2020 Kia Sorento Review
Price Range: $12,990 - $26,998





+150
Average
7.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2020 Sorento bridges the gap between compact and midsize SUVs, coming with standard, though small, third-row seats. The V6 engine is our choice in the lineup, delivering performance that's adequate but not impressive. Overall, the Sorento earns strong scores as a competent family hauler, pushing it to the top of the compact three-row SUV class.
2020 Kia Sorento Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- Lightly refreshed bumpers and exterior lighting
- EX and SX Limited trims dropped
- Part of the third Sorento generation introduced for 2015
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Kia Sorento L 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) 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 $2.74 per gallon for regular unleaded in Texas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$136/mo for Sorento L
Sorento L
vs
$155/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#12 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Kia Sorento from 2008-2022.$448/yr
vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.96x/yr
vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).12.2%
vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Kia Sorento Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(67%)
4(18%)
3(3%)
2(6%)
1(6%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Continues to get better. Simply really good.
4 out of 5 starsDino, 11/23/2019
2020 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 8A)
I began leasing the Sorento back in 2014 out of simply wanting to find the best lease value I could in this size category of crossover. At the time it was honestly an unexpected surprise. Not just for the comparative lease deal but was an outright nice vehicle in looks, comfort, convenience, quality and performance.
Well, being so happy with the vehicle that first time we continued … with the next lease (a 2017) and again found that same very satisfactory feeling about everything.
Fast forward and just now leased the 2020. I did seriously consider and also looked elsewhere this time around. In the end it again came down to what is simply a really nice vehicle and what your getting for your buck. Do not mistake that at all to mean I am settling for the Sorento. Because truth is, its simply a very well made, attractive (in and out) vehicle with a great ride comfort and performance.
From one to the next lease Ive had (now 3) it has increased a bit with ride quality each the model years Ive had and this latest is the best yet. The V6 has always been and is still more than capable and that is being said from one (myself) who lives on the spirited side with my driving habits. Four grown adults and fully loaded with luggage and no issue at all passing and accelerating on mountainous highways. Certainly not the most powerful engine but extremely capable. The ride quality continues to improve. It was always real good in my opinion. But this latest year (2020) version is even quieter and smoother than the last two ive had. Turns real well with minimal roll and responsive steering in addition to the quietness. There is a definite high end feel to the overall comfort and ride while in a Sorento.
It may not be the best nor excel greatly at any one thing over other given vehicles but it does really well everywhere and exceeds expectations. There is nothing at all negative. Its all good, very good.
- 2020 sorento
4 out of 5 starsTony.d, 01/29/2020
2020 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 8A)
this is my second kia sorento I had 2017, some reviews I have read seem that they are downgrading this vehicle a bit, kia has taken some standard equip. out of the ex trim (passenger pwr seat, cd player, rear sunshades etc) however they added a lot of safety features like lane keeper adaptive cruise 19" wheels, rear power liftgate 8-speed transmission and the ***** safety rating. my … take on this vehicle is kia slid this car back a little you don't take out the passenger power seat and rear sunshades. I can get past the removal of the cd player everyone pretty much streams there music these days, however I am not impressed with the 8-speed transmission it affects the acceleration on this suv, they should have synchronize the gear shifts a little better. I still like this vehicle, the ride is very comfortable and handling is competent as is the interior comfort and safety features also decent mpg, this vehicle gives a lot for the money. I will have to see were the next three years of driving this vehicle and all the new safety equipment and its reliability works as it should... kia should not had swapped out good standard features then add more features and sell the ones you want on the higher trim. but I would still recommend it because what works on this vehicle is its the right size it will fit many familys
UPGRADED MY 2009
5 out of 5 starsKeith, 11/05/2020
2020 Kia Sorento S 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 8A)
I traded in my 2009 Sorento LX on a new 2020 Sorento S because of the incentives Kia was offering. I love the options on this trim level but wish remote start was included . For that I would have to go up to the EX trim level. The first reason for buying mine was of course the warranty, which blows all the other manufacturers out of the water . Secondly, it has the same horsepower as … the Telluride and is 10K cheaper. Lastly is the roominess, being 6'4" and weighing in close to 300lbs, it fit very comfortably behind the wheel of this SUV.
i couldn't ask for more -
5 out of 5 starsmike jay, 06/06/2020
2020 Kia Sorento SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 8A)
I started researching the sorento one year ago. many reviews faulted the sorento for being fuel thirsty, heavy and under powered. I purchased it on the spot and have not regretted it. the v6 has more power than I need. the rear most seats are there if and when I need them. it has more tech than I know what to do with. it rides and handles better than the competition and it is … QUIET. I can drive all day and never get tired. what more can you ask for?
2020 Kia Sorento video
The Best SUVs for 2020 & 2021 — The Top-Rated Small, Midsize, Large, Luxury SUVs and Crossovers
SUVs are the most popular vehicles on the road today, and they come in all shapes and sizes. In this video, Carlos Lago breaks down the best SUVs for 2020 and 2021. With so many models to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming trying to find the perfect SUV for you and your lifestyle.
2020 Sorento Highlights
L
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,990 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $136/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Sorento models:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Warns the driver when an imminent front collision is detected. Can automatically brake if needed. Standard on the EX and above.
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alerts you when the system detects that you're drifting out of your lane. Standard on the EX and above.
- Uvo eServices
- Includes automatic 911 calling when an airbag deploys, plus speed and location alerts for secondary drivers.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover15%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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