Used 2012 Kia Sorento SUV Consumer Reviews
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why me?
Just as we're beginning to really appreciate this car, the rear door handle just falls off. Not such a big deal; however, the cost to repair it is high end, ie...better than $250.oo for plastic parts and labor. We've had this car better than a year with no problems other than weak battery and normal oil changes (normal maintenance). With a older model Optima 2010 with no problems, we're talking bout trading in the Sorento
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20,000 miles and loving it more
Been trouble free, fun to drive, extremely agile in traffic. Meets or exceeds advertised performance numbers. Acceleration and braking awesome. Fuel mileage 30 to 35 MPG (Imperial) in county/town, and 35 to 40 on freeway at 62 to 65 mph, depending on wind. One day's travel actually 625 miles on tank (15 IMP). We know there have been economy problems with some models, but not this one. Ride is firm, but offset by great control in turns and winding roads. V6 is the way to go. Best we've owned.
- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,90077 mi away
- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,900128 mi away
- LX 4dr SUV w/Convenience PkgMSRP: $5,595133 mi away
NOT Impressed
First time ever doing a review, just because I had a bad experience with the Sorento. I was happy at first on what seemed a very good deal. Leather seats plenty of comfort, small frugal engine, but the first thing to go out the window was the promised MPG, very low, way below the expected. The engine is too small for such a heavy vehicle and I am very conservative in my driving. I don't care at all for sports cars and to me a car is just a tool, like a screwdriver. So even for somebody with cero passion for horse power, torque and acceleration, this car seems way underpowered or something. IT feels heavy. We had several problems with the lights going on on the dashboard. Reliability was always a question mark. I was floored when my 4 year old girl got the handle of the read door in her small hand trying to open it? cheap plastic broke. bad design and bad quality together is a recipe for disaster. First and Last KIA car for me and my family.
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Best Value for the Money
We have owned our Kia Sorento for 3 months now. It has exceeded all of our expectations. The car has been flawless and the dealer support has been great. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market for a cross over vehicle. The Sorento EX was almost $10,000 less than the comparable Honda Pilot and much more vehicle for the money than the Honda CRV.
Please avoid this car at all cost
We purchased our Kia used over 3 years ago. We have had nothing but problems with it since a little over a month after we purchased it. We have spent a little over $3k in repairs since we have purchased it. The rear door handle has broken twice, ball bearings in the front tire have broken two times and had to be completely replaced. All of the light sensors on the dash come on for no reason. We have taken it to be repaired 3 times for this alone. Now we can tell there are starting to be engine problems. We kept up with normal maintenance and it doesn’t seem to make a difference. We have purchased several cars and have never had this many problems with a vehicle. Never purchasing a KIA again.
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Rear Passenger Door Won't Open
Purchased 2012 Sorrento Ex in June and 3 days after purchasing it we had problems with the rear passenger door. It would either stick or would not open at all. We had it at the dealership numerous times to try and fix it. The last time we had taken it in they said they were going to order a whole new door panel. We had to wait weeks for it to arrive from Korea. It was finally fixed or so we thought. About 8 weeks later the door will still not open. Presently the door has not opened for close to two weeks now. We have 3 children and feel this suv is not safe to drive. Trying to get Kia to help is very difficult. It is usually days to get a response from them.
2012 KIA Sorento LX AWD
Due to a blown headgasket in my 02 Liberty I had to move up my plans to buy a new car. I had been looking at the 12 Sorento for a few months. I am a very tall person, no way I can fit in a sedan, I have more than enough leg and head room, seats are very comfortable, excellent visibility front and back, 2.4 GDI engine, more than enough pickup to be able to merge into highway traffic. Have to wait for the winter to be able to evaluate the AWD system. Already took a 150 mile trip, estimated 26 mpg city/highway driving. Still too early to do a detailed evaluation, I'll do another post if anything changes.
