How Long Will A Kia Sorento Last?

Kia Sorentos are among the most popular SUVs in the auto industry. They have a good reputation because of their design, latest technology integration, customized options, and warranty. But how reliable is a Kia Sorento, and how long will it last? 

The Kia Sorento usually lasts at least 200,000 miles. These SUVs are typically highly reliable because of their durability and low maintenance, and the annual repair and maintenance cost for the Kia Sorento is quite low. That said, these cars do tend to drop in value dramatically after a few years. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how long a Kia Sorento lasts on average, whether it’s expensive to maintain, and common problems you may face with this car. 

How Reliable is a Kia Sorento?

Buying a new SUV can be hectic because, aside from the cost, you have to consider many technical aspects. The Kia Sorento has been in production for decades, and each year, a new model is launched with unique features. Most experts will rate a brand new Kia Sorento as an 8/10 car. 

However, the reliability of a Kia Sorento depends on the model. Owners of earlier models report multiple problems like failure of electronic components, issues with the lighting, broken or damaged parts, AC or heater problems, and engine failure. 

You should avoid earlier models if you don’t want to spend your pocket on ridiculous repairs. 

However, you can still buy a Kia Sorento from the 2010s because of its high reliability. In addition, positive reviews from consumers show the 2010 models don’t have the same problems as the earlier models. 

Buying is a good idea if you can afford the latest model. The latest models are equipped with new technological features that boost the car’s reliability. They are also more fuel efficient and have a sleek interior with comfortable seating. 

Before buying a specific Kia Sorento model, it’s best to read consumer reviews on authentic websites thoroughly. 

How Many Miles Will a Kia Sorento Last?

The Kia Sorento is designed to last around 200,000 miles or more, depending on how often you drive and how well you maintain it. Considering the average American drives around 14,000 miles a year, a brand new Kia Sorento can easily last you more than 15 years.  

A well-maintained Kia Sorento can last around 240,000 to 250,000 miles. However, you’ll have to set regular appointments with the mechanic and change the oil regularly if you want your car to last longer. 

Earlier models of Kia Sorento didn’t last very long, and most experienced problems after 5-10 years. However, due to the company’s research innovations, later models have a higher durability and will easily last over ten years.

The general rule is if you look after your car correctly and take care of its maintenance, it may last longer. 

Is Kia Sorentos Expensive to Maintain?

When buying a new car, repair costs are one of the major concerns for any owner. The good news is the Kia Sorento is not very expensive to maintain. These cars are reliable, and you don’t have to make frequent visits to the mechanic for repairs or maintenance. 

Buying a Kia Sorento will cost around $400 to $500 in annual repairs. This is far less than the repair and maintenance cost of other SUVs. So, this is a great option if you’re looking for a cost-efficient SUV. But the maintenance cost may differ for different models, so some may be more expensive to maintain than others. 

Also, the maintenance costs depend on how frequently you use the vehicle and the type of terrain you drive on. For example, if you drive on off-road trails regularly, you’ll have to spend more on maintenance than a city-driven car. 

Common Problems with Kia Sorentos

Even though Kia Sorentos are very reliable, they do develop problems occasionally. In addition, even though Kia has made improvements in the new models, aspects of the car still need refinement. 

Here are some common problems with Kia Sorentos:

Engine Problems

While the idea of choosing your car’s engine can be thrilling, this doesn’t mean you won’t face problems later on. Unfortunately, engine failure is one of the major reliability concerns regarding Kia Sorentos. 

The 2016 model underwent major criticism due to its constant engine failures, and the company had to endure the backlash from its customers. 

Most of the engine failures were due to the internal components of the engine heating up rapidly or due to leakage from the head gasket. Moreover, getting the engine repaired is also very expensive. 

Some early models of the 2000s also had the same engine problems. Fortunately, later models will rarely develop engine problems. 

Headlights Burning Out Quickly

Even though many vehicles have the problem of the headlights burning out quickly, this issue got the early Kia Sorentos under criticism. In this case, the headlights burnt out prematurely, and their internal components melted. 

The good news is that there are few reports of premature headlight burnout for the latest models of Kia Sorento. This is certainly an improvement that allows it to stay reliable. 

Door Malfunction

If the doors of any vehicle don’t work correctly, it can become a severe problem. For example, some 2010s Kia Sorento models had the issue of malfunctioning doors. As a result, some owners could not open the car’s door from the outside. 

This issue became very serious for car owners who had children. In their case, the owners who used the child lock feature became concerned when they could not open the doors of their cars. 

AC and Heater Issues

Many consumers have reported that the AC and heater of the Kia Sorento don’t work correctly. This was because of the faulty compressor of the air conditioning system. 

Some car owners also claimed that turning their AC or heater on made a lot of noise and vibrations. 

The company claims to have improved its new models, but you should consider these issues when buying a new or used Kia Sorento. 

Does a Kia Sorento Hold its Value?

Even though the Kia Sorento is highly recognized as a good quality car in the international market, it doesn’t hold much value after a few years. So if you are someone who doesn’t want to own a car for more than five years, then the Kia Sorento isn’t a good choice for you. 

Unfortunately, it has been estimated that after 4 to 5 years, the value of Kia Sorento will decline by a large margin. According to reports, a new Kia Sorento depreciates around 55% to 61% after a few years. Moreover, if you own a Kia Sorento for ten or more years, it will only retain about 20 to 21% of its original value. 

This means you can’t resell that car at a reasonable price, which puts you at a severe disadvantage in the vehicle market. The Kia Sorento is among the vehicles with the lowest resale value, putting it in the below-average category. 

The only silver lining for this issue is the Kia Sorento is well-reputed in the auto industry for having the most extended warranty, and you won’t have to worry about repairs or high-maintenance fees for a while.