2015 Kia Sorento review
Kia Sorento highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Optional V6 offers impressive power
- Long list of standard features
- Optional third row adds to versatility
- Smooth ride and sure-footed handling
Cons
- Base engine's performance is mediocre
- Poor rear visibility
Mileage (EPA estimate)
18 city, 24 highway, 20 combined
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2015 Kia Sorento: this family SUV keeps it sporty
Larger than most compact SUVs but smaller than midsize ones, the 2015 Kia Sorento is a bit of an in-betweener. It comes as a two-row SUV but offers an optional third row, which is a rarity among small SUVs. It also offers a choice between a base four-cylinder engine and a more powerful optional six-cylinder engine. Thanks to its relatively small size, the Sorento can navigate tight spots pretty well, and with the V6 engine, it's fun to drive.
All Kia Sorento years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Kia Sorento generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2015 Kia Sorento?
- Sorento trims have been upgraded with Third Row Seat, Fold-Away Third Row, Tow Hitch, and Full Roof Rack as standard equipment this year.
- DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
2015 Kia Sorento trims
Curious how Kia Sorento trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesLX
Includes USB/auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth wireless technology, power windows with driver's one-touch auto-up and down, and more.
LX V6
Adds 3.3L gasoline direct injection V6 engine and 50/50 split-folding third-row seats.
EX V6
Adds front fog lights, UVO eServices infotainment system, rear-camera display, backup warning system, push-button start with Smart Key, and more.
SX
Adds power-folding side mirrors, Infinity® surround-sound audio with 10 speakers and HD Radio™, ventilated front seats, and more.
Limited
Unlocks Nappa leather seat trim, leather and wood-style trim, heated steering wheel and leather gearshift knob, second-row heated seat cushions, and more.
5 reasons to buy the 2015 Kia Sorento
1. Two engine options
The 2015 Kia Sorento offers two versatile engine options. The base inline four-cylinder has 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque and can tow an estimated 1,650 lbs, when properly equipped.
The V6 has 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque and can tow an estimated 3,500 lbs, when properly equipped. The base LX trim is the only model that offers the four-cylinder powerplant. With the V6 engine, you can tow your jet skis for a trip to the lake or a pop-up trailer for a weekend getaway.2. Plenty of tech
Check out the tech on the 2015 Sorento—an impressive UVO infotainment system with voice-command navigation is available on the top three trims, Bluetooth® audio connection is standard across all trims, and the optional parking minder (available on trims with the UVO system) can help you find your car by recording your location. Advanced features like a backup camera, backup warning, and blind-spot detection are available on the top three trims. Plus, a tire pressure monitoring system is standard across the board.
3. Seating for seven
All trims but the base 2015 Sorento come standard with a third-row 50/50 split-bench seat that folds flat. This extra row adds functionality for busy families, business owners, or single friends bringing the crew along on weekend adventures. When the third row is not in use, the cargo space the Sorento offers can accommodate even more gear or road-trip luggage for the whole family.
4. Luxury features
The top Limited trim of the 2015 Sorento has Nappa leather with heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof with sunshade, power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, and many more luxurious features for a premium ride. The acoustic windshield glass on the top three trims keeps the interior quieter, reducing road noise and providing a pleasant experience for all your passengers.
5. Available all-wheel drive
Buying an SUV often means wanting to tow or go off-road, whether for a weekend camping trip or a mountain vacation where conditions are unpredictable. With the 2015 Sorento's available all-wheel drive on all trims, you can enjoy more confident driving in a variety of conditions.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2015 Kia Sorento, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The 2017-2021 Land Rover Range Rover offers four gas engine options, from a 340-hp supercharged V6 all the way up to a 550-hp supercharged V8. There's also a 254 Td6 diesel option. The transmission on all models is an eight-speed automatic, but paddle shifters are standard if you want to have more manual control or simply more driving enjoyment. Four-wheel drive is standard on all 2017-2021 Range Rover models.
