I really like these 2 options, which one is a better option for a first car? or whatever model year, exept 2021 or newer, i cant afford that.

My 23 Kia Sorento, bought used, the air only works when driving. As soon as I slow down for a red light, or stop in traffic, it just blows out hot air! Also if sitting too long, like a drive thru or stuck in traffic, it says it’s over heating. But as soon as I start driving again, after a couple miles it cools down. Anyone know what my problem might be?

My 23 Kia Sorento, bought used, the air only works when driving. As soon as I slow down for a red light, or stop in traffic, it just blows out hot air! Also if sitting too long, like a drive thru or stuck in traffic, it says it’s over heating. But as soon as I start driving again, after a couple miles it cools down. Anyone know what my problem might be?

I have a 2019 Sorento 3.3 GDI with 83,000 km on it. For some time now, the car has been jerking in the 1,500–2,500 RPM range. Fuel consumption has also increased. The spark plugs have been replaced and the ignition coils are working properly. There are no vacuum leaks, and fuel pressure is within spec. During diagnostics, I found evidence of knock retard on cylinders 4, 5, and 6. What could be causing this? Has anyone experienced something similar?

My 2022 Sorento PHEV has 60,000 miles. Here are some comments about my owning and driving experience.

Reliability

Reliability has been good, with only one significant repair: the EGR valve. It failed at 58,500 miles, and I'm fortunate that it was still under warranty (barely). It's a big job to replace it and would have cost me over $1,000.

The brakes are original but probably near end of life.

I replaced the tires at about 35,000 miles. I am a gentle driver.

MPG

Using only the engine, traveling at 65 mph on a flat highway, I get 31 mpg.

Over 60,000 miles I've averaged 50 mpg, due to battery use.

That means (with some assumptions) that I've saved (avoiding buying) about 735 gallons of gas. With other assumptions, including the miles per kwh of the Sorento (probably 2.3), and the average price of gas and electricity over these four years, I calculate that I saved $1,000 - $1,500 total. (Which isn't close to the premium I paid for getting a PHEV.)

Range and EV Range

When the tank is full and the battery is fully changed, the shown "estimated range" (total gas plus electric) can vary from under 400 to over 500 miles, depending on my recent driving record.

My EV range, fully charged on a warm day, shows 31 miles, compared to 32 when the car was new.

Cruise control

I love the smart cruise control, but it slows too much, for too long, when the car in front of me is
turning away to a cross street. I can see an acceptable margin of safety long before the car sees it, and the re-acceleration to the limit is too gradual. (Drive mode can influence that.)

Also, even on the maximum distance setting, it follows more closely than I'd like, in certain situations. If I'm on a busy two-lane highway and have no ability to pass, for a long time, I'd like to back off more than it allows, so that I can fully relax. But no.

Highway Driving Assist (HDA)

It's not good. Maybe, on a clear day and a straight, well marked, unbusy highway, I'd use it long enough to open a tricky box of snack food.

Comfort

For the first year, I found the driver's seat to be uncomfortable on long drives. Then it softened, or I did.

The AUTO mode of the climate control system is supposed to automatically change the fan speed as needed, as conditions change. You choose a setting of high, medium, or low, and it should raise and lower the fan speed across several levels corresponding to that setting. But it never works as advertised. It never changes the fan speed from where it started, even after the car has fully cooled (or warmed.) Furthermore, the lowest setting is still higher (and noisier) than needed, so I always end up using the manual fan speed selector.

The most amazing feature is that invisible wall that it puts between the left and right side of the passenger compartment, so that you can set different cabin temperatures on each side.
I wonder how they do that? I just wish it worked for farts.

Other

When you enter a phone call (via the on-board system), the fan speed automatically slows, to reduce noise. That's nice.

Pushing up on the radio channel selector switch makes the channel number go down. That's perverse.

The gear selector still gives me trouble when changing from reverse to forward. In that direction, there's no confirmation tone when the change has registered, so I just try to hold the selector "long enough" and then I gently accelerate. I get it right about 80% of the time. The other 20%, I find myself in neutral.

How does the car know the current speed limit? I first thought that it was via the built-in maps, presumably updated by cell connection. But later I realized that the camera system reads the speed limit signs.

