Search by colour

Which used Kia Sorento should you buy?

The Kia Sorento is a large SUV with seven seats as standard that can comfortably accommodate seven adults. If the seats in the third row aren’t required, they can be folded down to reveal a substantial 600 litres of boot space, making this an excellent family car.

Both the previous Kia Sorento (on sale from 2015 to 2020) and the latest model come with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, which does a good job of powering the car, even with all seats occupied.

The launch of the current Kia Sorento also saw the arrival of a 1.6-litre petrol engine, which is available as a self-charging hybrid or a plug-in hybrid.

The latter offers up to 35 miles of electric range, so it’s ideal for covering the school run or a short daily commute on electric power alone, provided you remember to charge the car before leaving.

Like the other models in the South Korean brand’s range, the Kia Sorento comes with a seven-year warranty, which gives it an edge over its key rivals. 

Read our full Kia Sorento review

What used Kia Sorento trim levels are available?

There’s a wide spread of Kia Sorento trim levels. On the most recent model, the most common specifications are the Kia Sorento 2, the Kia Sorento 3 and the Kia Sorento 4. We’ve also included information on the old KX-1, KX-2, KX-3, GT-Line and GT-Line S trims, as these represent exceptional value for money.

Kia Sorento 2

The entry-level Kia Sorento 2 comes with standard equipment that would cost much more on a pricier upmarket SUV. The list below is based on a model with a hybrid powertrain; the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version comes with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard.

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual-zone air-conditioning
  • Third row air-conditioning
  • Digital instrument cluster
  • Eight-inch touchscreen media system
  • LED headlights
  • Heated seats
  • Reversing camera
  • Smart cruise control
  • Speed limit assist
  • Forward collision avoidance

Kia Sorento 3

The mid-range Kia Sorento 3 trim is the only current version available with the 2.2-litre diesel engine, plus also comes as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Among the kit highlights is Kia’s UVO Connect app, which gives you access to a range of functions including the ability to lock and unlock the doors, find the car in a car park, set the climate control and check the status of the battery.

  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • 10.3-inch touchscreen media system
  • Connected services with Kia’s UVO app
  • Black leather upholstery
  • Keyless entry and go
  • Electric tailgate
  • Ambient lighting
  • Wireless phone charger
  • Heated outer seats (second row)
  • LED headlights (PHEV model)
  • Directional indicators (PHEV model)

Kia Sorento 4

The Kia Sorento 4 is a luxury SUV in all but name, and would be extremely costly if it had a prestige badge on the front. It adds an array of equipment over lesser models, including:

  • Ventilated seats
  • Nappa leather upholstery
  • Slide and tilt panoramic sunroof
  • Customisable head-up display
  • 12-speaker Bose sound system
  • Blind spot monitor

Kia Sorento KX-1

The Kia Sorento KX-1 is the entry-level version of the older model, but you wouldn’t know it when you look at the specification. Your biggest challenge will be finding one, because a lot of drivers upgraded to the mid-range Kia Sorento KX-2 and Kia Sorento KX-3 models.

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Seven-inch touchscreen media system
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Air-conditioning
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Cruise control
  • Automatic headlights
  • Manual air-conditioning

Kia Sorento KX-2

Moving up to the Kia Sorento KX-2 adds the option of an eight-speed automatic gearbox and more equipment, as the list below details:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Black leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Heated outer rear seats
  • Self-levelling suspension
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Sat-nav
  • Ambient lighting
  • USB charger in rear

Kia Sorento KX-3

The Kia Sorento KX-3 offers everything you’ll find on the Kia Sorento KX-2 model, plus much more besides. If you want maximum equipment for the minimum cost, going for this version could be a wise option.

  • LED headlights
  • LED rear lights
  • Keyless entry
  • Keyless start
  • Electric tailgate
  • Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
  • 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Wireless phone charger

Kia Sorento GT-Line

The Kia Sorento GT-Line is the trim to choose if you’re after sportier exterior styling and an upgraded interior. Be aware of the 19-inch alloy wheels, though – they may look the part, but can upset the otherwise excellent ride quality, making the car firmer over potholes and bumps in the road.

  • Sporty styling
  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • Black leather upholstery with white stitching
  • LED rear lights
  • Electrically adjustable front seats
  • Keyless entry 
  • Keyless start
  • Lane keep assist

Kia Sorento GT-Line S

Finally, the Kia Sorento GT-Line S is essentially a Kia Sorento GT-Line with most of the option boxes ticked. It’s a model that’s well worth seeking out if you want a car that looks sporty and has plenty of standard equipment.

  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Rear side window blinds
  • Solar glass
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Electric driver’s seat with four-way lumbar support
  • Wireless phone charger
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system
  • Electric tailgate
  • LED headlights
  • Driver-assistance technology

Is a used Kia Sorento a good buy?

With rival SUVs such as the Skoda Kodiaq and stablemate the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Kia Sorento is competing in a busy area of the market.

It could also feasibly be considered an alternative to upmarket models such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Sweden’s Volvo XC90.

It’s extremely generously equipped, and offers exceptional value for money as a second-hand purchase.

If you need to regularly carry seven adults in comfort, it makes a great choice.