A used Kia Sorento is the best option for those who want a great midsize SUV that is safe, fuel efficient, and comes with great features. We’ll be taking a look at some areas that changed over the years to show you what to look for in a used Kia Sorento.
Key takeaways
- No matter the year model, you’ll be behind the heel of a safe vehicle.
- If you’re more into hybrid options, you’ll want something from the most recent generation.
- Be careful looking at third gen models, not all of them will come with 7 seats, some will come with 5, but if that’s all you need, then you’re set.
Fourth Generation (2021-Present)
Being the more recent Sorento generation, you’ll find the best features on these models. When it made its North American debut it came in a number of trims. The trims are the LX, S, EX, SX, SX Prestige, and SX Prestige X-Line.
To go along with this many trims there are a few engines to go with. If you find yourself looking at an LX, or S model Sorento, you’ll find that it comes with a 2.5L I4. This has 191 horsepower, with an EPA rating of 26 MPG.
If you want something with a bit more power, you can look for an EX, SX, SX Prestige, or a SX Prestige X-Line model. These come with a 2.5L I4 turbocharged engine. This comes with 281 horsepower, but slightly less mileage at an EPA estimated 25 MPG.
If you’re environmentally conscious and want something a bit more green, there’s a couple of hybrid options to pick from. The base hybrid was available for 2021, and it came with a 1.6L I4 engine. This had an EPA rating of 37 MPG combined, really shining in the city at 39 MPG.
The Plug-In variant came out a year later for the 2022 model, and this one could get 79 MPGe when using both gas, and electric. When just using gas, you're still looking at a respectable 34 MPG combined. No matter the trim level, you’ll receive third row seating, but on the higher trims, you’ll find Captain's chairs instead of bench seating.
If you’re more worried about the safety of the vehicle, then you’re in luck. Every year of this generation comes with favorable reviews from the IIHS, with each year having Top Safety Pick. This is thanks to it receiving “good” ratings across the majority of the areas tested.
This generation ditches the old, small screens, now coming with either 8, or 10.3.-inch screens. Even coming with a wireless charging pad for the front row.
Third Generation (2016-2020)
This generation offered slightly less trims than the newest generation. The Sorentos you can find from this generation are the L, LX, EX, SX, and SX Limited. While most of the trims from this generation come with 7-seat configurations, the LX offers both 5-seat, and 7-seat configurations. Any model that is equipped with the 2.0L engine will be a 5-seat configuration.
Much like the newer generation, these trims come with unique engines. The EX, and SX Limited trims come with a 2.0L I4 engine. This engine has an EPA rating of 23 MPG combined. The L, and LX trims come with a 2.4L I4 engine. While it is larger, it is also more fuel efficient. This engine comes with an EPA rating of 24 MPG combined.
If you find an SX model, you’ll find it equipped with a 3.3L V6. While the V6 is available on the EX, and SX Limited, it comes standard on the SX. This engine has worse fuel economy, but it is the strongest at 290 horsepower. This engine has an EPA rating of 21 MPG combined.
Much like the most recent generation, this one was also well received by the IIHS coming with Top Safety Pick, and even Top Safety Pick+ ratings for the 2019 model.
This generation saw a wide range of infotainment screens, the lower-end trims saw a 4.3-inch screen, while a 7.0-inch screen is optional. If you find an SX, or SX Limited model, you’ll find that it comes with an 8-inch screen. If you’re wanting some extra comfort for your passengers, you’ll want to start looking for LX and higher trims, this is because they will come with dual-zone climate control.
Which generation is better?
The newest generation is better. This is because it comes with hybrid options, but it also comes with some newer tech. Being that it is a few years old, you’ll be able to find some Sorentos for a great price.
If you want to take advantage of great prices, then come do that with us here at an Alan Jay location. We’ll give you more info, and even put you behind the wheel for a test drive!