Still a turd
Don't ever buy Kia! First it was a class action law suit for the timing belt braking. Then it's the gas mileage mix up got way less then it was suppose too. So they send you a credit card with the difference every so offen so nice of them. Now my Kia has 90.000 oil done every 3000 an now it somehow has no oil it at all an prob blew up. An no warning at all. Look it up people Kia oil problems. See for yourself. Kia may fix mine who knows but I doubt it reading the rest of the people with the same exact thing go wrong. BEWARE update Kia did fix mine. Got new motor new trans an new drive train. All was bad. Good thing it blew up lol. An the exhaust manifold has a crack in it by 02 sensor. An now after they fixed it now the ball joints are somehow bad they say. An the front end make a noise like the struts are bad. So I replaced all of it struts balljoints, tie rod ends, hubs, an finally the stabilizer bars on the front an it took care of the sounds. So people it's not the rubber boot on the strut. I changed it all an nothing worked until that. Good luck. update well guess i was right they recalled it for small metal pieces that come loose an cause the car to blow up. Only took them over a year to recall it after mine blew up. What a pos never buy a Kia ever. If so your an idiot like Was.
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A Major Disappointment
After 150 miles the plastic seat belt retainer clips popped out of the interior sides they were supposed to be anchored to. I tried to put them back in but they would eventually pop out again. After 250 miles the engine began to idle rough, the transmission would go "clunk" when shifting up or down at slow speeds, and the car began to vibrate when driving on the highway. After 850 miles the rear view screen in the mirror for the backup camera began to have thick black lines across it. Sometimes the screen would go completely black. The car has only a little over 1000 miles on it, but I dread driving it for fear of having more things go wrong. I will never buy another Kia again.
2.4 GDI w/ convenience package
My wife and I recently purchased a 2012 Sorento. We were very impressed by the performance of the the new GDI engine and have found it more than adequate for getting around the mountains of Colorado. It also handles very well for a crossover. We got the convenience package and the interior is very well laid out and stylish. My only complaint is that the back seat room is a little tight if someone tall is up front, but the sacrifice is worth it for the 3rd row. Compared to other companies, you get so much more standard with Kia (bluetooth, USB, trim, etc.) We just traded in a 2010 Hyundai Tucson with a similar power plant and never had a single issue in 20,000 miles.
Pretty good so far
I'm at just about 2000 miles and thus far, the only issue I've had is with the Bluetooth. The MPG that some people complain about I can understand a little. I can easily achieve 29mpg on highway IF and only IF I travel at speeds of 50mph to 65. The highways around here are sometimes 75-80 and I'll only get 24mpg there. Other than that, pretty good stuff.
Luvn my KIA
I bought my KIA Sorento on Jul 26, 2011. I was not to sure about it at first, but now I love my KIA. I love the fact that now all the kids get to rid. The third row setting really sold me. I get better gas milage with my Sorento than I do in my Acura...didn't think that would be possible. I average 40.00 a week in gas, and that's in stop and go traffic...20.00 dollars more when we take the car...all and all I am happy with "MY KIA..."
Horrible gas mileage
I enjoy owning this car, and I'm satisfied with it in every way, except for the giant gas mileage ripoff. I paid an extra $1700 to buy the "Convenience Package" with the 22 city/32 highway sticker. Now those numbers have been readjusted down to 21/30, which is a big laugh. I drive like an old lady (actually I AM an old lady) and the ECO light is on almost all the time, supposedly reflecting the fact that I don't do any jackrabbit starts, stomp the brakes, etc. My normal driving is a mix of city and highway, and I don't get 21 mpg. I took it on the highway, completely unloaded, with the A/C turned off, and got up to 28 mpg going 65mph on cruise. Big woop. Kia should be closed down!
Great Used Auto
Do your research. Korean cars are very good and match up well with other cars in their class.
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Big Mistake
I bought a 2012 Sorento and only had the car for two months when things started to go really bad with it. Broken axles, motor mounts, transfer case, and the side panel was coming off. Kia fixed these issues because it was covered under warranty. On top of that the SUV did not handle well especially in the rain. I drove it home to DC from Charlotte and we were so thankful we made it safe. I fought with Kia wanting to get another one because that one was a lemon for sure, but they did Nothing! So, I got rid of it and bought another make and model. I do NOT recommend Kia at all. To top it all off, I thought I was saving money, but it wasn't that much cheaper than my new car.
