Likes
- MASSIVE 7-year warranty
- Comfortable and enjoyable ride
- High quality interior fit and finish
Used Kia Sorento (UM) review
2015 - 2022
Dislikes
- Infotainment system is showing its age
- Automatic transmission is a little lifeless
Stuff you should know
The 2015-2020 Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV that underwent significant changes and improvements over its production years. It offered a comfortable and versatile driving experience with a well-designed interior and a range of engine options.
In terms of exterior design, the Sorento received a sleek and modern look with a distinctive grille and stylish LED lighting. It featured a longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor, resulting in increased interior space and improved passenger comfort.
The interior of the Sorento was well-crafted and offered a high-quality feel. It had a user-friendly dashboard layout, with intuitive controls and an optional infotainment system with a touchscreen display. The SUV provided ample seating for up to seven passengers with a third-row seat available in certain trims. The second-row seats could also be folded to create additional cargo space when needed.
In terms of safety, the Sorento comes with a 5-star ANCAP rating and offers a range of advanced safety features. These included available features such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview camera.
Importantly, the Kia Sorento comes with a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, so while some of the early models might be out of warranty, a large portion of Sorentos will have some factory support left on them.
What goes wrong
There are reports of the transmission behaving incorrectly following periods of long idling. Specifically, it shifts unpredictably between 20 and 40 mph, and when the vehicle stops at these speeds, it suddenly surges forward.
Some 2015 Kia Sorento owners have experienced issues with the transmission. The problem seems to be related to how the lockup clutch operates within the transmission system. The clutch engagement points, which determine when the clutch is activated, have been set at 62km/h and 80-85km/h. This has led to noticeable problems while driving. Kia Australia has acknowledged this problem and considers it a significant concern.
Some vehicles are facing sudden power loss due to their engine’s dependence on multiple sensors. These sensors send data to the onboard computer to maintain the vehicle’s optimal performance. However, if any of these sensors malfunction, it can cause significant issues and disrupt the vehicle’s normal functioning.
There have been reports of faulty head gaskets.
Recalls:
- June 2017 – 16 units of the Kia Sorento are affected by machining errors during the engine manufacturing process, leading to premature bearing wear within the engine.
- December 2019 – 3,315 units of the 2019 Kia Sorento are affected by a defect in the Frontal Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) software. The braking assist function may not work properly when the vehicle is approaching a stationary vehicle or a pedestrian.
- December 2020 – 630 Kia Sorento units affected by a fuel leak issue from the low-pressure fuel line hose clamp. The defect poses a hazard of engine fires, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities for vehicle occupants and other road users.
- June 2022 – 31,074 units of KIA QL Sportage (2016-2021) and UM Sorento (2015-2020) models are affected by a software issue. The Heater Core Element in these vehicles may operate at a higher temperature than intended, potentially causing damage to the connector. This defect increases the risk of a vehicle fire, posing a hazard that could result in injury or death to occupants or other road users.
- October 2019 – Kia Motors Corporation announced a recall affecting 1,512 units of the 2015 YP Carnival and UM Sorento models. The problem identified was that the shift lock holder in these vehicles may have been produced out of specification, causing the shift lock mechanism to fail to return to the locked position. This defect allows the gear selector to be moved from park without depressing the brake pedal.The hazard associated with this issue is that unintentional movement of the gear selector without applying the brake pedal may lead to a vehicle roll-away. This poses a significant risk of injury or even death to the occupants of the affected vehicles as well
There are reports of the transmission behaving incorrectly following periods of long idling. Specifically, it shifts unpredictably between 20 and 40 mph, and when the vehicle stops at these speeds, it suddenly surges forward.
Some 2015 Kia Sorento owners have experienced issues with the transmission. The problem seems to be related to how the lockup clutch operates within the transmission system. The clutch engagement points, which determine when the clutch is activated, have been set at 62km/h and 80-85km/h. This has led to noticeable problems while driving. Kia Australia has acknowledged this problem and considers it a significant concern.
Some vehicles are facing sudden power loss due to their engine’s dependence on multiple sensors. These sensors send data to the onboard computer to maintain the vehicle’s optimal performance. However, if any of these sensors malfunction, it can cause significant issues and disrupt the vehicle’s normal functioning.
There have been reports of faulty head gaskets.
Recalls:
- June 2017 – 16 units of the Kia Sorento are affected by machining errors during the engine manufacturing process, leading to premature bearing wear within the engine.
