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Kia has been known to make popular SUVs, such as the Sorento. These are the best used Kia Sorento SUV versions to seek out and one worth avoiding. These days, reliability and safety are top priorities for many buyers. What years of this Kia sport utility vehicle deliver on that?

2020 is the best used Kia Sorento SUV year to seek out

The best used Kia Sorento SUV years include this 2020 Sorento
The Kia Sorento SUV in the snow | Kia

When Consumer Reports tested the 2020 Kia Sorento, it had one of the highest reliability verdicts out of all available years. In addition, the owner satisfaction score was good, and the owner reported fuel economy was 23 mpg. The reliability trouble spots such as engine, transmission, and drive system were not an issue with the 2020 Sorento. High notes included attributes like the ride, interior noise, and seat comfort.

Safety systems like forward collision warning (FCW) and lane departure warning (LDW) were optional but not standard. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2020 Kia SUV the Top Safety Pick award. On all IIHS crashworthiness tests, the Sorento received “good” scores.

Average Retail Price: $25,525 – $37,775

2017 is another option for the best used Kia Sorento SUV

The Kia Sorento stands out as another good option. The reliability history and owner satisfaction scores were average, but the scores were higher than in previous years. Owners reported 24 mpg overall, which isn’t bad for this midsize SUV. The 2014 Kia Sorento is a reliable used SUV.

FCW and LDW were optional safety features on the 2017 Sorento. This SUV also received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. That included many top scores on the crash tests. Reliability trouble spots like the engine major, transmission, and drive system received high scores.

Average Retail Price: $17,175 – $25,175

Avoid the 2014 Kia sport utility vehicle, if possible

For the second-generation Kia SUV, the 2014 Sorento missed the mark for reliability and owner satisfaction. The overall fuel economy only came in at 20 mpg, and owners reported issues with the engine and drive system. Consumer Reports noted a stiff ride and poor handling, but it wasn’t all bad news.

2014 was a bit before automakers offered driver assistance features like FCW and LDW. The Kia SUV has electronic stability and traction control, but most modern safety features were not around yet. The IIHS gave it good scores on the crash testing. Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2014 Kia Sorento four and five stars.

Average Retail Price: $11,475 – $14,800

Finding a reliable used SUV can sound daunting, but Kia makes it easy. The Sorento is a midsize SUV with a lot to offer buyers, especially on some of the newer options. If possible, look for one with more Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Most automakers add more safety features yearly, but some have been slow to comply.

This article was updated on 11/5/2022.

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Amanda Cline

Amanda Cline is an avid fan of Formula 1 and joined MotorBiscuit in 2021. A Southwest Floridian, she easily and often finds automotive events to attend in the Tampa, Orlando, and Miami areas.
Amanda is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she earned a Bachelor’s in English Literature and a Master’s in Technical Communication. Combining her editorial and digital media expertise, Amanda served as a content creator for FanSided and now provides our readers with a variety of automotive subject matter like pickup trucks and SUVs, including valuable consumer advice.

Amanda closely follows many F1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Her all-time favorite author is Shel Silverstein.