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2019 Kia Sorento review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Kia Sorento highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Sensibly sized for families
  • Lots of standard features
  • Easy-to-use infotainment system

Cons

  • Less cargo space than other three-row SUVs
  • Third-row seats are sized for kids
  • Engine choices are short on power

Mileage (EPA estimate)

19 city, 24 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year
Mileage

The right size for a growing family

Small SUVs may be easy to drive and return strong fuel economy, but some people need more seats and cargo space. Midsize three-row SUVs have plenty of space but aren't as maneuverable or economical as their more compact counterparts. The 2019 Kia Sorento straddles both worlds, seeking to give you enough room and seating without being too large—and it delivers a lot of features in the process. For 2019, the Sorento receives a new eight-speed transmission, which replaces last year's six-speed, and slightly better EPA-estimated fuel economy. A third row of seats is also now standard on all models. If you're looking for an easy-to-drive SUV that can hold seven passengers, the Sorento may be the perfect fit.

All Kia Sorento years

What is new for the 2019 Kia Sorento?

  • The Sorento is available in a variety of new trims, including the EX Sport and S.
  • Sorento trims have been upgraded with Harman Kardon Sound as standard equipment this year.
  • The SX trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
  • The LX trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Power Seat(s) as standard equipment.
  • The EX trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
  • The L trim now comes with Third Row Seat, Fold-Away Third Row, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment.

2019 Kia Sorento trims

Curious how Kia Sorento trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

L:

  • 185-hp, 178-lb-ft of torque 2.4L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Third Row Seat
  • Cloth Seats
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • View our Kia Sorento L inventory

LX:

  • Includes all features available on the L
  • 290-hp, 252-lb-ft of torque 3.3L
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Power Seats
  • 4WD/AWD

S:

EX:

EX Sport:

  • Includes all features available on the EX
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Sunroofs
  • Memory Seats

SX:

Limited:

Kia Sorento photos

5 reasons to buy the 2019 Kia Sorento

1. Sophisticated cabin

A major draw of this midsize SUV is the high-end feel of its cabin. The 2019 Kia Sorento shines as a great choice for all lifestyles, as it's made with attractive materials across a stylish design. It seats seven people across three rows and those seats are well-cushioned and supportive, even when traversing rough terrain. Additionally, the Sorento's technology is user-friendly and intuitive, making long drives comfortable and relaxing.

2. Lots of new features for 2019

The 2019 Kia Sorento is a particularly strong choice since Kia made multiple major improvements for this model year. Along with a style update, Kia introduced a new two-row seating configuration, various available driver aids like front parking sensors, driver drowsiness monitoring, and lane keep assist; and standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto connectivity.

3. Great packages available

The 2019 Kia Sorento comes with various optional packages across its trims, all of which add great features. Look for the Convenience Package on the LX trim, which includes a parking distance warning, roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The EX can be found with the Touring Package, adding premium navigation, a 12-speaker surround-sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. The SX can also have the Touring Package tacked onto it, adding ventilated front seats, LED headlights, and rain-sensing wipers—all to make your life easier.

4. Great comfort

The 2019 Kia Sorento is not just good-looking inside, but comfortable too. The attractiveness of the cabin is certainly inviting, and once inside it's a vehicle you'll be happy to spend long hours in for road trips and other adventures. The vehicle has a passenger volume of 154.2 cu-ft, and there's plenty of space in the front and second rows, with 44.1 inches of legroom in the former and 39.4 inches in the latter. Thanks to the comfort and supportiveness of the 2019 Kia Sorento, it's a dream to travel in.

5. Strong engine options

The base engine of the 2019 Kia Sorento is a 2.4L four-cylinder engine producing 185 hp, which is more than enough for most. However, from the S trim and up, there's the option of a 3.3L V6 producing 290 hp, which is the ideal choice if you like a more spirited drive or need more grunt when the car is very full. Fuel economy is decent for both engines; the 2.4L version achieves an EPA-estimated 25 combined mpg, while the V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated 22 combined mpg.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2019 Kia Sorento is a car that customers like for its style, interior quality, and power. The car is also good for families with its third row seating and Apple Play.
4
Above Average

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 Sorento

Kia Sorento features and specs

SX 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • 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)
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.3L

Horsepower

290

Torque (ft-lbs)

252

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

18.8

Wheelbase

109.4"

Overall length

189"

Width

74.4"

Height

66.5"

Leg room

F 44.1"/M 39.4"/R 31.7"

Head room

F 39.5"/M 39.3"/R 36.3"

Front tires

P235/55HR19

Rear tires

P235/55HR19

Seating capacity

7

Max towing capacity

350/3500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2019 Kia Sorento FAQ

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