#17

in Affordable Compact SUVs

Based on analysis of 25 Sorento reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $21,545 - $27,245
Invoice: $20,530 - $25,350
MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.7
Performance:7.4
Exterior:8.7
Interior:8.5
Safety:9.9
Reliability:4.0
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Exterior - What the Auto Press Says

Reviews are generally favorable for the 2009 Sorento's exterior. However, some reviewers find it too bland. For 2009, the SUV gets a new front grille, while EX models gets standard 16-inch wheels.

  • "The Sorento looks much like Kia's smaller Sportage SUV. Shared Sportage styling cues include a multi-slat grille, narrow air dam and larger headlights with orange borders." -- Cars.com
  • "The Sorento doesn't look that different from most of the other mid-size SUVs in the parking lot. Its most distinctive exterior feature is its side windows, which have unusually high sills, curve down sharply almost to a point at either end, and are augmented in back by small, triangular side windows." -- BusinessWeek
  • "With a shape that's somewhat rugged looking but also rounded and soft to the eyes, the 2009 Kia Sorento isn't likely to be very polarizing. And its appearance seems to have become outdated sooner than the competition." -- The Car Connection
Review Last Updated: 8/27/09