How Long Do Kia Sorentos Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

Published October 16, 2023
in Reliability

With the ongoing popularity of SUVs and crossovers, the midsize SUV segment is a battleground where automotive giants clash, each vying for a larger piece of the market pie. To truly stand out, a vehicle must offer something exceptional. Think of excellent fuel efficiency, a striking exterior design, numerous tech features, or a memorable driving experience. We’re unsure how Kia does it, but the Sorento has certainly hit these key points.

For many owners, the Kia Sorento checks every right box of a great SUV. It’s more fuel efficient than the Telluride; it offers decent power, lots of standard features (even on basic trims), an upmarket interior, and a balanced ride and handling. The Kia Sorento stands out by delivering a premium ownership experience without the premium price tag.

If you’re interested in this midsize SUV in the used car market, you’re likely asking: how long do Kia Sorentos last? A clear understanding of your Sorento’s lifespan can help you budget for future replacements or major repairs. Plus, it gives you valuable insight on whether to sell or to keep driving the SUV at some point.

Today, we discuss the longevity of the Kia Sorento, how many miles it can go, and if it’s a good long-term investment for used car buyers.

Just How Reliable is the Kia Sorento?

How long do Kia Sorentos last? First, we’ll have to evaluate its reliability. A reliable vehicle consistently performs at its optimal level. This means that all its components, from the engine to the transmission, work harmoniously, minimizing premature wear and tear. When a vehicle operates efficiently, it naturally tends to last longer.

Fortunately, the Kia Sorento is a reasonably reliable SUV, according to various websites and owner accounts. As per RepairPal, the Kia Sorento has a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning the 12th rank out of 26 subcompact SUVs. It also has an average annual repair cost of $533, which is much lower than the average for all vehicles. On the other hand, WithClutch has given the Sorento a 44.25 rating, which makes it not so reliable.

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In addition to its reputation of reliability, many owners appreciate Kia’s 7-year warranty. Many Kia Owners Club forum members echo this sentiment. One user shared that their Sorento was perfect from the factory. The only issue they faced was some surface corrosion on a couple of alloys, which the dealer addressed under warranty. Another person mentioned that the Sorento is their fifth Kia, indicating satisfaction with the brand. They highlighted the 7-year warranty as a significant peace of mind. Meanwhile, another user noted several issues they faced with their Sorento, including problems with headlights, the SAT NAV unit, the fuel gauge sender, and the engine management light.

Another thing to remember is that not all Kia Sorento years are reliable. For instance, the 2011 Sorento featured a new unibody construction, bringing many problems. This model suffered from exterior problems (i.e., the door won’t open from outside) and engine issues.

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How Many Miles Can a Kia Sorento Last?

With reliability comes longevity. True enough, the Kia Sorento is a reliable SUV with an impressive life expectancy. The Kia Sorento can easily reach 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance before you need major repairs. This means you can drive this SUV potentially problem-free for an estimated 13 years with an average yearly mileage of 15,000 miles.

In addition to available data from various websites, owners have shared their Sorento’s lifespan in this Reddit thread. One user said they have a 2016 diesel Sorento with approximately 134,000 miles, and it’s running solidly without any issues. Another person claimed to have a 2004 model with 294,000 km, and it’s still running fine. Lastly, one owner suggested that the Sorento might reach up to 250k miles with reasonable care.

As always, before you can hope to reach such high mileage, you must follow regular maintenance schedules and promptly address any issues. So how long do Kia Sorentos last? This SUV can last you a long while with some TLC.

How Many Miles are Too Many for a Used Kia Sorento?

Just because the Sorento has a longer life expectancy, it doesn’t mean you should finalize that deal for that 150k unit you’ve been eyeing. Below is a quick breakdown of what you can expect from a used Kia Sorento based on its mileage:

General tips: Always check the SUV’s history, including any accidents, repairs, and maintenance records. A well-maintained vehicle with higher mileage might be in better condition than a neglected one with fewer miles. Kia offers an extended warranty coverage, so it’s worth looking into this.
Under 50k miles: Practically almost new. Vehicles in this range, if maintained well, should have minimal wear and tear. However, ensure you check the maintenance and service records even with lower miles.
50k to 100k miles: We’re approaching the midlife of your Sorento now. Modern SUVs, including the Sorento, are built to last. Some significant services or replacements might be due around this mileage, such as timing belts or water pumps. Check if these have been done.
Above 100k miles: A comprehensive maintenance history is non-negotiable at this mileage range. Vehicles with this mileage should be priced significantly lower, so insist on a good deal due to potential upcoming repairs or replacements such as the transmission or suspension parts.

Overall, while mileage is a crucial factor, the overall condition and maintenance history of the Kia Sorento are equally important.

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Is a Kia Sorento a Worthy Investment?

How long do Kia Sorentos last? Hopefully, this guide has given you some idea of what to expect with your Sorento’s lifespan. With its impressive reliability scores and potential for high mileage, the Kia Sorento is undoubtedly a worthy investment for used car buyers. Plus, it offers excellent fuel economy, a balanced ride quality, a posh interior, and many standard features. Just make sure to avoid the problematic model years so you can get the most out of your Kia Sorento SUV.

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