why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Kia Sorento

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 69 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Kia Sorento

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Kia Sorento Review

By KBB.com Editors

Completely redesigned following a one-model-year hiatus, the 2011 Kia Sorento reflects a wholesale transition that spans everything from its look and feel to its place of origin. Swapping body-on-frame for more car-like unitized construction and available in base/LX/EX/SX trims, the new Sorento boasts a smarter appearance, enhanced creature comforts for up to seven, upgraded powertrains and improved dynamics. Related by architecture to its Hyundai Santa Fe cousin, this "compact-plus" front-drive/all-wheel drive crossover is the first Kia to be made in America at the firm's new facility in West Point, Georgia. The automaker sees four-cylinder Sorento variants facing off against rivals like Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 with V6-powered models taking on foes like the Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander.

You'll Like This Car If...

Should words like practical, comfortable, versatile and economical be the first to come to mind when you start scoping out a mid-size crossover, the 2011 Kia Sorento definitely merits a test drive.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Those expecting to spend more time off pavement than on will be better served by a more traditional body-on-frame SUV like the Nissan Xterra or Toyota 4Runner. Anyone planning to tow more than a 3,500-pound trailer should consider a Toyota Highlander V6.

What's Significant About This Car?

A comprehensive ground-up remake moves this bigger, better and decidedly more capable 2011 Kia Sorento into the most desirable part of an increasingly popular market segment.

Driving the Sorento

Driving Impressions Well-mannered, well-balanced, easy to maneuver and easy to live with, the 2011 Kia Sorento is truly a driver-friendly travelmate. Although the 2.4-liter four has sufficient power to handle all light-to-medium...

duty work, it's decidedly less stressed when fitted to the front-drive models. The 3.5-liter V6 adds considerably more enthusiasm in either configuration without exacting too much of a fuel-economy hit and ups the Sorento's max-tow rating from 1,650 to 3,500 pounds. Wider track dimensions, a nicely tuned, fully independent suspension and appropriately scaled wheel/tire fitments give this Kia crossover a confident feel and help curtail body roll in corners while its low-key stability control allows for some measure of reasonably spirited driving. However, even modestly rough road surfaces tend to produce more noise and impact harshness than you'd expect in the Sorento's otherwise notably well-isolated cabin. Although lacking a low-range transfer case, the Sorento's torque-on-demand all-wheel drive system does include a lockable center differential.

Favorite Features

UVO infotainment system
Introduced on the 2011 Sorento, Kia's answer to Ford's SYNC also is built around Microsoft's Windows Embedded Automotive software and offers a full spectrum of user-friendly features, expanded voice recognition capability and is easy to update.

World-class warranty
The 2011 Kia Sorento is protected by the automaker's outstanding five-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper coverage that includes 24-hour roadside assistance as well as a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

2011 Kia Sorento Details

2011 Kia Sorento Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Impressively finished and tastefully turned out, the 2011 Kia Sorento cabin gains 15 percent more volume and a new – albeit kid-scaled – third-row seat that's standard in V6 models and optional in all but the "base" four. Numerous soft-touch surfaces effectively counterpoint hard plastic elements, while highly legible instrumentation, logical control layouts and a bounty of standard comfort/convenience touches add appeal, whether teamed with cloth or optional leather upholstery. All iterations match decently supportive front buckets with a generously proportioned 60/40 split/folding second-row bench. The Sorento's modest 9.1 cubic feet of stow space when rigged for seven rises to 37.0 cubic feet with the third row folded and maxes out at 72.5 cubic feet.

Exterior

2011 Kia Sorento Front low 5/8 angle view photo

Integrating cues from its 2007 KND-4 Concept vehicle with the latest elements of Kia production design, the Sorento's bodywork melds clean, aerodynamic lines with suitably modern detailing in the grille and headlamp/taillamp treatments. Longer, lower and wider than the 2009 model it replaces, the 2011 Sorento rides on a marginally shorter wheelbase but boasts over 1.5-inches of additional front/rear track. Nicely flared fender arches are filled with 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 235/65 all-season tires on base and LX models, while the EX and SX models get 235/60 rubber on 18-inch satin-finish and polished alloys. The top-line Sorento SX adds a bit more brightwork, body-color bumpers and LED taillights.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Beyond a 175-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, five-passenger base and LX Sorento models feature a full range of power assists, air conditioning, multifunction/tilt/telescoping steering wheel, trip computer, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Sirius Satellite Radio, USB/AUX ports and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. The LX V6 adds rear air conditioning and a third-row seat while the EX trim nets dual-zone climate control, Kia's UVO infotainment system, power driver's seat, upgraded interior trim, a backup camera, fog lamps, automatic headlight control and a rear spoiler. Sitting atop the Sorento range, the SX boasts full-leather seating, a premium Infinity sound system, navigation with real-time traffic and more.

