Skip to main content

Used 2011 Kia Sorento SUV Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
334 reviews
1...

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4 out of 5 stars

2011 Kia Sorento

redwinejl, 03/28/2015
updated 10/03/2017
2011 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
140 of 147 people found this review helpful

Bought new Aug. 2011. I have 117000 miles with no mechanical problems. I am retired and put many miles on this car going from home to our kid home almost weekly. I did have an alternator replaced on recall, but that is it. I had 60000 mile dealer service performed as well as regular oil changes( I have always used full synethic), and maintain proper tire service. When I bought this car, I would have never thought of buying a Kia, as I did not think they were quality cars, but after owning this one for 4 and 1/2 years, Kia is a quality product and a car company that seems to be doing things right. I think this SUV will continue to serve me well for several more years.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

4 out of 5 stars

Great for the Price!

Jeff Pottberg, 10/19/2015
2011 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
63 of 66 people found this review helpful

Started with a lease of the 2011 Sorento AWD. Was looking for a safe AWD for my daughter to use in college in New England. This model is great in snow and has a very tight turning radius. Didn't get many options as I was looking for a base model under $25K. I ended up buying out the lease and still like to drive it. Just came back from a 3,000 mile road trip with it and even though I have back problems. I found it comfortable to drive for long periods of time.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Solid vehicle, great pricing used.

newaccent2007, 03/08/2015
2011 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
46 of 48 people found this review helpful

We purchased our Pacific blue LX 2.4L with 43k on the odometer. Since that time, we've only had very minor issues. The factory battery went bad at 48K, and now with 81K the sway bars need to be replaced which were cheap to order. I use the vehicle as my company car (contractor) and it now has 81K on it. The factory brakes are still about 30-40%. It's been an incredibly reliable machine, and it's used on and off road and down Amish township roads daily. Tough, durable, and reliable, and cheap to obtain too.

Report Abuse

4.75 out of 5 stars

Best Purchase To-Date

sdolan, 09/29/2014
2011 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
48 of 51 people found this review helpful

Recently bought the 2011 Kia Sorento LX (AWD, 6 speed automatic) and it has been the BEST purchase to-date. It has a truck chassis and so, if you like the feel/ride of a truck you'll enjoy this one. Smooth shift of gears helps enjoy the ride, though you have to watch your speed; 100 kms feels the same as 60 kms and I noticed I speed a little more (accidentally) in this vehicle.

Report Abuse

3.13 out of 5 stars

Nothing but problems

ndskimr, 07/03/2011
2011 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

I have had to car for one year now and everything started out great. I loved the car but as the months went on problems started to arise. First, the car would not shut off. Even when you took the key out and walked away it still ran. Kia fixed the problem, said it was a faulty break relay switch. Now the car at times will reset everything electronic and other times will not start. Kia cannot figure out the problem. The cars transmission will slip at highway speeds causing a bit of a scare. I would not really recommend this car until Kia can get these problems resolved. The car is not the most reliable at times.

Report Abuse
1 out of 5 stars

DO NOT BUY

hwoodward, 03/17/2011
2011 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful

I bought my Sorento in March of 2010 and started having problems with it in May. I have had it in the shop 41 days and counting since then. It will stall going 55-70mph and lose power until you stomp the gas again. Kia has been horrible to us and now they have the vehicle and are not providing us a car to drive because and I quote "this is only a nuissance not a safety issue!" I am a mother of a little boy and they may not care but I do care if something happens with my child in the car. We have turned the case over to BBB and am praying for the best. Do not buy if you want reliablity and service after the sell.

Report Abuse
2.63 out of 5 stars

Unreliable KIA Sorento

subalulf, 03/12/2014
2011 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
65 of 73 people found this review helpful

Our Kia Sorento (EX V6) had to have the transmission replaced at 15,000 miles (not the recalled version). The electrical panels replaced at 25k miles. Mysterious popping noise in axel went un-repaired because they couldn't figure out the issue. Interior component broke prior to 36k. It was supposed to be covered under warranty but local dealer network refused to repair. Claiming it was "broken" and not a factory defect. We did not "break" the part but customers have little recourse if the dealer network performs the evaluation (and damaged the part further during evaluation). In general, Kia corporate and the Kia dealers appear unreliable and unresponsive to multiple mechanical flaws.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Sweeeeeeet Vehicle

guppee, 03/24/2011
2011 Kia Sorento SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful

Purchased Sorento SX AWD in Ebony Blk to replace '06 Sportage EX AWD. Had no problems w/ Sportage, but wanted something a little roomier.So far,(1800 mi.),decision was GREAT! Getting 2 MPG better overall with Sorento than smaller Sportage and performance is far better. Some other reviews of EX and LX models complain of harsh/stiff ride, but the DFD shocks on SX must take care of that, as ride/handling is terrific. Very good value,as any comparable vehicles with same equipment/features run $6--8k more.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Hard to beat this KIA head to head

firstsergeant, 01/18/2014
2011 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

"We bought this vehicle in 2012. My wife drives this SUV on business trips everywhere." Although, most people do not like the harsh ride, it's designed to be a very stable and has a controlled stance. The engine power of the 3.5 is fine. With nearly 280 h.p. this vehicle will deliver. We have accumulated 85,000 miles so far. It's very easy on tires, brakes, and still has the original shocks and struts. The engine, transmission, and driveline are fine. The handling of the car still feels like factory new. We prefer the Bridgestone H/T 684 tires. They wear extremely well and even. The navigation, back-up feature, and interior lighting, (red) are great features. Buy one. Good for 200K.

Report Abuse
3.88 out of 5 stars

Kia? That's right.

cheeks, 01/12/2010
2011 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful

Just purcahsed this vehicle this week and I have to say I never thought about Kia. I wanted a new 4Runner, but I could not get any kind of deal, but sticker plus. I was on the way home when I remembered that the Sorento redisgn for 2011 was to be released so I stop in and took one for a test drive. I am on the road about 40k miles a year for work and need a functional vehicle which will allow me to carry some samples and equipment. The one thing I love about this CUV is that it is large. I opted for the stogage in the back and no third row seating option. I have the 4 cylinder and will average about 24-25 in mixed driving. There are a lot of options for your money, great value. 0%/48.2.9%/60

Report Abuse
1...
Items per page:
10