- December 2019 – 3,315 units of the 2019 Kia Sorento are affected by a defect in the Frontal Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) software. The braking assist function may not work properly when the vehicle is approaching a stationary vehicle or a pedestrian.
- December 2020 – 630 Kia Sorento units affected by a fuel leak issue from the low-pressure fuel line hose clamp. The defect poses a hazard of engine fires, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities for vehicle occupants and other road users.
- June 2022 – 31,074 units of KIA QL Sportage (2016-2021) and UM Sorento (2015-2020) models are affected by a software issue. The Heater Core Element in these vehicles may operate at a higher temperature than intended, potentially causing damage to the connector. This defect increases the risk of a vehicle fire, posing a hazard that could result in injury or death to occupants or other road users.
- October 2019 – Kia Motors Corporation announced a recall affecting 1,512 units of the 2015 YP Carnival and UM Sorento models. The problem identified was that the shift lock holder in these vehicles may have been produced out of specification, causing the shift lock mechanism to fail to return to the locked position. This defect allows the gear selector to be moved from park without depressing the brake pedal.The hazard associated with this issue is that unintentional movement of the gear selector without applying the brake pedal may lead to a vehicle roll-away. This poses a significant risk of injury or even death to the occupants of the affected vehicles as well as other road users.
There are reports of the transmission behaving incorrectly following periods of long idling. Specifically, it shifts unpredictably between 20 and 40 mph, and when the vehicle stops at these speeds, it suddenly surges forward.
Some 2015 Kia Sorento owners have experienced issues with the transmission. The problem seems to be related to how the lockup clutch operates within the transmission system. The clutch engagement points, which determine when the clutch is activated, have been set at 62km/h and 80-85km/h. This has led to noticeable problems while driving. Kia Australia has acknowledged this problem and considers it a significant concern.
Some vehicles are facing sudden power loss due to their engine’s dependence on multiple sensors. These sensors send data to the onboard computer to maintain the vehicle’s optimal performance. However, if any of these sensors malfunction, it can cause significant issues and disrupt the vehicle’s normal functioning.
There have been reports of faulty head gaskets.
Recalls:
- June 2017 – 16 units of the Kia Sorento are affected by machining errors during the engine manufacturing process, leading to premature bearing wear within the engine.
- December 2019 – 3,315 units of the 2019 Kia Sorento are affected by a defect in the Frontal Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) software. The braking assist function may not work properly when the vehicle is approaching a stationary vehicle or a pedestrian.
- December 2020 – 630 Kia Sorento units affected by a fuel leak issue from the low-pressure fuel line hose clamp. The defect poses a hazard of engine fires, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities for vehicle occupants and other road users.
- June 2022 – 31,074 units of KIA QL Sportage (2016-2021) and UM Sorento (2015-2020) models are affected by a software issue. The Heater Core Element in these vehicles may operate at a higher temperature than intended, potentially causing damage to the connector. This defect increases the risk of a vehicle fire, posing a hazard that could result in injury or death to occupants or other road users.
- October 2019 – Kia Motors Corporation announced a recall affecting 1,512 units of the 2015 YP Carnival and UM Sorento models. The problem identified was that the shift lock holder in these vehicles may have been produced out of specification, causing the shift lock mechanism to fail to return to the locked position. This defect allows the gear selector to be moved from park without depressing the brake pedal.The hazard associated with this issue is that unintentional movement of the gear selector without applying the brake pedal may lead to a vehicle roll-away. This poses a significant risk of injury or even death to the occupants of the affected vehicles as well as other road users.
Should you buy it?
Yes, we’d recommend buying a Kia Sorento. The Sorento combines style, carrying capacity, and sophistication, and many signs point to them performing well in terms of reliability.
If you need a comfortable family hauler with seven-seat flexibility, good towing capacity (as long as you stay within the tow-ball weight limit), and top-notch safety features, the Kia Sorento is a compelling option. It offers excellent value for money in a competitive segment.
Plus, the Kia Sorento comes with a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, so while some of the early models might be out of warranty, a large portion of Sorentos will have some factory support left on them.
Yes, we’d recommend buying a Kia Sorento. The Sorento combines style, carrying capacity, and sophistication, and many signs point to them performing well in terms of reliability.
If you need a comfortable family hauler with seven-seat flexibility, good towing capacity (as long as you stay within the tow-ball weight limit), and top-notch safety features, the Kia Sorento is a compelling option. It offers excellent value for money in a competitive segment.
Plus, the Kia Sorento comes with a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, so while some of the early models might be out of warranty, a large portion of Sorentos will have some factory support left on them.
Should you buy it?