Optional Equipment

The modest Sorento LX option roster includes a Convenience Package (roof rails, fog lamps, heated front seats, Backup Warning System) and folding third-row bench. The LX V6 can be upgraded with the same Convenience Package as the four-cylinder and EX buyers can add a Premium Package (leather, heated front seats, backup camera) and/or a Limited Package (Navigation with real-time traffic, 18-inch chrome-finish wheels, and special interior trim/mood lighting) as well as a rear-seat DVD entertainment system [V6 only]. A panoramic sunroof is the sole SX option.

Under the Hood

The 2011 Kia Sorento offers two gasoline engines. Its port-injected 2.4-liter four makes 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque while the 3.5-liter V6 turns out a far more energetic 276 horses and 248 pound-feet of torque. Save for the "base" front-drive Sorento, all other versions feature a new Kia-designed six-speed "Sportmatic" automatic transmission. Offsetting the four's lower entry price point, the more capable and enthusiastic V6 equals its 20-mpg city rating and sacrifices but one mpg on the highway when motive force only goes to the front wheels. Interestingly enough, a four-cylinder/front-drive Sorento LX/EX actually nets better EPA figures in both categories with the new automatic than a base model does with its six-speed manual.

2.4-liter in-line four cylinder
175 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
169 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg (FWD 6-sp manual), 21/29 mpg (FWD 6-sp automatic), 21/27 mpg (AWD 6-sp automatic)

3.5-liter V6
276 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
248 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg (FWD 6-sp automatic), 18/24 mpg (AWD 6-sp automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Kia Sorento vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Kia Sorento Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.0

Out of 10

Based on 170 Ratings for the 2011 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.3/10

Quality

8.3/10
Reliability

8.6/10

Performance

8.1/10
Comfort

8.3/10

Styling

8.8/10

Do Not Buy A Kia

By Katie (CA) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 2/10

Pros: "The exterior looks good"

Cons: "everything else"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I bought this car in September 2012. It was the new 2013 Kia Sorento. In 8 months it's been back to the dealer 4 times. I've never had a car that I've had to take in to the shop for anything other than regular upkeep. The car has no power! It can barely go up hills at the speed limit. The interior is cheap and rattles a lot. The car is uncomfortable and has really bad blind spots. I am sorry I purchased this vehicle."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

2014 Sorento SXL

By EdC (TX) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 250

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Price, options, power, handling."

Cons: "Documentation for all of the new options."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Owned 2012 Sorento SX and loved it. Especially liked the engine power and road handling. Had minor concern with torque steer until I adjusted to the power of the V6. The seating was comfortable and the navi was very accurate. My wife even learned to love it but the lack of a power liftgate made it hard for her to use for shopping (she's tiny). Traded in the 2012 SX for the 2014 SXL this weekend and have been blown away by the upgraded quality of the interior. More power and the handling is even better top my lists and my wife loves the Nappa Leather and power liftgate. Seems most people don't look at a Kia if they want upgraded options so the dealer was more that willing to negotiate a very good deal (for me) since they wanted my gently used 2012 Sorento for their "pre-owned" lot."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great vehicle but gas mileage isn't what they said

By Russ (NH) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "Gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My Kia has been an awesome vehicle for our family. We have driven it to Florida from New England twice and it is very comfortable, reliable and all around great. The only drawback is that the gas mileage is far from what they originally said. Count on 24-26 MPG combined on those long trips."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Dont waste your money

By Jo D (OK) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "One thing and the only thing I liked was the fob."

Cons: "small, cheaply made, piece of junk"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"We have had this car for approx. one year and it has been in the shop more then any other car Ive owned in my life. Now I know why they give you a warranty for it. Its poorly made, cheap plastic, uncomfortable and I think my sons four wheeler has more get up and go. We have 4 children and its claim that it can fit six people is a joke. The last "row" is extremely small and can only fit one child. If you have a child sitting back there they get either too hot or to cold because the air does not circulate back there very well because of the middle seat is too high. Just traded it in, so glad this nightmare of a car is gone!!!"

4 people out of 8 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Don't buy KIA Sorento

By Carl (FL) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Cons: "Bad performance; bad handling;horrible gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"The I4-GDI Sorento is a horrible vehicle. Bad gas mileage and horrible performance. I will not purchase a KIA or Hyundai product again."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Comfortable and good looking!

By RKop (PA) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great price and interior comfort."

Cons: "Haven't found any."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my second Kia. With the direct fuel injection on the 2.5 liter engine it has plenty of power both around town and on the highway. We bought the LX with the convenience package and even at this trim level the car has a lot of features found in higher end models. The interior is comfortable and gives a feel of luxury. Even though I am disabled and can't drive the car, I'm a 6'5" 240 lb. guy and right after we bought the car we took a two hour road trip; this is the first car I found that I could ride comfortably in for more than thirty minutes at a time in over two years! Thank You Kia! Finally the no nonsense pricing and tremendous customer service at our dealer was a refreshing change of pace. I can't see myself ever buying anything other than another Kia!"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 170 reviews