Name: 2009 Kia Sorento
Brand: Kia

Kia Sorento

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2009 Compact SUVs Ratings

2009 Kia Sorento

$5,100 - $6,300

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Chevrolet Equinox

$4,275 - $5,300

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2009 Dodge Nitro

$3,825 - $6,050

EPA MPG 19 mpg

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2009 Ford Escape

$4,525 - $5,500

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

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2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

$4,525 - $5,500

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Honda CR-V

$6,925 - $7,800

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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2009 Honda Element

$7,150 - $9,150

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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2009 Hyundai Tucson

$4,475 - $5,675

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2009 Infiniti EX

$5,725 - $6,325

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

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2009 Jeep Compass

$4,000 - $4,500

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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2009 Jeep Liberty

$4,700 - $5,500

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

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2009 Jeep Patriot

$3,975 - $4,775

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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2009 Jeep Wrangler

$9,800 - $12,400

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2009 Kia Sportage

$4,825 - $5,400

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2009 Mazda Tribute

$4,725 - $5,425

EPA MPG NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2009 Mercury Mariner

$4,400 - $5,350

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander

$4,200 - $5,625

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2009 Nissan Rogue

$4,325 - $4,775

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Nissan Xterra

$5,400 - $6,900

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2009 Saturn Vue

$4,450 - $5,025

EPA MPG NA

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2009 Subaru Forester

$5,400 - $6,675

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

$2,725 - $5,250

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser

$13,300 - $13,800

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Toyota RAV4

$7,225 - $8,125

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

$3,750 - $5,300

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

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See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Model History

2021-

Current Generation

Kia redesigned its Sorento SUV for 2021, with new engines and an available hybrid version. Three rows of seating are standard, in either six- or seven-passenger configurations. The base four-cylinder engine is neither quick nor quiet, but the 281-hp, turbo four-cylinder that comes on EX trims and higher gives strong acceleration and commendable fuel economy. Unfortunately, its dual-clutch automatic causes some low-speed vibrations. The 1.6-liter turbo hybrid version is pleasantly powerful, beyond an initial delay off the line. All-wheel drive can be had with either gas engine, but the hybrid is front-drive only. Handling is responsive but the ride is rather stiff. Standard active safety features include FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection, while BSW and RCTW are standard on all but the base trim. A 261-hp plug-in hybrid with 32 miles of electric range joins the Sorento lineup for 2022. The 2025 model includes ACC, LCA, LKA, and LDW as standard.

2016-2020

2016 Redesign Year

Redesigned for 2016, the Sorento is slightly larger than before but still remains right-sized, splitting the difference between small and midsized SUVs. The SUV is functional and refined. Three engines are available: the base 185-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a 240-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four; and the smooth and quiet 290-hp, 3.3-liter V6. All use a six-speed automatic. The cabin is quiet, and the ride is comfortable and composed. Handling is responsive and secure. Supportive seats and simple controls help make the Sorento easy to live with. Available safety gear includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as a surround-view monitor.

2011-2015

2011 Redesign Year

The Sorento's 2011 redesign brought it into the modern era. The Kia became a car-based SUV with an optional third-row seat. It also gained responsive handling and a steady, albeit stiff ride. The interior benefited from comfortable seats, easy to use controls, Bluetooth connectivity and lots of features for the money. High-end versions came with a large sunroof. Both the base four cylinder and the optional V6 returned 20-mpg overall in our tests. The pick of the range is an EX V6, which has a nicer interior and benefits from a slick V6 offering the same fuel economy as the four-cylinder.

2014 update brought a lively and refined new V6, a new electric power steering system, revisions to the suspension and interior upgrades. The new instrument panel and control layout are easy to manage. Comprehensive infotainment and in-car communications are available too and work well.

Overall, the Sorento is a good used car choice that's just as functional as larger three-row SUVs, but without the bulk.

2003-2010

2003 Redesign Year

The original Sorento was an old-school, body-on frame SUV. Unless you need an enclosed pickup truck, skip this model. It was good for towing, but a rough and tumble nature make this version an unpleasant choice as an everyday driver. The harsh ride is brutal, with bumps and ruts slamming into the cabin. Handling is also clumsy, although ultimately secure. The Sorento was initially powered by a 3.5-liter V6, which was upgraded to a 262-hp 3.8-liter for 2007. Either way, acceleration was quite spirited. But at 17 mpg overall, expect to pay at the pump. Low-range gearing makes it competent off-road, but it only has a part-time four-wheel drive system, which requires engaging and disengaging 4WD. This can be inconvenient, as you have to stop to make the change.

Kia Sorento

2009 SUVs Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2009 Compact SUVs Ratings