2018 Kia Sorento review
Kia Sorento highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Convenient size for a three-row SUV
- Plenty of standard features
- Intuitive infotainment system
Cons
- Not as much cargo space as other three-row SUVs
- Third-row seats sized for kids
- Underpowered engine choices
Mileage (EPA estimate)
17 city, 23 highway, 19 combined
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Flexible 2018 Kia Sorento can tackle family duties
Three-row midsize SUVs are great for hauling people and cargo but aren't as economical or maneuverable as smaller compact crossovers. The 2018 Kia Sorento innovatively splits the difference in exterior dimensions and offers an optional third row, which boosts seating from five to seven, though that third row is best suited for small kids.
For 2018, a new SX Limited trim level brings upgraded leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, and advanced driver aids. Also new for this model year is a 10-speaker surround-sound system for the top SX and SX Limited models.
All Kia Sorento years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Kia Sorento generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2018 Kia Sorento?
- New advanced safety features added to all models
- Enhanced infotainment system with larger touchscreen display
- Improved fuel efficiency ratings across the lineup
- Standard all-wheel drive on select models
- Removal of base model trim option
2018 Kia Sorento trims
Curious how Kia Sorento trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesL
A rearview camera, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, air conditioning, YES Essentials cloth seating, Bluetooth streaming, and more.
LX
Adds fast-charging USB ports. The base model for the seven-passenger V6 2018 Kia Sorento.
EX
Adds a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, leather-trimmed seating, a power liftgate, rear parking assist, and more.
SX
Adds an eight-inch touchscreen, voice command navigation, a 10-speaker Infinity™ sound system, a seven-inch driver cluster, and more.
SX Limited
Adds autonomous emergency braking, premium Nappa leather seating, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Kia Sorento photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Kia Sorento
1. Room for the whole family
Regardless of what configuration you get your 2018 Kia Sorento in, there's plenty of room for luggage or hauling large items. When you opt for the five-passenger version, there's an impressive 146.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the front seats. Upgrade to the seven-passenger model, however, and unlock 154.2 cubic feet of space. Note that seven-passenger seating is only available on V6 models. Lastly, get an impressive 38 cubic feet (38.8 in seven-passenger models) of cargo space with all seats upright.
2. A trio of engine options
From spending more time between fill-ups to pulling your favorite towable, the 2018 Kia Sorento's selection of engines is up to the task. It starts with the standard 2.4L four-cylinder, a capable engine that makes 185 hp. A turbocharged 2.0L 240-hp four-cylinder engine is a peppy around-town powertrain. At the top, a 290-hp 3.3L V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission give the 2018 Kia Sorento up to an estimated 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, when properly equipped.
3. Full of functional space
Built for families and active groups, the 2018 Kia Sorento is full of places to store things; cupholders and door pockets abound for easy drink storage. A deep center console bin has plenty of space for stashing away snacks, a purse, or whatever the moment requires. Lift the floor of the trunk to reveal a hidden storage compartment or use the available storage tray to organize items you stash away.
4. Loaded with modern tech
Powered by your smartphone, Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay® connectivity extends your phone's capabilities to the touchscreen at the center of the 2018 Kia Sorento dash (EX trim and up). Modern driver assists, such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, are added with the available Advanced Technology Package. Finally, even the standard 2018 Kia Sorento includes Bluetooth® streaming and a rearview camera.
