MSRP: $20,995 - $26,195
Invoice: $20,000 - $24,370
MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.4
Performance:6.9
Exterior:8.5
Interior:7.6
Safety:9.5
Reliability:4.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Powerful 3.8-liter engine for EX model
  • Excellent government crash test scores
  • Long basic and powertrain warranties
  • Rough ride
  • Mediocre fuel economy for the class

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Kia Sorento - What the Auto Press Says

The Sorento ranks in the top half of its class for delivering good value on a midsize SUV with strong towing capacity and good safety ratings. However, it can't match the comfortable ride and fuel efficiency of others in its class.

Reviews are mixed for the 2008 Kia Sorento. While it offers a powerful engine with an impressive towing capacity, most reviewers feel that a rough ride detracts from its appeal. It ranks around the middle of its class when compared to other affordable crossovers. Still, the Sorento's affordable sticker price prompts BusinessWeek to note, "If you want an SUV with a peppy engine...the Kia may offer better value than any of its rivals." The Sorento remains relatively unchanged for 2008. The most notable addition is a new V6 engine for the base model.

That value proposition is changing in 2008, as gas prices reach record highs.  The Sorento places near the bottom of the compact SUV class for fuel-efficiency. 

The Sorento comes in two trims, LX or EX, with a choice of two four-wheel-drive systems.

  • "The Sorento was very pleasant to live with for nearly two weeks and probably close to 2,000 miles." -- The Auto Channel
  • "There are a lot of good SUVs on the market, but few that you'd call a bargain. This is one." -- U.S. News' Rick Newman
  • "The Sorento is a traditional body-on-frame SUV with a fully boxed chassis, a live-axle rear suspension, and optional four-wheel drive with a conventional two-speed transfer case. All of this adds up to a rugged package designed for the demands of serious off-road driving." -- Car and Driver

Sorento Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Kia Sorento offers good acceleration for its class, but most reviewers find the ride uncomfortable. Consequently, the Sorento's performance ranks in the middle of its segment. "The Sorento is surprisingly sporty," says BusinessWeek. "The engine has a definite throb when you accelerate hard, and the manual-shifting mode adds to the fun of driving it." Read More

Sorento Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)

The 2008 Kia Sorento ranks near the top of its class for its exterior styling. U.S. News' Rick Newman deems it "Hot" and adds, "The Sorento is sleek and modern without looking goofy." One reviewer even compares the Sorento's look to a Mercedes-Benz. Read More

Sorento Interior - 7.6 (Good)

The 2008 Kia Sorento's cabin ranks in the top half of its class and earns praise for interior quality, spaciousness and an upscale feel. "The Sorento's interior is tasteful and, for the most part, well-made," concludes BusinessWeek. However, reviewers have mixed opinions on the Sorento's cargo areas. Read More

Sorento Safety - 9.5 (Excellent)

The 2008 Kia Sorento does extremely well in federal government crash tests. BusinessWeek calls the Sorento's safety "tip top." But take note that the Sorento doesn't fare nearly as well in crash tests conducted by the insurance industry. Read More

Sorento Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Kia Sorento reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Sorento comes with impressive warranties, including a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Read More

Review Last Updated: 2/17/09