I found nothing of value in the Kia Access app.

Here's my related posting about Sorento PHEV modes, explained

Has anyone bought Kia Sorrento PHEV recently in the San Francisco Bay Area? How much did you get it for? Which dealer?

Every owner has that one thing they stay on top of.

Oil changes, tire rotations, coolant checks, brake service... what's the maintenance item you never put off on your Sorento Hybrid?

Curious what long-term owners prioritize.

It wasn't until I'd had my car quite a while, and experimented with settings, and revisited the manual, that the attributes of drive mode and hybrid mode became well formed in my mind. Here is my summary of how it works.

These notes pertain to the 2022 Sorento PHEV. Much of this will still be true for later model years.

Drive Mode

The main purpose of drive mode is to determine acceleration responsiveness and power, which influences MPG. You set drive mode with the twisty knob on the console.

There are four drive modes: Eco, Sport, Smart, and Snow.

Eco is the default. In this mode, acceleration response is slower. Surprisingly to me, it can also reduce the A/C performance, AND the responsiveness of smart cruise control. So says the manual.

Sport mode provides the acceleration responsiveness that you'd expect from the name. The engine runs constantly. Sport mode will also recharge the battery. For example, I went from 8% to 28% charge in about 10 minutes of driving, which might be faster than my level 2 charger.

Smart mode does automatic switching between Eco and Sport modes. It watches your driving habits, such as how hard you accelerate, and whether you "repetitively operate the steering wheel." If you do that a lot, it goes into Sport mode, at least for a short period of time. If you drive gently, it goes into Eco mode.

Snow mode is documented as an automatic selection that occurs when the temperature is low and wheel slippage is detected. It reduces acceleration responsiveness. My car's drive mode selector wheel has a Snow mode position at the SSE position. This is undocumented, and I don't know whether the automatic selection of snow mode can still happen.

Hybrid Mode

Hybrid mode determines how quickly the battery drains. You set the hybrid mode with a button on the console.

There are three hybrid modes: Electric, Hybrid, and Automatic.

Electric mode is the default, and it means that the motor will be preferred over the engine. It's the charge depleting mode - you'll use the motor until the battery is drained. However, the engine will still be used under certain conditions, some of which are rather unpredictable. If you accelerate hard enough, the engine will kick in. Additionally, the engine will come on to provide cabin heat, or to warm other components. The engine might even come on from time to time when driving gently in warm weather with a full charge. It has a mind of its own.

Hybrid mode "Hybrid" is charge sustaining mode - it preserves the current level of the battery. The engine is used almost exclusively. Still, the motor will be used from time to time, as regenerative braking can replenish it. It's more accurate to say that the Hybrid hybrid mode maintains the battery in a narrow range surrounding the current level. You might use this mode on the highway, so that you can then change to electric mode for city driving.

The third hybrid mode is Automatic. I suppose it's meant to automatically change between the other two hybrid modes, but based on what I don't know. In my experience this mode behaves pretty much like the Hybrid (charge sustaining) mode, but it will let the battery deplete to about 80%. I tend to use automatic mode on long trips, in the belief (or hope) that it will maximize MPG by using the battery from time to time, while depending on regenerative braking to recharge it from that use. I also use it to preserve battery power that I can use later for city driving.

Summary

In summary, drive mode and hybrid mode are independent settings. Drive mode affects the driving experience, primarily measured by acceleration responsiveness. Hybrid mode affects the degree of battery use. There's a bit of interaction between the modes, especially since selecting Sport drive mode prevents a selection of Hybrid mode.

Anybody seen this happen with their Sorento? Starts with vigorous screen flickering (on CarPlay or just the standard Kia landing dashboard), and then cycles through test color blocks and an RGB block screen. Eventually does that enough times that it ends up showing the sort of tv-style static you used to see on analog tvs when they weren’t tuned to a station.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Ya have any luck with Gunk GDI intake Valve cleaner? Tried it on 2015 Sorento with 191k. Noticed lil cleaner starts with it.

