2020 Kia Sorento review
Kia Sorento highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Plenty of standard features
- Versatile size to fit most families
- Stylish and quiet interior
Cons
- Less cargo space than other three-row SUVs
- Third-row seats sized for kids
- Lackluster acceleration from both engines
Mileage (EPA estimate)
18 city, 24 highway, 20 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2020 Kia Sorento offers the best of both worlds
The 2020 Kia Sorento is a bit of a tweener when it comes to crossover SUVs. It is larger than a compact SUV but smaller than a midsize three-row SUV, and it sits between the smaller Kia Sportage and the larger Kia Telluride in the automaker's lineup. The Sorento's larger-than-compact size takes a toll, with below-average EPA-estimated fuel economy and sluggish acceleration even with the optional V6 engine. That said, the Sorento offers plenty of value in the number of features it packs across its trim levels. Plus, its manufacturer's warranty is one of the longest in the industry and is worth taking a closer look at.
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 2020 Kia Sorento?
- The EX Sport and Limited trims have been discontinued for 2020.
- The LX trim now comes with Parking Sensors, Front Seat Heaters, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The EX trim now comes with Panoramic Sunroof, Sunroof(s), and Rear Sunshade as standard equipment.
- The S trim now comes with Smart Key and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
- The L trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
2020 Kia Sorento trims
Curious how Kia Sorento trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesL:
Includes 17-inch alloy wheels, projector-beam headlights, LED positioning lights, a seven-inch touchscreen, blind-spot collision warning, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, and more.
LX:
Includes a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat with two-way power lumbar support, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and more.
S V6:
Includes 3.3L V6 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, heated outside mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic temperature control, leather seat trim, rear-parking-distance warning, forward-collision warning, and more.
EX:
Includes low-profile roof rails, panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, Smart Power Liftgate™ and programmable liftgate-height adjustment, 14-way power-adjustable driver seat with four-way power lumbar support, front fog lights, LED map and cabin lights, and more.
SX:
Includes surround-view monitor, driver-seat integrated memory system, adjustable passenger seats with lumbar support, forward-parking-distance warning, Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, eight-inch touchscreen, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob.
Kia Sorento photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Kia Sorento
1. Easy riding
The 2020 Kia Sorento is known for its comfortable and quiet ride. MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar in the front suspension plus a multi-link independent rear suspension reduce body roll at higher speeds. Meanwhile, the optional all-wheel drive on the LX and above provides better traction and handling, allowing you to tackle different types of terrain and weather conditions. On top of all this, standard dual-flow damper shock absorbers are designed to let you simply glide over bumps.
2. Cabin comfort
You'll feel great in your 2020 Kia Sorento whether you're taking a long drive or running city errands. Standard niceties include illuminated vanity mirrors, a front-door courtesy lamp, and luggage-area lighting, so you're never fumbling around in the dark. Trims LX and above feature a power-adjustable driver seat with two- or four-way power lumbar support to cradle you comfortably while you drive. The standard acoustic front windshield in the LX and above makes for an even quieter ride—allowing you to better hear the six speakers, including two tweeters, in the standard sound system.
3. Standard rear-seat heaters and more
Drive it your way, with plenty of options among the 2020 Kia Sorento's expansive five trim levels. Are you all about cozy? Standard rear heater ducts spread the warm; on the S V6 trim and above, heated front seats keep you toasty while rear air-conditioning controls maintain everyone's cool. You can go sporty with the EX's sunroof or drive a mobile entertainment center with the SX's Harman Kardon® 10-speaker surround-sound audio system.
4. Plenty of driver-assist options
Another eye on the road is always helpful, and Kia's DRIVE WiSE can help keep you going where you need to go. The LX and higher trims also provide blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic collision warning. Optional on the LX and standard on higher trims are reverse parking-distance warning and forward-collision warning while EX and SX trims add smart cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance.
5. Haul it your way
The roomy back cargo area can be extended in this versatile vehicle and you have multiple options for seating and storage. Seats in the second and third rows fold down individually, so you can fit in long or bulky belongings; load up those surfboards and head to the beach!
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Kia Sorento, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Kia Telluride was launched for the 2020 model year. With a fresh design and a massive amount of standard features, there is a lot to like about this Kia midsize SUV. Seating up to eight passengers is just one item from that long list, as is the standard 291-hp 3.8L V6. Look for standard features on the base 2020 Kia Telluride LX like:
Leatherette upholstery
Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Satellite radio
18-inch wheels
Adaptive cruise control
Integrated parking sensors
If design is important to you, then you should take a look at the Kia Sedona. It's a minivan that's a bit more stylish than most of its competitors while keeping all the benefits that you would expect to get from a vehicle of its size. With a seating capacity of up to eight people, an intuitive infotainment system, and a comfortable interior, the Kia Sedona's cabin is great for both daily driving and long road trips. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all 2019 trims. The 2019 model is powered by a 3.3L, V6 engine that delivers 276 horsepower.
The fourth-generation Kia Sportage (2017-2021) crossover checks all your boxes with its great mix of standard features and options. The 2017-2021 Sportage comes with a standard 181-horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder engine, while the trim-topping SX Turbo model has a turbocharged 2.0L making an impressive 240 hp.
Standard features on 2017-2021 Kia Sportage models include:
Five-inch touchscreen (eight inches for 2020+)
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (2020+)
Rear climate vents
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Ratings & reliability
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
L 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Heated Mirrors
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.4L
Horsepower
185
Torque (ft-lbs)
178
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
18.8
Wheelbase
109.4"
Overall length
189"
Width
74.4"
Height
66.3"
Leg room
F 44.1"/M 39.4"/R 31.7"
Head room
F 39.5"/M 39.3"/R 36.3"
Front tires
P235/65HR17
Rear tires
P235/65HR17
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
200/2000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Kia Sorento FAQ
As a three-row SUV, the Kia Sorento is built to tackle less forgiving terrain. Its compact design makes for sharper handling and easier maneuverability compared to some larger three-row SUVs on the market, even in snowy and slick conditions.
For even more control behind the wheel, consider looking for a Sorento model equipped with all-wheel drive. On the 2020 Sorento, AWD is optional across all trim levels (except for the SX Prestige trim, which comes exclusively with front-wheel drive). Meanwhile, the SX Prestige X-Line trim on the 2020 Sorento automatically comes with all-wheel drive.
Some Kia Sorento models are equipped with Kia's full-time AWD system, which is known as Dynamax™. This AWD system works by sending torque to both the front and rear axles as needed - monitoring road conditions continuously and diverting more torque to the front or rear wheels for improved traction.
However, it is worth noting that Kia Dynamax™ was first offered for the 2020 model year. Therefore, used Kia Sorento models produced before the 2020 model year are not available with this full-time AWD system.
More about the 2020 Kia Sorento
Color Options
Exterior colors:
Dragon Brown
Ebony Black
Everlasting Silver
Gravity Gray
Imperial Blue
Passion Red
Sangria
Snow White Pearl
Sparkling Silver
Interior details
73 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded down
Four 12-volt power outlets distributed throughout the vehicle
Second-row adjustable headrests, armrests, and cup holders
Rear air conditioner with controls (SV, EX, and SX models)
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