2012 Kia Sorento Looks Nice But Has It's Drawbacks.
About a month after purchasing my new 2012 Sorento Ex with the optional V6 engine I noticed a loud thud almost everytime I started up my suv. I brought the vehicle into the local Kia dealership and they did some updates to the Sorento's computer which did get rid the problem. Also, my Bluetooth doesn't work so I cannot use my samsung phone in the vehicle. Flash forward one year and now I'm experiencing a noticeable lag in acceleration. I told the Kia service manager about the problem and he said to add a bottle of gas treatment. Did that and the problem still exists. I'll be trading in my Kia soon for a more reliable vehicle.
Love This Car. Read Why.
I have had the Sorento SX V6 for a year now and I have not done anything but change the oil. I love the front seat adjustability and the Heated and Air Conditioned drivers seat. Fast for it's size and handles good. Stereo sounds great, bluetooth works good, the a/c control in the back is very welcomed as is the heated steering wheel. I love this car more than any other I have owned except for maybe my first car as a kid, a 1964 Ford Galaxie LTD. I have had Mercedes 420, VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI, Jeep Grand Cherokee, MIsc vans and sports cars but the KIA is the best value!
Could not ask for better
I bought my Sorento 11 months ago and absolutely love everything about it. The features, the design, the ride, gas mileage, etc. In 11 months, I have put 20,000 miles on it and never had any problems. The only thing it has ever gone to the dealership for is oil and tire rotations. I hit a deer about 5 months after having it. I was worried with it being a new car parts would be different, etc. It runs awesome after being repaired and I can't even tell anything is different about it. I love my vehicle, its everything I want. I won't buy anything but Kia from now on due to the service and awesome warranty. Nothing bad to say after having it 20,000 miles, absolutely love it!!!!!!
My girl
Great car for the price a lot of modern technology, sporty and cute I feel very safe driving it. I would another 1 in a heartbeat.
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Oil burning nightmare
This vehicle is terrible from top to bottom. Started using excessive oil and only 75000 miles. My local Kia dealer was virtually zero help. They made me go through an oil consumption analysis only to tell me there wasn’t anything they could do because I was the second owner. Tell your friends not to buy Kia!
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Blown engine
I never had one bit of trouble with this vehicle. Never in the shop for repairs. Engine blown at 73k miles.
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Buy if you don't care about gas mileage
We bought our Sorento the end of July 2011. The first 800 miles we got 32 to 34 highway mpg. After that it dropped to 28 and below. The dealer has checked it twice and they say nothing is wrong and Kia has said that is normal. Really?? We really like the vehicle except for the gas mpg. If the EPA sticker had said highway mileage was 27 mpg it would have been great. I challenge anyone to to get 32 mpg highway with any normal gasoline. Was the computer made to give you great mpg for the first few hundred miles, but if that continued the engine would burn up? So after about 800 miles it gives it a richer mixture? I am planning on contacting the EPA and have them reexamine the Sorento mpg.
Great ride
Good ride, great mileage, been taken care of.
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2012 Kia Sorento
This is my 2nd Sorento. My first one (2011) made a grinding noise when breaking. After confirming it was not the ABS brakes and multiple attempts by the dealership and Kia to repair the car Kia agreed to replace it (with a reasonable charge for the mileage). The 2012 Sorento I purchased as a replacement started making the same noise after approximately 2 weeks. Kia has now says it is a common characteristic of Sorentos but it will not affect the safety or value of my car. Want to buy a 2012 Sorento with less than 10,000 miles that intermittently makes a grinding noise when you stop?
Sorento SX delivers
I am more than pleased with my new Sorento SX. More than anything, I am surprised at the total performance and delivery of this vehicle. More than I ever imagined. Can't wait to try it out on long trips to the beach. I previously owned a Ford Explorer and pretty much always been a fan of Ford. Since I have taken ownership of this vehicle I couldn't be happier with my purchase. After months of research and comparisons I feel like I have made an excellent decision with this purchase.