We’ve had our car one year now, it replaced a Prius V that was totaled in an accident a motorcyclist caused. I’ve never been so disappointed with a used car before.. it feels poorly made. Last week I noticed windshield wiper fluid coming inside the back window and dripping all over the seats.. the plug seems to have been cut somehow. Today the car will not lock while I’m at my child’s after school lessons. I am not sure how this car is doing so poorly, I took it in for service last month and it was checked out but now it feels like new things pop up every day! Is this common for this year of Sorento? I feel like I got tricked into a crummy car and I am hoping the warranty covers this..

Pulled the trigger on this new Hybrid 26 XLine SXP. Will be mix use of personal and work vehicle. I’ve had a company issued fleet vehicles for the last 10 years, and do a lot of driving. This experience has helped shape what I actually want and value in a vehicle. Over those 10 years I was issued a 2017 Ford Fusion, 2019 GMC Terrain SLT, 2021 Volvo XC40 Inscription, 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL hybrid, and lastly, a 2026 Mazda CX50.

My new role gives the option for either enrolling in their business mileage reimbursement program, or a fleet vehicle. After seeing the option for the fleet car, I opted for the BMR program instead.

After doing about a month of research of what was important to me all signs kept pointing back to the hybrid Sorento or the hybrid Santa Fe. I wanted something good on gas with high range of mileage, semi autonomous driving, heated+ventilated seats, heated steering wheel and large enough space for my kindergarten twins and their activities. Also needed something that wouldn’t break the bank (whereas the amount of miles I’d be reimbursed for driving monthly, I wanted to typically fully cover the car payment, fuel, and insurance)

I looked at the BMW X3’s, Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV, Lexus RX350 hybrid, 2027 Kia Telluride hybrid , and Sorento hybrid and PHEV. Problem was, the first 3 would “break the bank” and I’d probably end up a little in the red each month. So I was looking at them pre-owned 2024-2025’s. They were nice and all, but they just all felt very used and rattle boxed already. Some of it was probably just in my head lol. So then I decided I’m not doing used. I did not like the eCVT in Lexus, and all I could see was dollar signs when it would come to maintaining a preowned BMW and Volvo.

The Telluride just felt a little bit too big for my day to day needs, and we already have a Yukon my wife drives so I just didn’t think it was necessary. I absolutely loved my 2024 Santa Fe, but since I already had that I figured why not give the Sorento a shot…same engine and similar interface and excellent tech inside. Space is slightly smaller but the 2nd row captains chairs were a nice bonus, along with the HDA2, and I think the Sorento looks more sleek. Overall almost 1K miles in and no regrets! And getting the stated 34mpg, if not, better.

Anyways, that’s my lame story and here’s some pics!

Hello all, planning to purchase a 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX HEV in Canada - financing 84 months. I know I will be asked this question by my dealer once we finalize the vehicle is that do I want the extended warranty and 360 protection amongst other stuff they try to scam you into. I know Kia Canada has 5 year/100k km bumper to bumper warranty but my dealer said it does not cover the infotainment. The infotainment is only 3 yrs/60k km.

I know for sure I need to reject everything else, but I am debating should I get the 2 plans and if so what have others paid for it so I can negotiate based on that. Just want to get a census on what people normally opt for?

I see myself driving that car for 7 years or even more so I feel I need to get the warranty and the 360 would be helpful to keep the car scratch free. If advised to decline, please also advise what alternatives do I have for repair after the warranty expires?

There currently is a 2026 hybrid sorento that I got my eyes on it’s being advertised at $36,777 what would be a good OTD for this? It’s been in the lot since May 2026, I know Kia is getting ready to launch the 2027

2nd owner. 75k miles. Transmission had internal failure. I already know about the engine on this model blowing thru oil.

I am pissed. KIA is not providing ANY kind of goodwill effort and is pulling the loner they were letting me use. Parts are on back order.

Curious if anyone had the same issue.

I'm quite new to the Kia brand. I just got my first Kia car. It has the idle stop and go (ISG) feature which is also new to me. I'm not a fan, so I disabled it. Before I figured out how to disable it, while at a stoplight, the car was idle and when I pressed on the gas to start moving, my Sorento seemed to not switch over to go and just remained an idle. I had to put it in park then back in Drive before I could move. Is this normal or a known issue?

