2003 Kia Sorento Review
Price Estimate: $707 - $1,188





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Great value, class-leading warranty coverage, long list of standard features, solid construction, true off-road capability.
Cons
- Engine needs more power, subpar fuel economy, seat upholstery could stand improvement.
What’s new
The Sorento is an all-new SUV from Kia. Larger and more powerful than the pint-size Sportage (which is expected to return for 2004 after a 2003 hiatus, by the way), the Sorento straddles the emerging middle ground between small SUVs and midsize SUVs. And it does so while offering interested buyers true off-road ability. Key competitors are the Ford Escape, the Honda CR-V, the Jeep Liberty, the Nissan Xterra and the Toyota Highlander.
Edmunds says
Good-looking, comfortable, rugged and well-equipped, the new Sorento will force consumers to view Kia in a new light.
For sale nearby
5 listings
- 154,787 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Kuehn Motor Company Rochester (280 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Rochester, MN
Only 154,787 Miles! Boasts 18 Highway MPG and 15 City MPG! This Kia Sorento delivers a Gas V6 3.5L/214 engine powering this Automatic transmission.Opt...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
15 Combined MPG (13 City/17 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDJC733035105641
Stock: 39135
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-11-2025- 210,030 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Northwest Auto Broker (1,170 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Kent, WA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
15 Combined MPG (13 City/17 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDJC733535087170
Stock: 087170
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-20-2025
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Kia Sorento LX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.15 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$249/mo for Sorento LX
Sorento LX
vs
$177/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Kia Sorento Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(80%)
4(15%)
3(3%)
2(2%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Fun Car to Drive and Easy to Maintain.
4.63 out of 5 starsmikesay22, 07/14/2014
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I bought this car as a third owner in 2011 with 138000 miles. The car was poorly maintained. Thats what I got for the price I bought it for. But I am so glad I bought this car. I had to change the brakes and tires, some bulbs, oil change, and I had to change the spark plugs. The car started running like new. I had no major problems with the car, just maintenance. I had my check engine … light on for a couple of months but later on I found out it was because of a faulty throttle position sensor which was easy to change. After that, the check engine light went away till this day. I had a A/C leak but I managed to find the leak and fixed it myself.
A workhorse not without a few issues
3 out of 5 starsraymoto, 12/19/2014
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my 2003 Kia Sorento EX 4x4 automatic brand new in 2003. I was the original owner and as of this posting (2017) had $130K. I've since sold the Sorento in favor of a Toyota 4Runner because the new Sorento is no longer a body-on-frame truck platform. The new Sorento is a unibody car platform. I wanted something more rugged and durable and the 4Runner is a true SUV. I took great … care of the Sorento which is the main reason it lasted 130k miles. The engine, transmission, and suspension, steering have been solid as a rock. Even after 130k miles, all the rubber suspension bushings looked like new condition! I've only had a few issues. The transfer case stopped shifting into 4x4 due to lack of use, but still operated in 4x2 mode. One engine sensor needed replacing, along with normal hoses, and the fuel temperature senor and thermostat which I replaced myself. It also needed new shocks, which is normal for the age. (Get Bilstein shocks, they are the BEST shocks!). Other than that it has been a workhorse, and reliable. The engine has considerable low end torque so it appears fast for 190 HP. It is spacious inside, with plenty of cargo room. With the proper wet traction tires the Sorento feels very safe and controlled in the rain. Without proper winter tires it is terrible in snow and ice. As a used vehicle the first generation Sorento is a great bargain. Just make sure the timing belt and water pump have been replaced. The BIG Achilles heel for the Sorento is the CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT. There is a recall due to it being weak. If it breaks or timing belt breaks, either can destroy the engine. There is a new, stronger crank shaft bolt replacement. MAKE SURE this has been replaced and if not sure than factor that into your after purchase expense, and replace it right away! If considering a Kia Sorento of this era, talk to Kia service to determine the cost to replace the timing belt, water pump, crank shaft pulley bolt, and drive belts if they have not already been replaced recently. Talk to Kia about that crank shaft pulley bolt recall. UPDATE: six months after I sold the Sorrento - After driving my 4Runner for a while I now realize how stiff and harsh the Sorrento suspension springs really were. With the first generation Sorento you will feel every bump, every pothole, every imperfection in the road. However, the trade-off with a tight suspension is that you will gain precise, controlled steering. The Sorrento does not wander or weave and tracks straight on the road even in a torrential downpour. If you want safety and handling more than ride comfort then the first generation Sorento is for you. I must say though that the new Bilstein shocks that I installed enhanced the precise accurate steering but did not compromise ride quality. The very stout and stiff stock Sorento suspension springs are what causes the harsher ride. In contrast my 4Runner has less precise steering than the Sorento, however the the trade-off is the ride quality in the 4Runner is smooth and comfortable. So it's a trade-off with vehicles - Precise, tight handling and stiff suspension with a harsher ride, or pillowy soft ride and mushy handling. Some newer vehicles have what is called "Active Handling Suspension" that solves this issue and combines great handling and comfortable ride, but those systems are expensive to fix. So, In conclusion, a well-cared-for, first-generation Kia Sorrento is a good vehicle choice - Just know the issues, get a pre-purchase inspection, get any issue fixed, keep up the regular maintainance and you should have a good vehicle for years to come.
pleasantly surprised.
4.38 out of 5 starslhasadaddy, 08/23/2013
2003 Kia Sorento LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
This Sorrento was a replacement for my previous vehicle.
It was used and abused. Previous owner did no maintenance on it. Spent a couple of hours under the hood cleaning MAF sensor, throttle body. Had my buddy replace the oil and all the tires. Not to mention complete brake fluid change( no charge for any of it. For which I am eternally grateful) it now runs like a champ. Roomy , … comfortable, fun, and a pleasure to drive. Still needs to have a few little things done. The fact it ran as good as it did considering what wasn't done in it 255,000 miles of service is testament to its build quality. Called KIA about recalls. Booked in same day.
My 2003 Kia Sorento Best Car I ever have had.
4 out of 5 starssorento2012, 03/03/2011
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Minor problems like horn, clock not working. Had to replace the U-joint front and back. Everything else is fine and working. Minor leak in sunroof, was adjusted. Paint on side mirrors came off and the same for the tail hatch. Made out of plastic.
2003 Sorento Highlights
LX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $249/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 31.4 cu.ft. |
rear wheel drive | |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sorento include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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