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2018 Kia Sorento

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
2018 Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento highlights

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5

RepairPal reliability rating
†

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Convenient size for a three-row SUV
  • Plenty of standard features
  • Intuitive infotainment system

Cons

  • Not as much cargo space as other three-row SUVs
  • Third-row seats sized for kids
  • Underpowered engine choices

Mileage (EPA estimate)

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2018 Kia Sorento

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Flexible 2018 Kia Sorento can tackle family duties

Three-row midsize SUVs are great for hauling people and cargo but aren't as economical or maneuverable as smaller compact crossovers. The 2018 Kia Sorento innovatively splits the difference in exterior dimensions and offers an optional third row, which boosts seating from five to seven, though that third row is best suited for small kids.

For 2018, a new SX Limited trim level brings upgraded leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, and advanced driver aids. Also new for this model year is a 10-speaker surround-sound system for the top SX and SX Limited models.

All Kia Sorento years

New this year

  • Sorento trims have been upgraded with Rear Air Conditioning as standard equipment this year.
  • DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The SX trim now comes with 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.
  • The Limited trim now comes with 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.
  • The EX trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor and 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.
  • The LX trim now comes with 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.
  • The L trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.

Explore Kia Sorento details

L 2WD 4D Sport Utility

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Kia Sorento

1. Room for the whole family

2018 Kia Sorento: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #1 | CarMax

Regardless of what configuration you get your 2018 Kia Sorento in, there's plenty of room for luggage or hauling large items. When you opt for the five-passenger version, there's an impressive 146.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the front seats. Upgrade to the seven-passenger model, however, and unlock 154.2 cubic feet of space. Note that seven-passenger seating is only available on V6 models. Lastly, get an impressive 38 cubic feet (38.8 in seven-passenger models) of cargo space with all seats upright.

2. A trio of engine options

2018 Kia Sorento: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #2 | CarMax

From spending more time between fill-ups to pulling your favorite towable, the 2018 Kia Sorento's selection of engines is up to the task. It starts with the standard 2.4L four-cylinder, a capable engine that makes 185 hp. A turbocharged 2.0L 240-hp four-cylinder engine is a peppy around-town powertrain. At the top, a 290-hp 3.3L V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission give the 2018 Kia Sorento up to an estimated 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, when properly equipped.

3. Full of functional space

2018 Kia Sorento: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #3 | CarMax

Built for families and active groups, the 2018 Kia Sorento is full of places to store things; cupholders and door pockets abound for easy drink storage. A deep center console bin has plenty of space for stashing away snacks, a purse, or whatever the moment requires. Lift the floor of the trunk to reveal a hidden storage compartment or use the available storage tray to organize items you stash away.

4. Loaded with modern tech

2018 Kia Sorento: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #4 | CarMax

Powered by your smartphone, Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay® connectivity extends your phone's capabilities to the touchscreen at the center of the 2018 Kia Sorento dash (EX trim and up). Modern driver assists, such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, are added with the available Advanced Technology Package. Finally, even the standard 2018 Kia Sorento includes Bluetooth® streaming and a rearview camera.

5. Ready for daily life

2018 Kia Sorento: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #5 | CarMax

Keep up with whatever your day throws at you with the versatile features in a 2018 Kia Sorento. YES™ Essentials cloth seats are comfortable, easy-to-clean, and stand up to daily wear. Front and rear fast-charge USB ports on 2018 Kia Sorento LX and higher make a dead battery quick work. While an available kick-activated tailgate, on EX and better, makes stowing groceries in the back easy as pie. AWD is available on any trim, powering through lousy weather with confident traction in all wheels.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2018 Kia Sorento, you should also check out these similar vehicles from previous model years.

