm 8.0s Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi Hybrid 2020–present 6-speed automatic @ 5,500 rpm @ 1,500–4,400 rpm Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi Plug-in Hybrid 2021–present @ 5,500 rpm 8.7s Smartstream D2.2 CRDi 2020–present 8-speed DCT @ 3,800 rpm @ 1,750–2,750 rpm 9.2s
Sales
External links
Categories: En : Sorento Official Website, En : Sorento-hybrid Official Website, En : Sorento-plug-in-hybrid Official Website, Sorento, Mid-size Sport Utility Vehicles, Crossover Sport Utility Vehicles, Rear-wheel-drive Vehicles, All-wheel-drive Vehicles, Ancap Large Off-road, Euro Ncap Large Off-road, 2010s Cars, Cars Introduced In 2002, Motor Vehicles Manufactured In The United States, Cars Of Algeria, Cars Of Kazakhstan, Cars Of Pakistan, Cars Of Vietnam
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