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Used 2012 Kia Sorento Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
99 reviews
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5 out of 5 stars

Got a great used 6cyl coming off lease

Terry Herron, 12/06/2015
updated 01/17/2024
2012 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
80 of 81 people found this review helpful

I got the 6cyl and I'm glad. I've heard since that the 4cyl version has significantly less power and virtually no difference in MPG. I drive daily at 50/50 city and highway and it delivers between 23 and 24mpg over all. Highway only roadtrips get about 28mpg. I consider this good for the size and weight of the vehicle. I've had it almost a year, and it does well on the snowy/icy Minnesota roads. The heated mirrors and parking assist 'tipping' of the mirrors is great. I like the push-button start--I never have to get out my keys--the button on the door handle locks and unlocks the car. The heated and cooled seats are so nice for that instant need for heat or cooling. It would be nice to have at least one more USB port. Some haters say Kia has a 'cheap' feel, but I don't think so. Seats are comfortable and it's SO versatile--you can 6 passengers besides yourself (7 if they're small and you cheat a little), OR you can fold down the seats and have as much room for hauling as a pickup with a topper. 2017 update: I'm still as happy with it as the day I bought it. It has 72,000 on it now. Only one repair--an oil pressure sensor that was under warranty. 2018 update: 87,000 miles on it now. I'm still happy with it, and just replaced the front brake pads. Other than that, just routine maintenance. The dealership would like me to trade it to them and lease a new one, but they can't offer me a new Sorento with the options that I have with a reasonable leasing rate. It will be paid off soon, and will serve me well for many years to come. 2019 update: 93,000 miles now. My backup camera went out during the winter, but $200 bought a new one and got it installed. My first out-of-pocket repair. I would STILL take my 2012 Sorento over the newer ones the dealership keeps trying to get me to trade in on. July 1 2020: I still love my Sorento. It has 102,000 miles on it now. We recently replaced the backup camera for $112. The touch screen has an issue with being very dim in very cold winter weather (Minnesota). Average MPG is 28 in warm weather and 22 in cold. Jan. 4, 2021: 104,000 miles and still no major repairs. Drives like new yet. July 11, 2022: 111,000 miles, mpg still the same. No new repairs, still looks and drives like a new car. July 2023: 118,000 miles. No repairs yet. Still looks & drives like new. I'm retired and drive it once a week or so. January 2024: Still no problems. It's been the loaner for family members when their cars are laid up mostly.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Sorento 2012 LX 2.4 Front Wheel Drive

frjohn42, 05/23/2012
2012 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV w/Convenience Pkg (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
44 of 45 people found this review helpful

I have already driven my Sorento 2,000 miles in 6 weeks and I can say that its a very comfortable ride. Being a big person, 6ft 3in with a offensive lineman's build I am comfortable. I purchased the 4 cylinder front wheel drive, base model w/ convenience package, i.e. park assist on the mirror and auto dimming, remote start, heated seats, cargo net, cargo cover, sorento floor mats. I have been driving with the ac on most of the time and I have been getting about 21-22 miles per gallon city driving and about 25-26 on the highway.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Kia Sorento LX with convenience package and 3rd row seat

motorspeed, 01/05/2012
2012 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV w/Convenience Pkg (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
43 of 44 people found this review helpful

After driving the Sorento for more than 5000 miles I am very satisfied with the car. I've owned a Nissan (350 Z), Subaru (WRX), and Honda (Si). I consider myself a car guy, and now I'm driving an SUV because my family is getting bigger. Recently I did a trip in my Sorento to North Carolina from Fort Lauderdale (780 Miles one way) and was very pleased with the car. Six people plus luggage and the SUV behaved admirably. I really like the steering feel and on center behavior, the solid chassis (car based) and how safe it feels overall in handling. The 2.4 GDI engine feels with enough punch doing the task, and is delivering 23 to 24 miles per gallon. Very good package.

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5 out of 5 stars

KIA SORENTO,GREAT and this is my first non-Volvo!

eggman13, 07/16/2015
updated 07/17/2017
2012 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
37 of 38 people found this review helpful

First of all,since I was 16,all I've owned are Volvos.Several 240's,a 142,Four P1800's.I know quality,RELIABILITY,and quirky style.Due to the demise of Volvo's reliability since 2000,I started to look at other car companies.There are certain options I incist on when it comes to cars.The Sorento has been amazing! I purchased the four cylinder base model.It has Bluetooth,auto transmission,AC,and lots of style.I get asked a lot about my Sorento."How do you like it?" "How much was your car?" I have nothing to say but positive responses.The four cylinder is fine! I average 23mpg and I am an Uber driver.Cars almost never meet the posted MPG.Transmission shifts smoothly.I am at 46k and the ONLY thing I have done is the front brakes.I am due for rears on my next oil change.Still have the original tires with at least a years tread on them.As far as power,this car zips around and feels planted to the ground.I have the base 17" alloys so my tires are a little taller then the 18" rims.The ride quality is firm but comfortable.The one thing about Volvo 240's is the turning radius.It is better then any vehicle ever made accept a fork lift! The Sorento equals the Volvo,and in an SUV?? Amazing...My only concern is that it does have a blind spot on the passenger rear side.Remedy,a $2 mini round dome mirror on the side mirror.Problem solved.I did a Vegas trip last month with four adults,and luggage.I averaged 27mpg,cruised at 80mph,and only had downshifts on the long hill on I-15 for about 30 min.All finishes are factory fresh and I had over 1500 Uber rides last year.I did buy high end Coverking neoprene seat covers since I have beige interior.The best part is I am not even half way through my warranty yet!The only reason to trade it in would be for another Kia Sorento,though I don't care for the new front end styling.A 35k car for a 20k price tag.I'm a believer! Update...5 years if ownership and it still feels like a new car.I have yet to have any problems.One set of brake pads,a battery,and a set of tires is all I've done to this car and I'm at 60k.First tune up coming on next oil change.Turns great,shifts smoothly,front end is tight and still feels as new.Few recalls (3) but minor issues.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.38 out of 5 stars

2012 Sorento SX AWD

wjozz5, 07/12/2011
2012 Kia Sorento SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
80 of 86 people found this review helpful

Our current Sorento is our second SX AWD in 8 months. The first was a 2011 purchased in Nov. and exchanged under our states lemon law in June of 2011 for a 2012 SX AWD. Upon receipt of our new Sorento we noticed a few new features that were welcome improvements. The passenger side power seat, multiple temperature heated and cooled seats and seat/mirror memory are nice additions to a comfortably appointed interior. The cabin is quieter than our previous model. Overall performance and handling are unchanged from the previous year. In comparison to the Highlander and Edge, the Sorento is an exceptional performer. Fuel economy is great. We have high hopes this model will last more than 8 months.

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