The Kia Sorento has a reliability rating of 4/5 and has an average annual repair cost of $533 if it’s not driven excessively. The compact SUV costs less to repair than most cars on the road if the driver doesn’t drive aggressively.
The repairs are not as severe or as expensive as the average car in the industry, making the Sorento have more reliability and increased savings to owners.
Does The Kia Sorento Have Transmission Problems?
Kia Sorento models with a five-speed automatic transmission may have at a higher risk of experiencing engine problems or worst case, engine failure, than its cousin the Kia Optima.
Some of the complaints reported by drivers include encounter failed gear changes and harsh shifts. The issues can cause the check engine light to come on due to problems with the solenoid valves. Some of the models also experience vibrations as the car is driving at a higher speed or when it’s idling.
If transmission issues occur, the transmission fluid level should be inspected to determine if it needs to be topped off.
What is The Best Year for Kia Sorento?
The 2016 and 2017 Kia Sorento are both considered to be the best years of the model. It earned some of the highest safety ratings in its class. Vehicle owners also gave it good reviews because of its excellent handling and comfortable ride. The interior settings also look elegant with soft-touch materials in every direction, contributing to the value of the car.
The spacious second and third rows also contribute to its appeal and make the crossover an excellent family car with plenty of head and legroom. Although the base engine is considered to be slightly sluggish on both the 2016 and 2017 models, it doesn’t affect consumers too much. Most drivers who want to own the crossover are looking for a car with reliability instead of a high level of performance.
Are There Any Recalls on the Kia Sorento?
There have been a total of 23 recalls on the Kia Sorento in the last 10 years. Kia Sorentos that were manufactured from October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016 have been recalled for engine issues. The recall was initiated on January 18, 2017. In 2011, Kia also recalled their Sorento models with automatic transmissions and 2.4-liter engines.
Many of the vehicles manufactured generated excessive noise due to misaligned intermediate shafts with the output gear on the right side. Driving the vehicle often leads to more severe damage.
The 2012-2017 Sorento was also recalled due to fuel leaks because of damage to the high-pressure fuel pipe. In 2015, a recall occurred due to seatbelts that were malfunctioning and failed to fasten in 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles.
In 2017, there was a recall on the airbags near the side windows because they were prone to detaching when they were deployed, leading to injuries. Another recall occurred on February 14, 2020, due to an electrical short in the ABS modules, which is dangerous and can lead to injuries even if the engine isn’t operating.
Will a Kia Last 200k Miles?
Kia models have the potential to last up to 200,000 miles if they receive proper maintenance on a regular basis. Its reliability now makes it a top competitor with brands like Honda and Toyota.
The newer models released by Kia are more likely to continue driving up to 200,000 miles. Kias that have been manufactured in the last 15 years have developed a reputation of having close to the same amount of reliability as Toyota models.
Which is Better Kia Sorento or Mitsubishi Outlander?
The Kia Sorento is considered to be the more reliable pick over the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Kia model generates more horsepower with the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and delivers 185 horsepower with 178 lb-ft of torque. The available 2.4-liter base engine in the Outlander only delivers 168 horsepower. The available 3.0-liter V6 engine in the Outlander delivers 224 horsepower with 215 lb-ft of torque, making it reach 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. The available engine in the Sorento still beats out the Outlander with its 3.3-liter V6 engine, which generates 290 horsepower.
The cargo space in the Sorento is larger than what you’ll find in the Outlander. The Kia model offers 73 cubic feet of cargo space and has enough seats for seven passengers. The Mitsubishi Outlander can also fit up to seven passengers, but only has 63 cubic feet of cargo space, making it slightly smaller.
Both models feature the latest tech gadgets and tools to accommodate the driver and passengers, including both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Sorento is capable of connecting to your smartphone to ensure you can access climate control and remote start on your device.
The Kia Sorento also comes out on top because of its long list of standard safety features to reduce the risk of a collision. Some of the top safety features include rear-cross traffic avoidance and distracted driver warning.
When it comes to performance, the Sorento features Dynamax all-wheel-drive for increased traction under the wheels. Electronic stability control and hill start assist also make it easier to tackle different driving challenges with ease. The Outlander features Eco and Sport driving modes with all-wheel-drive that you can engage when you’re driving on slippery roads.
Does the Kia Sorento Hold Its Value?
The Kia Sorento has a low resale value compared to similar models in its class. The vehicle drops 61.5 percent in value in the first five years. This is the average depreciation rate for Sorento models in good condition and when they’re driven an average of 12,000 each year. The depreciation rate also assumes the vehicle was originally sold for $34,000 when it was first released.
