The Kia Sorento has been with us since the 2003 model year and has made a name for itself as a great SUV, but what year is best to buy used?
Kia Sorento Through the Years
From 2003 onward, the Kia Sorento has been at the forefront of the SUV market across North America and in its home country, South Korea, and is a popular choice at any used car dealer. The Sorento went from a Compact SUV to a Mid-Size Crossover SUV and is now solidly in its fourth generation. Now, let’s go through a brief overview of each Sorento generation and see which one stands out to you the most.
First Generation (2003-2010)
The Sorento began selling in 2003 and was constructed on a traditional truck-based body-on-frame chassis. The recipe was simple: Five doors, five seats, and optional four-wheel-drive. Only two trims were available, the base LX and the upscale EX. A Hyundai-built 3.5-liter V6 was standard across all trim levels, with a choice between a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. 2007 saw a minor facelift and the introduction of two new engines, both of which were rated with more power than the previous V6.
Second Generation (2011-2015)
Come 2010, the Sorento graduated from body-on-frame construction to a unibody frame, becoming a Mid-Size Crossover SUV and allowing for a much more car-like ride and feel. Two new trim levels were offered, with the range now consisting of the Base, LX, EX, and top-line SX. An inline-four and two V6 engines were now available, and a choice of a five or six-speed automatic or manual transmission. A facelift was completed in 2014, and 2015 saw the discontinuation of the manual transmission options.
Third Generation (2016-2020)
Families received good news regarding the third-gen Sorento, as optional seating for seven was introduced. The Sorento now shared its platform with the Kia Sedona minivan, gaining almost four inches in length and being lowered for better handling. A myriad of I4 and V6 engines were offered, with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. A facelift in 2018 brought a new trim level, the high-end SXL trim.
Fourth Generation (2021-Present)
The current fourth generation kicked off in 2021 for North America and brought a radical change in design language. The Sorento now had an upscale and futuristic look and lots of new tech. Six trims are offered, starting with the base LX, then S, X, SX, SX Prestige trims, and the top-end SX Prestige X-Line. Engine options are scaled back to a pair of turbocharged Inline-fours, and gone is the manual transmission option. A plug-in hybrid is now available, offering an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined. The Sorento underwent a facelift for 2023 and gained a front fascia reminiscent of the Kia EV9 EV.
The Choice is Yours
With any used vehicle, it’s important to do your homework and test drive, and armed with the information here you can shop in confidence. Whether it’s a one-year-old or twenty-year-old Kia Sorento, the popular SUV has proven itself to be a great all-around vehicle for you and your family. Which year appeals to you most?
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