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Used car guide
Used Kia Sorento: the years to buy and the years to skip
Every Kia Sorento from 2011 to 2025, across 3 generations: what each year typically sells for (about $5,500 to $33,500), its crash rating, and whether it's a year to target or skip. The best bets are 2023–2025. Look harder at or skip 2011–2022.
2021–2025 Kia Sorento
A three-row midsize SUV with a well-designed, practical cabin.
Years to target: 2023–2025. Look harder at or skip: 2021–2022. It has a strong reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,500 | Theft risk | 4 of 5 | ~65,000 |
| 2022 | $24,000 | Look harder | 4 of 5 | ~55,000 |
| 2023 | $26,500 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~40,000 |
| 2024 | $29,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~30,000 |
| 2025 | $33,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~20,000 |
Worth knowing
- 2022: owner complaints spike (189, mostly the transmission).
- Theft risk for 2021–2022. Many key-start cars from these years lack an engine immobilizer. Confirm the free anti-theft update.
- The turbo's dual-clutch can feel jerky at low speeds, and the third row is tight for adults.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the EX: it adds the turbo engine, leather, heated seats and second-row captain's chairs over the S. The hybrid is a strong, efficient alternative.
On the test drive
On a hybrid, ask for a battery health check. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: standard from the start of this generation (2021).
- Adaptive cruise control: standard from the start of this generation (2021).
- Blind-spot monitoring: standard from the start of this generation (2021).
Also worth comparing at this price
- Mitsubishi Outlander 2024–2025 · $28,000–$31,000
- Hyundai Santa Fe 2024 · $32,000
- Toyota Highlander 2020 · $28,500
Find one near you
2016–2020 Kia Sorento
A more upscale take on the midsize Sorento crossover with a quiet ride.
No year in this generation is clear of problems. Shop carefully. Look harder at or skip: 2016–2020. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $11,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~135,000 |
| 2017 | $11,500 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~120,000 |
| 2018 | $11,500 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~110,000 |
| 2019 | $13,000 | Theft risk | 5 of 5 | ~95,000 |
| 2020 | $13,500 | Theft risk | 5 of 5 | ~85,000 |
Worth knowing
- Skip 2016–2018. Some 2.4-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines were recalled for bearing failure. Confirm the recall work.
- 2016: owner complaints spike (1,249, mostly the engine).
- Theft risk for 2016–2020. Many key-start cars from these years lack an engine immobilizer. Confirm the free anti-theft update.
- The 3.3-liter V6 is the most trouble-free engine choice, though the third row is only suitable for kids.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the EX: it adds leather, heated seats and a power driver seat over the LX, with the V6 widely available. CarPlay arrived for 2017.
On the test drive
Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: optional from 2016, never standard in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2016, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Mitsubishi Outlander 2017–2018 · $12,000–$13,000
- Toyota Highlander 2011–2012 · $11,000–$12,000
- Lexus GX 2010 · $12,500
Find one near you
2011–2015 Kia Sorento
A versatile midsize crossover that offers strong value for the money.
No year in this generation is clear of problems. Shop carefully. Look harder at or skip: 2011–2015. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $5,500 | Skip | 4 of 5 | ~150,000 |
| 2012 | $6,000 | Skip | 4 of 5 | ~140,000 |
| 2013 | $6,500 | Skip | 4 of 5 | ~130,000 |
| 2014 | $7,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~120,000 |
| 2015 | $8,000 | Theft risk | 5 of 5 | ~115,000 |
Worth knowing
- Skip 2011–2014. The 2.4-liter engine is prone to bearing failure. Check for engine replacement records.
- Theft risk for 2011–2015. Many key-start cars from these years lack an engine immobilizer. Confirm the free anti-theft update.
- The V6 is the safer engine choice here, but the third row is tiny and fuel economy is only average.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the EX with the V6: it adds leather, heated seats and the smoother engine over the LX. These predate CarPlay, so check recall history before buying.
On the test drive
Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: not offered in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: not offered in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Find one near you
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Prices are typical dealer and private asking prices from used listings, collected in September and October 2026, for an average-mileage car. Years with too few listings are estimated from nearby years. Crash ratings, recalls and owner complaint counts come from NHTSA public records. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy. Spot something off? Let us know.