Yes, we’d recommend buying a Kia Sorento. The Sorento combines style, carrying capacity, and sophistication, and many signs point to them performing well in terms of reliability.
If you need a comfortable family hauler with seven-seat flexibility, good towing capacity (as long as you stay within the tow-ball weight limit), and top-notch safety features, the Kia Sorento is a compelling option. It offers excellent value for money in a competitive segment.
Plus, the Kia Sorento comes with a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, so while some of the early models might be out of warranty, a large portion of Sorentos will have some factory support left on them.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
ANCAP Ratings
5 stars (tested 2017)
Body Styles
5 door Wagon
Engines
3.3 litre 6-cylinder engine (Si, SLi, Si Limited)
2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine
3.5 litre 6-cylinder engine (SLi, Si, Sport, GT-Line, AO Edition, Black Edition)
Power
199kW – 3.3 litre 6-cylinder engine (Si, SLi, Si Limited)
147kW – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine
206kW – 3.5 litre 6-cylinder engine (SLi, Si, Sport, GT-Line, AO Edition, Black Edition)
Torque
318Nm – 3.3 litre 6-cylinder engine (Si, SLi, Si Limited)
441Nm – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine
336Nm – 3.5 litre 6-cylinder engine (SLi, Si, Sport, GT-Line, AO Edition, Black Edition)
Transmissions
6-speed Sports Automatic (Si, SLi, Platinum, GT-Line, Si Limited)
8-speed Sports Automatic (SLi, Si, Sport, GT-Line, AO Edition, Black Edition)
Fuel Consumption
7.2 – 10L / 100km
Length
4780 – 4800mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
1890mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
1685 – 1690mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
2780mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
1921 – 2042kg (5 door Wagon)
Towing
750kg (unbraked), 2000kg (braked)
ANCAP Ratings
5 stars (tested 2017)
Body Styles
5 door Wagon
Engines
3.3 litre 6-cylinder engine (Si, SLi, Si Limited)
2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine
3.5 litre 6-cylinder engine (SLi, Si, Sport, GT-Line, AO Edition, Black Edition)
Power
199kW – 3.3 litre 6-cylinder engine (Si, SLi, Si Limited)
147kW – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine
206kW – 3.5 litre 6-cylinder engine (SLi, Si, Sport, GT-Line, AO Edition, Black Edition)
Torque
318Nm – 3.3 litre 6-cylinder engine (Si, SLi, Si Limited)
441Nm – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine
336Nm – 3.5 litre 6-cylinder engine (SLi, Si, Sport, GT-Line, AO Edition, Black Edition)
Transmissions
6-speed Sports Automatic (Si, SLi, Platinum, GT-Line, Si Limited)
8-speed Sports Automatic (SLi, Si, Sport, GT-Line, AO Edition, Black Edition)
Fuel Consumption
7.2 – 10L / 100km
Length
4780 – 4800mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
1890mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
1685 – 1690mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
2780mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
1921 – 2042kg (5 door Wagon)
Towing
750kg (unbraked), 2000kg (braked)
ANCAP Ratings
5 stars (tested 2017)
Body Styles
5 door Wagon
Engines
3.3 litre 6-cylinder engine (Si, SLi, Si Limited)
2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine
3.5 litre 6-cylinder engine (SLi, Si, Sport, GT-Line, AO Edition, Black Edition)
Power
199kW – 3.3 litre 6-cylinder engine (Si, SLi, Si Limited)
147kW – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine
206kW – 3.5 litre 6-cylinder engine (SLi, Si, Sport, GT-Line, AO Edition, Black Edition)
Torque
318Nm – 3.3 litre 6-cylinder engine (Si, SLi, Si Limited)
441Nm – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine
336Nm – 3.5 litre 6-cylinder engine (SLi, Si, Sport, GT-Line, AO Edition, Black Edition)
Transmissions
6-speed Sports Automatic (Si, SLi, Platinum, GT-Line, Si Limited)
8-speed Sports Automatic (SLi, Si, Sport, GT-Line, AO Edition, Black Edition)
Fuel Consumption
7.2 – 10L / 100km
Length
4780 – 4800mm (5 door Wagon)
Width
1890mm (5 door Wagon)
Height
1685 – 1690mm (5 door Wagon)
Wheelbase
2780mm (5 door Wagon)
Kerb Weight
1921 – 2042kg (5 door Wagon)
Towing
750kg (unbraked), 2000kg (braked)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
7 years / unlimited km
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of May 17, 2022.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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