Three rows of fun await your next great adventure in the 2017-2019 Ford Explorer. If you're looking for something with a touch of luxury, consider the 2017-2019 Ford Explorer Platinum trim. Premium leather seating, aluminum, and brown ash trim, a rear-seat entertainment system creates a luxurious experience for everyone inside. In addition, when equipped with either of the V6 engines, the 2017-2019 Ford Explorer can tow up to an estimated 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

A base-model 2017-2019 Ford Explorer includes:

  • Three rows of seating

  • A 4.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system

  • A 290-hp 3.5L V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.6 out of 5

13 customer reviews
The 2018 Kia Sorento is a great family car. Customers like the car's driver aid features, comfortable seats, and great gas mileage.
5 Stars9
4 Stars3
3 Stars1
2 Stars0
1 Star0

RepairPal reliability rating
†

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Kia Sorento an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Sorento 9th out of 26 among Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia Sorento

2018 Kia Sorento trims

L

  • A rearview camera, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, air conditioning, YES Essentials cloth seating, Bluetooth streaming, and more.

  • View all Kia Sorento Ls in stock

LX

EX

  • Adds a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, leather-trimmed seating, a power liftgate, rear parking assist, and more.

  • View all Kia Sorento EXs in stock

SX

  • Adds an eight-inch touchscreen, voice command navigation, a 10-speaker Infinity™ sound system, a seven-inch driver cluster, and more.

  • View all Kia Sorento SXs in stock

SX Limited

2018 Kia Sorento FAQ

More about 2018 Kia Sorento

2018 Kia Sorento: Reviews, Photos, and More: Top Colors | CarMax

Exterior colors:

  • Blaze Blue

  • Ebony Black

  • Platinum Graphite

  • Polished Walnut

  • Remington Red

  • Sangria

  • Snow White Pearl

  • Sparkling Silver

  • Titanium Metallic

Interior colors:

  • Ivory Nappa (SX Limited)

  • Light Gray (SX)

  • Merlot (SX)

  • Metallic Nappa (SX Limited)

  • Satin Black

  • Stone Beige (LX and higher)

Interior details

From the everyday-life-friendly cloth seating to the luxurious feeling Nappa leather seats, the interior of the 2018 Kia Sorento has something for everyone. When you pick a seven-passenger version, easy-sliding second-row seating makes getting into the rear third-row seats easy. In addition, there's impressive space for luggage and passengers in both five and seven-passenger versions, starting at 38 cubic feet. Finally, surround yourself with luxurious features like heated second-row seats, Nappa leather surfaces, and elegant wood trim in SX Limited models.

Child seat details

The five-passenger version of the 2018 Kia Sorento has three child seat anchors and lower anchors on the two outside seats. However, there are four full LATCH anchors in the seven-passenger 2018 Kia Sorento, two in the second and third-row seats. As a result, tether anchors are easy to get child seats connected to, so installation should be a breeze. Finally, there is plenty of space for a variety of forward or reverse-facing child seats.

Performance

The 2018 Kia Sorento can feel more like a family sedan around town or on the highway despite the SUV's shape and body. Make fewer visits to the pumps without sacrificing power thanks to a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, getting an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined (FWD model). All 2018 Kia Sorento models get a six-speed automatic transmission, and snow-conquering AWD is available on LX and higher trims. Finally, the well-adjusted suspension and smooth powertrain are comfortable in long highway cruises or the short city errand.

Emissions

The 2018 Kia Sorento gets the following EPA-estimated tailpipe emissions:

  • A FWD and 2.4L four-cylinder engine gets 377 grams per mile tailpipe emissions. The AWD and 2.4L get 397 grams per mile.

  • The FWD turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder gets 397 grams per mile tailpipe emissions. AWD and turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder get 414 grams per mile.

  • Equipped with FWD and a 3.3L V6, tailpipe emissions are 436 grams per mile. With AWD, the 3.3L V6 gets 465 grams per mile tailpipe emissions.

Related articles

2018 Kia Sorento: Reviews, Photos, and More: Abstract | CarMax

2018 Kia Sorento: Reviews, Photos, and More

Tue, Nov 9, 2021

In your search for a new compact SUV or family vehicle, make the 2018 Kia Sorento one for your shortlist. Its abundant cargo capacity and people-hauling prowess are sure to impress. Check out this 2018 Kia Sorento review to learn about features, specs, and more.
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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.
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