Buying a used Kia Sorento (2015-2020)

Twenty years ago, the Kia brand was virtually unknown and its Sorento wagon had a mountain to climb before gaining market acceptance.

The first-generation BL-series models emerged in 2002, with the US and China prime markets for the rugged-looking SUV. Rugged it was to ride in too, with an ancient ladder-frame chassis and hand-me-down Hyundai V6 engine.

Australia saw its first BL-series Sorento in 2003, with our versions fitted with four-speed automatic transmission and including dual airbags, ABS brakes and alloy wheels.

Prices began at a hefty $38,000 plus on-road costs, and sluggish sales were destined to stay that way until Kia fixed the cumbersome styling and added some value to the Sorento package. During 2009, with the medium SUV market recording more than 75,000 sales, Kia barely managed 1500 with the Sorento (which is bigger today and now resides in the large SUV segment).

Into the mix then emerged the XM series in late 2009, with the choice of a 145kW turbo-diesel engine or 128kW 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder.

The XM’s sleeker shape and car-like construction owed its existence to Hyundai’s Sante Fe, but the new model retained sufficient individuality to defend itself against claims of badge engineering.

Most expensive when released to Australia was the appropriately named Platinum model. In 2011, with diesel power, six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it was priced at $48,990 plus ORCs, but the list of inclusions ran almost off the bottom of the brochure.

Sorento’s third generation was previewed in late 2014 and released locally during August 2015. This time the platform was 95mm longer, shared with the Carnival people-mover and allowing the Sorento to be sold into various global markets with five or seven seats.

It also shifted up into the large family SUV class and proved to be much more popular, routinely racking up almost 5000 sales per annum before it took another step up with the fourth generation that launched in September 2020.

The third-generation Kia Sorento offered abundant space, lots of equipment and surprising competence even when venturing off the bitumen.

Three levels of trim were available at launch in 2015, with the most basic designated Si. It used a 3.3-litre petrol V6 with mandatory six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. In this form the Sorento listed at $40,990 plus on-road costs, with the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel AWD Si costing $4000 more.

Sorento models from 2015 included a raft of driver assistance and safety features. In addition to airbags almost everywhere, the basic version featured electronic brake assist, traction and stability controls, graphic parking assistance and a rear-facing camera.

These complemented a robust unitary design that helped the model achieve 36.62 points out of 37 in ANCAP occupant protection crash tests.

Sorento Si seats were trimmed in cloth but well-shaped with abundant adjustment. The steering wheel and transmission shifter used faux leather, the dash was tidy with a big central screen and six-speaker sound system. A forest of controls on the three-spoke steering wheel minimised the need for drivers to reach across the dash.

Road wheels were 17-inch alloy with cushy 65-profile tyres and a full-size spare below the boot floor. Kerb weight of UM-series Sorento models exceeded two tonnes, but their maximum tow weight was a disappointing 2000kg.

Second on the UM-series Sorento ladder was the SLi. These when V6-powered cost $45,995 plus ORCs, with diesel versions scraping below $50,000.

Improved seats with part-leather coverings, a 10-speaker sound system with amplifier, 18-inch alloy wheels and powered tailgate were the principal benefits of choosing an SLi. Proximity key access, heated and folding exterior mirrors, extra woodgrain inside, chrome body embellishments plus a roof spoiler added value.

Top of the UM heap was the Sorento Platinum. At just $56,000 plus ORCs it offered well-bolstered leather seats which were electrically adjustable up front. The seats and steering wheel were heated and above was a glass sunroof bathing front and rear passengers in light. Those in the back could also deploy clever lift-up blinds that covered the side-glass.

Late 2017 saw a minor restyle accompanied by mechanical upgrades and that brought change to the model range. Turbo-diesel remained the most common power source and the only one available to buyers who wanted all-wheel drive. New for 2018 was a 206kW 3.5-litre version of the V6 for those who preferred petrol.

While some markets offered the Sorento as a six-speed manual, our only transmission was Kia’s new eight-speed Sports automatic.

Cheapest Sorento was still the Si V6 2WD, which by mid-2018 was priced at $42,990 plus ORCs. Next came a new V6 Sport variation at $44,990 and the Si diesel AWD at $45,990. Several more steps were available before the range finally topped out at $58,990 (all plus on-roads).

That money bought the new GT-Line, which if you are in today’s market for a beautifully kitted family SUV, is the version to find.

Its list of driver assistance functions began with complete camera coverage, then moved to include multiple crash avoidance, lane and blind spot warnings plus driver fatigue monitoring.

Embossed leather covered seats, which for first-row occupants were heated with electric adjustment. The GT-Line also ran on 19-inch wheels using 235-section tyres with meaty 55-profile sidewalls.

Best of all, there are plenty of three-to-five-year-old Sorento SUVs available on carsales.com.au at realistic prices and with the balance of Kia’s excellent seven-year warranty.

People may look at the size of the Kia Sorento with its 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder and say ‘really?’ Don’t be fooled, though, because even though these seven-seat, all-wheel drive models weigh over two tonnes, they still run from rest to 100km/h in under 10 seconds.

The view from high and to the right is excellent and most in the second-hand market have sufficient sensors to ensure you don’t bump anything when reversing or parking. The doors are big and open far enough for even those with limited mobility to get aboard.

The rearmost seat is best suited to younger occupants, but you could still get a couple of adults in there.

Hardly anyone mentions the diesel Sorento’s ability when taken off sealed surfaces and that’s a shame, because versatility forms a big portion of its appeal. A vendor is unlikely to let the car be taken off-road but look online for some revealing videos.

For sure, these are not a serious off-roader and tackling soft sand for any distance would be risky, but there’s enough clearance to deal with moderate ruts. If you are going to regularly tackle rough roads then choose a version with 17-inch wheels and 65-profile tyres which better cushion bumps.

Smooth, paved roads are where the contribution of Australian engineers to suspension settings and component choices become obvious. Body roll through bends is well controlled and ride isn’t too firm or floaty. They probably didn’t get much say in the design of the power steering, though.

At highway speeds, the Sorento diesel is quiet and demands very little from the driver. Recent versions with their eight-speed transmission might seem overburdened with ratios but reportedly it is rarely confused, even in hilly and twisty terrain. Locking the selector in Sport mode and changing gears yourself will overcome any concerns.

Cargo capacity with both rear seats folded flat is an immense 1662 litres, and even with people occupying the second row there is more than 600 litres of space behind.

From 2018, the petrol V6 expanded from 3.3 to 3.5 litres with a 7kW power increase and 18Nm of extra torque. The aim, according to Kia, was improved economy however the official city figure remained at a hefty 14.2L/100km against 10.1L/100km for the turbo-diesel.

Running down the highway with four aboard the Kia diesel will return 7L/100km and cover almost 700km between fuel stops.

Family transport is the Kia Sorento’s prime function and missing that mark would kill the model stone dead.

Fortunately, Kia’s designers found a near-perfect balance between space and bulk, with a vehicle that looks big but doesn’t feel that way.

All seats offer reasonable comfort and accessibility, with adults not too constricted in the rearmost row.

Transporting a full load of people cuts luggage space to around 320 litres, but when carrying just five, there is lots of capacity in the back for prams and other stuff. Fitting child seats is easy as well.

RedBook Inspect mobile inspectors can take the guesswork out of buying a car with a comprehensive vehicle inspection.

Also consider: Ford Territory, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Kluger

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