Standard features of the 2017-2021 Land Rover Range Rover include:
Adjustable, power-folding, heated door mirrors with approach lights
Grained leather seats
Keyless entry with push-button start
10-inch touchscreen with navigation and 12.3-inch virtual instrument panel
Launched in 2018, the BMW X2 is a compact SUV offering a sporty driving experience. For its inaugural year, the 2018 BMW X2 was available in two trims, both equipped with a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For model year 2019, BMW added a higher-tuned option to its M35i trim, which used the same engine but with 301 hp.
Standard features of the 2018-2021 BMW X2 include:
18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights with front LED fog lights
Power liftgate
Ambient interior lighting
The 2017-2021 Audi Q3 offers a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive is available on the Q3. Equipped with premium features and modern technology, even the base model feels top-of-the-line.
Standard features of the 2017-2021 Audi Q3 base model include:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Satellite radio
Bluetooth streaming audio for compatible devices
Panoramic sunroof
Leather seating
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.4 out of 5
60 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 35 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 17 |
| 3 Stars | 5 |
| 2 Stars | 1 |
| 1 Star | 2 |
RepairPal gave the Kia Sorento an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Kia Sorento 12th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia SorentoKia Sorento features and specs
Curious how Kia Sorento trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
EX 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Sunshade
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- A/C Seat(s)
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Full Roof Rack
- Infinity Sound System
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Rear Sunshade
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- SiriusXM Trial Available
- Third Row Seat
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.3L
Horsepower
290
Torque (ft-lbs)
252
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
17.4
Wheelbase
106.3"
Overall length
184.4"
Width
74.2"
Height
66.9"
Leg room
F 41.3"/M 38.8"/R 31.7"
Head room
F 39.2"/M 39.2"/R 35.7"
Front tires
P235/60HR18
Rear tires
P235/60HR18
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2015 Kia Sorento FAQ
Many factors can affect the reliability of a Kia Sorento, including its driving history, maintenance records, and mileage. However, according to RepairPal® reliability data, which are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles, the Sorento receives a 4/5 (Excellent) rating. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
The 2015 Kia Sorento compares to the Hyundai Santa Fe in size.
Yes, the 2015 Kia Sorento is 6.3 inches longer than the 178.1-inch 2015 Ford Escape.
All-wheel drive is available on all trims of the 2015 Kia Sorento.
More about the 2015 Kia Sorento
Exterior colors:
Bright Silver
Dark Cherry
Ebony Black
Metal Bronze
Remington Red
Sage Green (EX trim only)
Satin Metal
Snow White Pearl
Titanium Silver
Wave Blue (LX and EX trims)
Interior colors:
Beige (LX and EX trims)
Black
Gray (LX, SX, and Limited trims)
Interior details
The interior of the 2015 Kia Sorento is ready for just about anything. Whether you opt for the five-seat or eight-seat model, getting in and out is easy. In addition, there's ample cargo space for luggage, sports gear, and DIY project materials, with up to 72.5 cubic feet if the second and third rows are folded. On the upper trims, you'll find sunshades, Nappa leather, and more.
Child seat details
The 2015 Kia Sorento can fit up to two car seats in the second row with two lower LATCH anchors and three tether anchors. This includes LATCH car seats, infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. Note there are no anchors or LATCH connectors on the optional third row.
Thanks to its easy-to-locate top tether anchors and stable seat belt buckle bases, the 2015 Kia Sorento can make it easier to buckle in small children.
Performance
The base engine of the 2015 Kia Sorento is a 2.4L inline four-cylinder with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft torque, getting an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined (FWD) or an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined (AWD).
Moving up to the 3.3L V6 engine, the FWD model has 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined. At the top of the line, the AWD 3.3L V6 has 290 hp, 252 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 20 mpg combined.Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the 2015 Kia Sorento's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions with FWD and the 2.4L engine are 390 grams per mile. With the same engine and AWD, that number increases to an EPA-estimated 409 grams per mile. When equipped with the 3.3L powerplant, the EPA-estimated tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 427 grams per mile with FWD and 449 grams per mile with AWD.
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