5. Ready for daily life
Keep up with whatever your day throws at you with the versatile features in a 2018 Kia Sorento. YES™ Essentials cloth seats are comfortable, easy-to-clean, and stand up to daily wear. Front and rear fast-charge USB ports on 2018 Kia Sorento LX and higher make a dead battery quick work. While an available kick-activated tailgate, on EX and better, makes stowing groceries in the back easy as pie. AWD is available on any trim, powering through lousy weather with confident traction in all wheels.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2018 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
If you're looking for a stylish SUV with engines and space for everyday life, look no further than the 2017-2019 Ford Edge. This five-passenger two-row SUV has four engines, including a standard turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
Need space? At 39.2 cubic feet, there's plenty of room for whatever you're taking along for the ride behind the second-row seats. Finally, a 12-speaker Sony® sound system is in Titanium and higher trims.Every 2017-2019 Ford Edge starts with:
A 4.2-inch touchscreen
Air conditioning
Push-button start
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.1 out of 5
17 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 7 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 6 |
| 3 Stars | 2 |
| 2 Stars | 2 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
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
Curious how Kia Sorento trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
SX 4D Sport Utility 2WD
Standard Features
- Power Locks
- Fold-Away Third Row
- ABS Brakes
- Rear View Camera
- Rear Defroster
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Leather Seats
- Traction Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Air Conditioning
- Memory Seat(s)
- Cruise Control
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Sunshade
- Power Mirrors
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Side Airbags
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Alloy Wheels
- Automatic Transmission
- Android Auto
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Navigation System
- AM/FM Stereo
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Infinity Sound System
- Apple CarPlay
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Lane Departure Warning
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
- Remote Start
- Automated Cruise Control
- A/C Seat(s)
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
- Full Roof Rack
- Rear Entertainment System
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
2018 Kia Sorento FAQ
The 2018 Kia Sorento has a six-speed automatic transmission at all trim levels.
The 2018 Kia Sorento LX has less standard equipment than the EX. The EX trim adds standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as driver-assist features.
Yes, at 187.4 inches long, the 2018 Kia Sorento is bigger than the Ford Escape, which measures 178.1 inches.
A panoramic sunroof is standard on the 2018 Kia Sorento SX and SX Limited trims and as part of the EX Advanced Touring Package.
More about the 2018 Kia Sorento
Exterior colors:
Blaze Blue
Ebony Black
Platinum Graphite
Polished Walnut
Remington Red
Sangria
Snow White Pearl
Sparkling Silver
Titanium Metallic
Interior colors:
Ivory Nappa (SX Limited)
Light Gray (SX)
Merlot (SX)
Metallic Nappa (SX Limited)
Satin Black
Stone Beige (LX and higher)
Interior details
From the everyday-life-friendly cloth seating to the luxurious feeling Nappa leather seats, the interior of the 2018 Kia Sorento has something for everyone. When you pick a seven-passenger version, easy-sliding second-row seating makes getting into the rear third-row seats easy. In addition, there's impressive space for luggage and passengers in both five and seven-passenger versions, starting at 38 cubic feet. Finally, surround yourself with luxurious features like heated second-row seats, Nappa leather surfaces, and elegant wood trim in SX Limited models.
Child seat details
The five-passenger version of the 2018 Kia Sorento has three child seat anchors and lower anchors on the two outside seats. However, there are four full LATCH anchors in the seven-passenger 2018 Kia Sorento, two in the second and third-row seats. As a result, tether anchors are easy to get child seats connected to, so installation should be a breeze. Finally, there is plenty of space for a variety of forward or reverse-facing child seats.
Performance
The 2018 Kia Sorento can feel more like a family sedan around town or on the highway despite the SUV's shape and body. Make fewer visits to the pumps without sacrificing power thanks to a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, getting an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined (FWD model).
All 2018 Kia Sorento models get a six-speed automatic transmission, and snow-conquering AWD is available on LX and higher trims. Finally, the well-adjusted suspension and smooth powertrain are comfortable in long highway cruises or the short city errand.Emissions
The 2018 Kia Sorento gets the following EPA-estimated tailpipe emissions:
A FWD and 2.4L four-cylinder engine gets 377 grams per mile tailpipe emissions. The AWD and 2.4L get 397 grams per mile.
The FWD turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder gets 397 grams per mile tailpipe emissions. AWD and turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder get 414 grams per mile.
Equipped with FWD and a 3.3L V6, tailpipe emissions are 436 grams per mile. With AWD, the 3.3L V6 gets 465 grams per mile tailpipe emissions.
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