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Photo of a Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento

From ladder frame to hybrid power: more than 3 million Sorentos sold by 2020.1

Researched October 29, 2026 from 31 sources

At a glance

0150300
137–290 hpPower
0510
6–9.5 s0–60 mph
0125250
167–217 km/hTop speed
0250500
229–440 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,676–2,058 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.12571011

Engine
1.6–3.8 L gas I4/V6; 2.0–2.5 L diesel I4; fourth-gen HEV/PHEV289
Layout
Front-engine; RWD/AWD in 2002–2009, FWD/AWD from 20092
Gearbox
5/6-speed manuals; 4/5/6/8-speed autos; fourth-gen 8-speed wet DCT12
Built at
Hwaseong Plant, South Korea; West Point, Georgia, United States (XM)2

The story

Launched in 2002 as a utilitarian all-terrain SUV, the Sorento evolved through four generations alongside Kia’s own transformation. The 2021 model fits between Sportage and Telluride, with a third row for occasional extra passengers.123

2002: Ladder frame, low range, V6 power20022009: Unibody and Kia's first US-built model20092011: 175 hp, 9.0 seconds to 60 mph20112014: Carnival roots and up to seven seats20142021: 281 hp turbo four replaces the V6 · Hybrid: 227 hp and 37 mpg combined · PHEV targets 51.5 km on electricity2021 Kia Sorento (first generation) (BL): 2002–2009; final assembly in 2011BLKia Sorento (second generation) (XM): 2009–2014; Russia to 2021XMKia Sorento (third generation) (UM): 2014–2020; Pakistan to 2025UMKia Sorento (fourth generation) (MQ4): 2020–presentMQ4 20052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones12102122
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2002–2009; final assembly in 2011Kia Sorento (first generation) (BL)
2009–2014; Russia to 2021Kia Sorento (second generation) (XM)
2014–2020; Pakistan to 2025Kia Sorento (third generation) (UM)
2020–presentKia Sorento (fourth generation) (MQ4)
2002Ladder frame, low range, V6 power
2009Unibody and Kia's first US-built model
2011175 hp, 9.0 seconds to 60 mph
2014Carnival roots and up to seven seats
2021281 hp turbo four replaces the V6
2021Hybrid: 227 hp and 37 mpg combined
2021PHEV targets 51.5 km on electricity
  1. 2002

    Ladder frame, low range, V6 power

    North American 2003 models launch with a 192 hp 3.5 L V6, four-speed automatic and a 1,588 kg tow rating.24

  2. 2009

    Unibody and Kia's first US-built model

    The XM launches in South Korea in April 2009, trading its truck frame for a unibody and independent suspension; production also reaches West Point, Georgia.2

  3. 2011

    175 hp, 9.0 seconds to 60 mph

    The front-drive 2.4 L EX needs 0.3 second longer than the 180 hp Honda CR-V; its six-speed automatic uses frequent multi-gear kickdowns.5

  4. 2014

    Carnival roots and up to seven seats

    Revealed in South Korea on August 28, the third generation shares the Kia Carnival's platform, offers five or seven seats and gains 14% body rigidity.26

  5. 2021

    281 hp turbo four replaces the V6

    For 2021, the 290 hp 3.3 L V6 and six-speed automatic give way to a 281 hp 2.5 L turbo four with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.7

  6. 2021

    Hybrid: 227 hp and 37 mpg combined

    The front-drive 2021 hybrid pairs a 1.6 L turbo four with a six-speed automatic and 350 Nm; electric assistance brings a smooth shove from low revs.8

  7. 2021

    PHEV targets 51.5 km on electricity

    The 2022 PHEV combines a 1.6 L turbo, 90 hp electric motor, 13.8 kWh battery, six-speed automatic and standard AWD, targeting 51.5 km on electricity.9

Every generation

  • Kia Sorento (first generation)
    BL2002–2009; final assembly in 2011
  • Kia Sorento (second generation)
    XM2009–2014; Russia to 2021
  • Kia Sorento (third generation)
    UM2014–2020; Pakistan to 2025
  • Kia Sorento (fourth generation)
    MQ42020–present

Power over the years

From 192 hp to 290 hp in 13 years.