Falling Out Of Love
Purchased 2012 used in Dec. with less than 5K on odo. Was impressed then with the value. Now at just 8K beginning to realize that this is a good vehicle, not a great one by any means. Probably first and foremost is service, it's just completely lacking, and until KIA becomes a household name it will probably remain so. I am disappointed with the gas mileage, as I am easy on the pedal and am only able to avg. 20MPG combined 50/50. I have made countless calls and visits to the dealer for an engine that "shakes" at idle with the brakes apllied. I have to place car in neutral at every stop light. Problem is, as long as there is no engine light on, no one knows what to do. Stay clear of "4"
Huge disappointment!!!!!
We purchased this vehicle in Dec.'12 and it has been the worst vehicle purchase we have ever made. The fuel economy on this vehicle has been awful. We've been getting 14-17mpg with combined driving, no where near the promised 21-28mpg. Not only that the drive is sluggish, with little power. We have contacted Kia Motor America for support and been told there is nothing they can do even though our Sorento is not performing the way they promise it will. In my experience Kia does not stand behind their promises and I wouldn't recommend the Sorento and we will not buy another Kia. Our Sorento has been a huge letdown and Kia's response to our problems has been an even bigger dissappointment.
Beware of around town driving
We purchased our Kia Sorento new about 6 months ago. Around town I have never gotten over 16 mpg. My lowest has been 13.4 mpg. On the highway i get 31 mpg. I took it back to the dealer and was told I had to to run few more tanks of gas then it would get better. Four more tanks and it remained about 14 mpg. I went back and the head maintenance man said I only averaged 18 mph in the city and that is why it was so low. I told him I did not expect the 22 mpg we were told it would get but had no idea it would be 7 mpg under advertised mpg. The salesman knew all my driving was around town and acted very surprised when I told him the problem. Love the car, but the gas mileage is unacceptable.
My first new car ever - unbelieveable value!
My Sorento actually exceeded the sticker's MPG rating. Super peppy and holds my entire outdoor sound system. My profit as a musician just went up.
Don't buy the 4 Cylinder
Just bought a 2012 Sorento LX with the 2.4L 4 cylinder engine. Took it home and it drove great. It was a little sluggish compared to my 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe with the 3.5L V6 but I thought it would save on gas. I took it to work the next day and didn't even get 20 miles and it wouldn't shift out of first gear. I will be returning it within the 5 day period. Will never buy another 4 Cylinder car.
Disappointed in MPG
I have had my KIA for a month now. The dealer stated that the big reason they are selling so much is because of the MPG up to 32. I am not seeing it. I drive about 120 miles a day and am averaging around 27. I bought it from Southeast Kia in Rockwall, TX. Traded in a Nissan Altima and was getting 32mpg. I hope I didn't make a great mistake with the gas prices would love to get 30 to 32.
2012 AWD Kia Sorento 4 Cyl
Just got my 2012 AWD Kia Sorento LX with GDI engine and love it. I purchased it at Towne Kia, in Denville, NJ, based on a recommendation of a fellow Kia owner. The final purchase price with tax, title taxs etc. was still less than the MSRP of the car so I was very happy. The car is everything I expected andd more, nice pickup, great turning. I looking forwaard to my first long drive.
2012 Kia Sorento EX
Just picked up my first Kia product this past weekend. I was looking for a two wheel drive base EX, but no one seemed to have those, so I "settled" for the AWD. It takes a bit of a hit in MPGs, but for an AWD SUV, it's still getting great mileage. No complaints so far, but we'll see how it holds up over time compared with my usual Nissans.
Gas Mileage
Got my Sorento 4 cyl GDI eng 4 months ago and I have around 3800 miles on it. I purchase the vehicle for fuel effeciency. Well after driving almost 4000 miles I can see that what Kia advertise is not really true.. most of my driving is on highway I keep the speed from 65 to 70 on flat road and the best I can get is 24 to 25 MPG on the hwy... First time trusting KIA and last... I'm going back to Totoya after I drive this vehicle for another 12 months. I went to the dealer and I was told that "I will get this kind of miliage after the engine get some more additional miles".... What 30,000 miles????