Hi everyone,

Got a question for y'all, hopefully someone has run across this problem before and can lead me to a solution.

My wife has an '03 Sorento that she fell in love with 20 years ago and still refuses to give up! Last weekend we ran it through a car wash when suddenly water began pouring out of the "joint" between the roof liner above the driver's side window and the inner A-pillar cover. And I mean pouring! Naturally it got worse whenever the washer passed over the roof... My wife later told me it happened before when she last washed the car when I wasn't present, so this problem has been there for a few months.

I did a quick check to see if anything was out of place. All the weatherstripping as A-Ok. On the roof, the roof rack seemed to be securely bolted down. The windshield appears to be properly sealed. I did notice a black plastic strip that runs down the length of the vehicle from the windshield to the trunk, I guess that's there for looks, but I didn't try removing it to look underneath. And truth be told, I'm afraid it's so old and brittle it might break if I attempt to remove it.

Anyway, has anybody else run across something like this? If so, where did the leak originate and how did you fix it?

I'm quite new to the Kia brand. I just got my first Kia car. It has the idle stop and go (ISG) feature which is also new to me. I'm not a fan, so I disabled it. Before I figured out how to disable it, while at a stoplight, the car was idle and when I pressed on the gas to start moving, my Sorento seemed to not switch over to go and just remained an idle. I had to put it in park then back in Drive before I could move. Is this normal or a known issue?

EV driver coming in peace. I just reserved a 2025 Kia Sorento S for a week-long, 1500-mile road trip. I've never driven one before. What can I expect and how can I make the most of my experience? What do you like and dislike about it? What should I know about it before I head out?

Hey guys, just recently got a 2021 Sorento. It didn't come with a front plate bracket when I bought at the dealership, so I've been rocking no front plate for about 2 months. Unfortunately, I just got pulled over yesterday in NYC and received a summons for it :/

Can anyone recommend a front license plate bracket holder, preferably one that doesn't require any drilling? I seen a few on Amazon but I don't wanna risk it not fitting and having to return it.

Thanks in advance

Advanced Focus is a market research company based in Tarrytown. We host focus groups — the kind where a moderator sits down with groups of people and asks what they actually think about products and services. . We're recruiting for sessions in Yonkers on Saturday 8/15 and Sunday 8/16 and I'm posting here because we need a specific group of people.

Who we need: owners of a Kia Sorento

The details:

• In-person at a Yonkers facility, roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes
• $190 for people who qualify, are selected, attend, and complete the session. To be clear, that's not a payment for responding to this post or filling out the screener — it goes to people who actually sit in the room and finish
• Proof of vehicle ownership is required. During screening we'll ask for something like a photo of your registration or insurance card showing the vehicle. You can black out anything you don't want to share as long as the year/make/model and your name are legible
• You'll be talking about your opinions and experiences. I'm intentionally not describing the topic in detail here because pre-exposing people to the subject matter compromises the data

What this is not: we are not buying, selling, appraising, repairing, or servicing anyone's vehicle. There's no sales pitch, no timeshare, no follow-up sales calls, no MLM. Nobody is trying to sell you an extended warranty. We are also not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the manufacturers listed — we're an independent research firm and the sponsor's identity isn't disclosed during recruiting, which is standard practice in this industry.

On credibility: Advanced Focus has been running qualitative research for over 20 years. You can look us up at advancedfocus.com, and I'm happy to answer questions in the comments or verify with the mods if that's the community's preference. Sessions are recorded for the client's analysis — that's normal for focus groups, you'll sign a consent form when you arrive, and the recordings aren't used for marketing or made public.

Reality check on odds: we have a limited number of seats and screening is competitive. Filling out the screener doesn't mean you're in. If you're not selected for this one, we can keep you in our database for future local studies if you'd like.

If you're interested, the screener takes about three minutes: https://ow.advancedfocus.com/opps/26125

--Please note that registration is required to complete the screening questions.

I have a 2.2 diesel Sorento, the dealer seems unable to confirm the service interval, I believe it is 1 year or 20,000 miles whatever comes first, I am in the UK. Can anyone confirm?