0100200300 2005201020152020 hp 2003 · 192 hp · 3.5 L V6, four-speed automatic2007 · 262 hp · 3.8 L V6; 2,268 kg towing2008 · 242 hp · Base/LX 3.3 L V6; 1,588 kg towing2011 · 175 hp · EX FWD 2.4 L2011 · 276 hp · 3.5 L V6; 1,588 kg towing2012 · 191 hp · LX/EX direct-injection four-cylinder2016 · 290 hp · 3.3 L V62020 · 199 hp · Europe 2.2 L Smartstream diesel2021 · 191 hp · S 2.5 L naturally aspirated four2021 · 227 hp · 1.6 L turbo hybrid, FWD2021 · 281 hp · 2.5 L turbo, eight-speed dual-clutch2022 · 261 hp · PHEV 1.6 L turbo, standard AWD 290 hp 3.3 L V6 192 hp 3.5 L V6, four-speed automatic
14578912
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
20031923.5 L V6, four-speed automatic
20072623.8 L V6; 2,268 kg towing
2008242Base/LX 3.3 L V6; 1,588 kg towing
2011175EX FWD 2.4 L
20112763.5 L V6; 1,588 kg towing
2012191LX/EX direct-injection four-cylinder
20162903.3 L V6
2020199Europe 2.2 L Smartstream diesel
2021191S 2.5 L naturally aspirated four
20212271.6 L turbo hybrid, FWD
20212812.5 L turbo, eight-speed dual-clutch
2022261PHEV 1.6 L turbo, standard AWD

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Base / LX / EX (first generation)

    Standard

    Base / LX / EX (first generation)

    2003–2009

  • Base / LX / EX / SX / SX Limited (second generation)

    Standard

    Base / LX / EX / SX / SX Limited (second generation)

    2011–2015

  • SX / SXL (2016)

    Standard

    SX / SXL (2016)

    2016

  • LX / S (2024)

    Standard

    LX / S (2024)

    2024

    191 hp
  • Turbo Plug-in Hybrid SX / SX-P (2022)

    Standard

    Turbo Plug-in Hybrid SX / SX-P (2022)

    2022

    261 hp

  • Special

    GT-Line / GT-Line S (UK)

    2018

  • X-Line (2024)

    Special

    X-Line (2024)

    2024

    281 hp

  • Special

    X-Pro (2024)

    2024

    281 hp

  • Special

    PHEV X-Line SX-Prestige (2026)

    2026

  • Special

    CRD Executive

    2004

  • Limited

    Black Edition

    2022

  • Limited

    Global Circuit LE

    2006

    400 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Across generations: broad rearmost roof pillars and cladding around the wheel arches.1
  • First generation: high body, arched doors and a thick C-pillar.10
  • Second generation: squarer modern body and Kia's Tiger Nose grille.219
  • Fourth generation before facelift: grille joins the headlights, with 'tiger eyeline' LED running lights.1
  • Fourth generation: vertical wraparound taillights and Sorento lettering across the tailgate.1

Year by year

  1. 2006 (first generation)

    Alloy wheels replace steel wheels across the first-generation range.4

  2. 2007 (first generation)

    Projector headlights, revised grille, reshaped bumpers and new taillights mark the facelift; the dashboard changed too.24

  3. 2014 (US, second generation)

    Revised front/rear styling, Optima-like taillights and a redesigned instrument panel update the second generation.2

  4. 2018–2019 (third generation)

    New grille and bumpers; L/LX/EX/SX use projector lights with LED accents, while SXL switches to LED headlights.2

  5. 2024 gas; 2025 HEV/PHEV

    Kia America's facelift brings vertical LED headlights and Star Map lighting; gasoline cars were scheduled ahead of HEV/PHEV.13

  6. 2026 gasoline X-Line/X-Pro

    Gloss-black trim spreads across the lower bumpers, front intake and grille surround.20

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Kia Sorento
    Sorento
    Photo of a Kia Sportage
    Kia Sportage

    Kia Sportage

    Sportage is the smaller two-row Kia; fourth-generation Sorentos have vertical taillights and a central tailgate name.13

  • Photo of a Kia Sorento
    Sorento
    Photo of a Kia Telluride
    Kia Telluride

    Kia Telluride

    Telluride is larger and shares the upright styling; look for the fourth-generation Sorento's name centered across its tailgate.1313

  • Photo of a Kia Sorento
    Sorento
    Photo of a Huanghai Landscape F1
    Huanghai Landscape F1

    Huanghai Landscape F1

    This Chinese first-generation Sorento copy has different bumpers and subtly revised front and rear lamps.10

Against its rivals

  • Nissan Pathfinder

    Sorento vs Nissan Pathfinder

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Sorento9.5 s
    Nissan Pathfinder9.2 s
    11
  • Toyota Highlander

    Sorento vs Toyota Highlander

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Sorento9.5 s
    Toyota Highlander8.8 s
    11
  • Honda CR-V

