2017 Kia Sorento review
Kia Sorento highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Easy to maneuver
- Lots of standard features
- User-friendly infotainment system
Cons
- Traditional three-row SUVs have more cargo space
- Third-row seats sized for small kids
- Engines lack power of some rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
17 city, 23 highway, 19 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2017 Kia Sorento is a great pick for a family hauler
If small crossovers are too small for your needs and midsize three-row SUVs are too big, you're in luck. The 2017 Kia Sorento fills the gap between those two classes by offering a seven-passenger vehicle that's easy to drive and value-packed. It's a great choice if you need extra seats for the morning carpool, yet it's as maneuverable as a typical compact crossover. Adding to the mix, the Sorento gains Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration for 2017, along with adaptive headlights and frontal collision mitigation.
All Kia Sorento years
What is new for the 2017 Kia Sorento?
- Sorento trims have been upgraded with Automated Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- Remote Start features are now available as options on select trims.
- The EX trim now comes with Rear Sunshade and Smart Key as standard equipment.
2017 Kia Sorento trims
L:
Comes with stain-resistant fabric upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, USB port, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and more.
LX:
Adds roof rails, sound-reducing windshield, two USB ports for fast charging, and a 4.3-inch touchscreen.
EX:
Includes 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, keyless ignition and entry, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity.
SX:
Adds a panoramic sunroof, eight-inch touchscreen, blind-spot monitor, LED interior lighting, driver memory settings, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
SX Limited:
Includes leather steering wheel, chrome-clad 19-inch wheels, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, Nappa leather upholstery, and more.
Kia Sorento photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Kia Sorento
1. Great performance
The 2017 Kia Sorento offers three engine options, including a performance-oriented powertrain that provides an exciting ride. The 290-hp, 3.3L V6 engine is the most powerful one in the lineup, with great acceleration as its strong suit. In addition, the 2017 Kia Sorento delivers responsive handling, smooth gear shifting, and precise steering with all available powertrains. On top of being practical and convenient, the Sorento is also fun to drive.
2. Off-road capability
If you enjoy off-road driving, don't miss the 2017 Kia Sorento. With the available all-wheel drive, this SUV can handle various road conditions and different types of terrain with ease. The AWD system is designed to optimize torque distribution based on several parameters, including the angle of the steering wheel, while a differential-lock mode splits the power evenly to improve traction when driving in mud or snow. Plus, the 7.3 inches of ground clearance make it easier for the Sorento to overcome obstacles and uneven terrain.
3. High towing capacity
Utility is probably high on your priority list when looking for an SUV, and the 2017 Kia Sorento delivers. It has good towing ability, allowing you to haul heavy cargo across town or on long-distance trips. The 2.4L four-cylinder Kia Sorento with front-wheel drive can tow an estimated 2,000 lbs, when properly equipped.
4. Plenty of cargo room
There's more than enough room for cargo in the 2017 Kia Sorento. This SUV offers 38.8 cubic feet behind the second row, which increases to 73.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. That's plenty of space for several days' worth of grocery shopping, all your family's suitcases for vacation, sports equipment, tools, and other large items.
5. Advanced tech features
While the standard equipment on the 2017 Kia Sorento provides a nice array of tech features, numerous optional packages can help make every ride even more enjoyable and convenient. The Convenience package on the LX trim offers rear parking sensors, smartphone integration, and more. The Advanced Technology package includes a forward collision mitigation system with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and an electronic parking brake, along with a seven-inch driver information display. In addition, a navigation system, driver memory settings, and premium audio systems are available as options on higher-level trims.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2017 Kia Sorento, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Three rows of fun await your next great adventure in the 2017-2019 Ford Explorer. If you're looking for something with a touch of luxury, consider the 2017-2019 Ford Explorer Platinum trim. Premium leather seating, aluminum, and brown ash trim, a rear-seat entertainment system creates a luxurious experience for everyone inside. In addition, when equipped with either of the V6 engines, the 2017-2019 Ford Explorer can tow up to an estimated 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
A base-model 2017-2019 Ford Explorer includes:
Three rows of seating
A 4.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
A 290-hp 3.5L V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission
The 2017-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is well-suited for zipping the family around town, on long trips out of the city, or taking the grandkids to the campsite. A powerful 3.3L V6 has all the grunt for fun weekends away as well as more practical errands. In addition, an available AWD system improves grip by intelligently putting power to the wheel with the most grip. In corners, it gently applies the brakes to the inside wheels, improving turning performance.
Standard equipment in a 2017-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe include:
A five-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera
YES Essentials stain-resistant cloth seats
LED running lights and taillights
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.3 out of 5
26 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 17 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 5 |
| 3 Stars | 2 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 2 |
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
Limited 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Infinity Sound System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.3L
Horsepower
290
Torque (ft-lbs)
252
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
18.8
Wheelbase
109.4"
Overall length
187.4"
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
P235/55HR19
Rear tires
P235/55HR19
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2017 Kia Sorento FAQ
The 2017 Kia Sorento has 38.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and 73.5 cubic feet when the second-row seats are folded down.
Yes, second-row captain's chairs are available on select Kia Sorento trims. These second-row captain's chairs take the place of the vehicle's standard split-folding bench seat.
The Kia Sorento has four cup holders.
The Kia Sorento has 44.1 inches of front legroom and 39.4 inches of rear legroom.
More about the 2017 Kia Sorento
Exterior colors
Blaze Blue
Ebony Black
Platinum Graphite
Polished Walnut
Remington Red
Sangria
Snow White Pearl
Sparkling Silver
Titanium Silver
Interior colors
Satin Black
Child seat retails
There are two sets of lower LATCH anchors in the second row, as well as in the available third row. You can easily install both rear-facing and forward-facing infant and convertible seats in the second row, as well as a high-back booster seat. The third row also has enough room for a booster seat.
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2017 Kia Sorento received an overall 5/5 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Test: A head-on collision between two similar vehicles traveling at 35 mph.
Overall: 5/5
Side Barrier Crash Rating Test: A vehicle standing in an intersection sustains driver-side impact from a vehicle moving at 38.5 mph.
Overall: 5/5
Side Pole Crash Rating Test: A vehicle slides sideways at 20 mph and impacts a tree or telephone pole.
Overall: 5/5
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