Like it but don't love it
Purchased a Sorento 3 months ago: was impressed with mpg promises and warranty. Handles nice and looks sharp, but it's no where near perfection. We have the GDI engine, seems almost sluggish at times. 22-32 mpg promised, the best we can do, even on long trips, is 25, so disappointed in that. One of my biggest complaints is lack of a few basic features: no compass or outdoor temperature reading. (didn't notice on the test drive!) Really? Heated seats, bluetooth, backup camera, and no temp or compass? I miss them more than I thought I would. Also needs more storage. Be thorough and know what you're getting-big variety in pkgs. Like my title says: like it but don't love it. (yet?)
Happy so far!
I purchased my Sorento in January and have had no issues. I get 25mpg around town and 29mpg on the highway, much better than my Sedona. Many family trips and it's delivered on all the promises.
So Far So Good
We traded a Honda CRV (excellent car) in for a new Kia Sorento SX AWD V6, largely because we needed more power to pull a small trailer. So far, we are pleased with the Sorento, which seems luxurious compared to the Honda. It is much quieter (less road noise) and the V6 engine has great acceleration. Still getting used to all the bells and whistles. Some of the controls are not inuitive. Many adjustments, like the mirrors, cannot be made unless the car is in Park. We do not need 3rd row seating, and would have rather had a bit more storage back there, but it was not an option on our model. Have not pulled the trailer yet. So far we get about 20 MPG for city/commuting and about 25 highway.
We Love Our KIA!
We have had our Kia Sorento from Suntrup Kia in St. Louis for about 3 months now. We have been on 2 long trips (one 1600 miles round trip) and the car has performed very well. We love our Kia and will certainly be buying another Sorento in about 5 years.
This Car is Awesome
This car is great, I was first going to get an older model BMW SUV (the X-5 or X-3), no comparrison, the Sorrento its so much nicer and you get more for your money. Its a great looking car and it drives great. I definitely recommended.
2012 Kia Sorento EX AWD
Great car but 3rd row is awful. A full size person cannot fit facing forward. There are no connections in the 3rd row for a child’s car seat
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Factory defect
The best: Very spacious and a lot of technology on board, comfortable and silent. Very versatile for riding on difficult roads and on very stable asphalt. The worst: They have a factory defect in both: the engine and the automatic transmission box. After the 80 thousand km traveled they begin to give this problem. I had to replaced both systems due to the factory problem, the engine at 104 thousand km and the transmission at 127 thousand km. They tell me that the Hyundai Santa Fe of that same year has the same factory defect.
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Love my 2012 Sorento SX!
Not looking for a vehicle, but came across this 2012 Sorento SX 6cyl with 25,000 miles in 7/21. Like new condition, garage kept by elderly lady, all optional features. Too good a deal to pass up!!
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Recalled Road Warrior
Purchased my 2012 Kia Sorento Ex in February 2015 from Seeyle Kia of Battlecreek, Mi. Moved to N.E Georgia in May 2015 and made several trips back to Michigan to visit my children and grandchildren after the move. Only repairs necessary were normal wear and tear, brakes, tires, oil changes, a battery. Until the engine light appeared on March 17,2022. Luckily for me and my financial hardships the repair was covered under the engine recall.
very nice Whip …..
great little SUV with all the bells and whistles. Only downfall is no remote start . Added a after market Remote start, great item
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zoom zoom
great little SUV
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Seats are too narrow
not comfortable to get into the well of the drivers position. long step over the useless running boards to a seat that was way too narrow
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The Little Engine that Could!
No 3rd row. Storage well instead. Has GDI package. Detailed in and out. Mobil 1 used since day 1. Got rid of it for a Pilot Touring w/ Nav & Movies. Pilot electronics much mo' complificated than needs to be tho'.
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Exactly what I was looking for!!!
I needed a 7 seater suv...but I did not want to go over a certain amt. my friend told me to go to yonkers kia. she got one from there and she said they were great. I called and spoke with Jaslyn. she was great and knew that what i needed. I came in and spoke with John I took my car hom.e with me the same day. everything was so nice and professional. the manager said he would make it happen for me and he did. I will tell all my friends and family to go see Yonkers Kia. thanks
Noisy bottom
We purchased this SUV in May of 2014,we drove a month and started getting a thumping noise when you accelerate now it does it when accelerating and some,then it stops.Weve had it to kia 5 times does anyone have any clue what it could be.
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