    Sorento vs Honda CR-V

    Power

    Sorento175 hp
    Honda CR-V180 hp
    5

  • Sorento vs Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TSI SportLine

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    Sorento8.7 s
    Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TSI SportLine7.6 s
    23

Prices

Price when new
$0$20K$40K$60K 2010201520202025 2011 · $25,390 · US EX FWD base2016 · $42,180 · US SX AWD, as tested2021 · $34,765 · US Hybrid S base2022 · $41,165 · US SX AWD base2026 · $32,190 · US LX, excl. $1,445 destination2026 · $47,590 · US X-Pro SX-P, excl. $1,445 dest.2026 · $48,290 · US PHEV EX, excl. $1,445 dest.2026 · $53,490 · US PHEV X-Line SX-P, +$1,445 dest.
2578121520
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2011Price when new$25,390US EX FWD base
2016Price when new$42,180US SX AWD, as tested
2021Price when new$34,765US Hybrid S base
2022Price when new$41,165US SX AWD base
2026Price when new$32,190US LX, excl. $1,445 destination
2026Price when new$47,590US X-Pro SX-P, excl. $1,445 dest.
2026Price when new$48,290US PHEV EX, excl. $1,445 dest.
2026Price when new$53,490US PHEV X-Line SX-P, +$1,445 dest.

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “Second and third at the 2021 Rebelle Rally”
    • “A sock monkey's Las Vegas fantasy”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 31 sources
  1. The new Kia Sorento prod2-press.kia.com
  2. Kia Sorento - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. 2021 Kia Sorento Long Term Review: Our Golden Year in this 3-Row SUV motortrend.com
  4. Kia Sorento Used SUV Buyer’s Guide | Autoweb autoweb.com
  5. 2011 Kia Sorento EX – Instrumented Test – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  6. Kia Sorento: el espejo de la evolución de Kia en las dos últimas décadas press.kia.com
  7. 2022 Kia Sorento SX Long-Term Road Test: 40,000-Mile Update caranddriver.com
  8. Tested: 2021 Kia Sorento Is Compelling in Hybrid Form caranddriver.com
  9. New 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV Joins Popular SUV Model Range prnewswire.com
  10. Kia Sorento (JC) – AutoWiki autowiki.fi
  11. Kia Sorento EX caranddriver.com
  12. 2016 Kia Sorento Long-Term Road Test caranddriver.com
  13. BEYOND BOUNDARIES: REVAMPED 2024 KIA SORENTO BOLSTERED WITH HEAD-TURNING STYLE, NEXT-GENERATION TECH AND X-PRO VERSION prnewswire.com
  14. Kia Sorento adds GT-Line and GT-Line S Models for 2018 | Cars UK carsuk.net
  15. KIA ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2026 SORENTO PHEV prnewswire.com
  16. Kia Sorento - Tuning von Brabus-Tochter CRD - News - 4WD - motorline.cc motorline.cc
  17. Nuevo Sorento Black Edition: más estilo y equipamiento press.kia.com
  18. Sorento gets a lift | GoAuto goauto.com.au
  19. Used Kia Sorento buying guide: 2010-2015 (Mk2) | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  20. KIA ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2026 SORENTO prnewswire.com
  21. Kia Sorento R - Autocade autocade.net
  22. Kia Sorento (UM) - Autocade autocade.net
  23. Kia Sorento vs Skoda Kodiaq: which is the best used seven-seat SUV for families? | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  24. Kia 2010 Super Bowl Commercial, Toys - iSpot ispot.tv
  25. El Kia Sorento de Lobezno motor.elpais.com
  26. Pierce Brosnan: the “Perfect Getaway” in the 2016 Sorento during KIA’s Super Bowl Ad | Gay Car Boys gaycarboys.com
  27. Final Rebelle Rally Field Update: Rebellation — Rebelle Rally rebellerally.com
  28. Kia The New Sorento: Bold Change Once Again, Upgraded Presence | Journal | Hyundai Motor Group hyundaimotorgroup.com
  29. Kia Sorento Resale Value and Depreciation - iSeeCars.com iseecars.com
  30. Used KIA Sorento SUV 2003 Review and Buying Guide (UK) caradvertcheck.co.uk
  31. Buying a used Kia Sorento (2015-2020) - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  • prod2-press.kia.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • autoweb.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • press.kia.com
  • prnewswire.com
  • autowiki.fi
  • carsuk.net
  • motorline.cc
  • goauto.com.au
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • autocade.net
  • autoexpress.co.uk

Photo credits

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