How Many Miles & Years Do Kia Sorentos Last? (9 Questions Answered)

The Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV ideal for families. Its sporty design and advanced driver-assistance features makes it perfect for long drives.

The Sorento features a mouth-watering infotainment package, including a stereo, Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity. So, you’ll never get bored.

You might want to know the longevity of these elegant SUVs and this article does just that.

Make sure, though, to first read our list of most-common problems with the Kia Sorento generations.

Here’s how long Kia Sorentos last:

You can expect a Kia Sorento to last up to 200,000 miles or more. That means it can serve for about 13 years if you drive about 15,000 miles per year. However, getting to thing round figure requires keeping up with factory-recommended repairs and ensuring you don’t abuse the car.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Kia Sorento?

The average Kia Sorento lasts for 200,000 miles. If you service your vehicle regularly and repair any fault in your car as soon as they appear, your Sorento may last even longer.

In the past, you may not expect a Kia to last 200k miles. However, the company has improved its engineering and quality control and most of their vehicles now enjoy exceptional durability and longevity.

If you wish to drive your Sorento to the 200k miles without any major repairs, make sure to maintain it according to the manufacturer’s recommendation and don’t push the vehicle too much to avoid premature wear and tear of vital components like the engine and transmission.

How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Kia Sorento?

Most Kia Sorentos start rusting about 3 to 4 years after production. According to Kia Sorento owners, corrosion often begins around the tailgate.

Since Kia offers a 5-year limited anti-perforation warranty, the company will probably cover the cost of any rust-related problems within this period.

However, customers may have to pay out of their pocket to fix a vehicle rust problem that occurs outside the warranty period.

How Long Do Kia Sorentos Last Compared to Similar SUVs?

Here is a comparison of the longevity of Kia Sorentos and its competitors:

Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander lasts longer than the Kia Sorento.

While most Kia Sorentos can last an average of 200,000 miles, the Toyota Highlander can last 300,000 miles or more.

And while it costs an average of $489 per year to maintain the Highlander, you need an average of $533 in maintenance costs for the Sorento, according to RepairPal.

Kia Sorento vs. Honda Pilot

Honda Pilots have longer lifespans than Kia Sorentos.

Regular maintenance can earn you as much as 250,000 miles on your Honda Pilot. On the other hand, few Kia Sorentos last an average of 200,000.

RepairPal reports that the Honda Pilot has an average annual maintenance bill of $542, which is just $9 higher than the Sorento’s.

Kia Sorento vs. Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinders are just as durable as Kia Sorentos. Both vehicles last for an average of 200,000 miles, although regular maintenance can increase their lifespan.

This comparison shows that the Kia Sorento is not the most durable car you can get. However, in areas like passenger space and technology, Kia Sorento is one of the best vehicles in its category. So, if your major concern is comfort, consider buying the Kia Sorento.

Also read our article about how long the Kia Soul lasts.

How Reliable Is the Kia Sorento?

Vehicle reliability authorities have conflicting opinions about the Kia Sorento.

According to J.D. Power, the Kia Sorento is a very reliable car. The company ranked the 2021 model an 82 out of 100 in reliability. Even its previous models received top ratings on J.D. Power. Both the 2020 and 2019 Kia Sorento got an 82/100 reliability score each.

On the other hand, Consumer Reports didn’t think the Kia Sorento is so reliable. The 2020 Kia Sorento only got a 1 out of 5 in reliability. 2021 saw the Kia Sorento moving up to a 3/5 reliability rating, which is only about average.

Please also read our article about how long the Kia Niro lasts.

The Best and Worst Model Years for Kia Sorento

According to carcomplaints.com, 2016 is the worst model year for Kia Sorento. The model year received the highest complaints amongst all Sorento models.

The most severe problem that 2016 Kia Sorento users complained about was engine failure. Concerned drivers found it difficult to increase their speed while riding on the highway.

The 2018 Kia Sorento is the best model year. It got a 4/5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports. J.D. Power also rates the 2018 Sorento scored 84/100 in reliability, the highest mark ever awarded to a Kia Sorento model.

Note also that all models produced after 2020 comes with 3-rd row seating as an option. Prior to this year, you have to check our list of Kia Sotentos with 3rd-row seating.

Kia Sorento users applauded the 2018 model for its comfortable ride, luxurious interior, and high-tech features. Owners also expressed their appreciation for the model’s heated seats and quiet ride.

Make sure to also read our article about how long the Kia K900 lasts.

What About Recalls for These Models?

According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Kia Sorento has been recalled 23 times.

The 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years have all been recalled several times.

Kia Sorento Model Year List

Here is a list of model years for the Kia Sorento:

• 2002 Kia Sorento
• 2003 Kia Sorento
• 2004 Kia Sorento
• 2005 Kia Sorento
• 2006 Kia Sorento
• 2007 Kia Sorento
• 2008 Kia Sorento
• 2009 Kia Sorento
• 2010 Kia Sorento
• 2011 Kia Sorento
• 2012 Kia Sorento
• 2013 Kia Sorento
• 2014 Kia Sorento
• 2015 Kia Sorento
• 2016 Kia Sorento
• 2017 Kia Sorento
• 2018 Kia Sorento
• 2019 Kia Sorento
• 2020 Kia Sorento
• 2021 Kia Sorento

Are Kia Sorentos Expensive to Maintain?

Kia Sorentos are not expensive to maintain. It takes about $573 to maintain a midsize SUV annually. In contrast, the average cost of maintaining and repairing a Kia Sorento is $533, according to RepairPal.

How Long Do Kia Sorento Brake Pads Last?

Kia Sorento brake pads can last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles. 

Kia Sorento owners who often drive in heavy traffic may need to change their brake pads at shorter intervals.

You can make your Sorento brake pads last longer if you avoid harsh braking while driving on the highway. According to repairpal.com, Kia Sorento brake pads cost between $204 to $221.

How Long Do Kia Sorento Tires Last?

Your Kia Sorento tire can last up to 50,000 miles before wearing out. To determine whether your tire needs replacement, check the sidewalls of your tires to see if they are breaking apart.

If you rotate your Kia Sorento tires often, they are more likely to retain them for longer. Another way you can increase the lifespan of your tires is by rotating them twice a year.

How Long Do Kia Sorento Transmissions Last?

Most Kia Sorento transmissions last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles. So, you might not need to replace your transmission throughout the lifespan of your vehicle.

Signs like fluid leaks or sluggish acceleration may indicate that your transmission needs attention.

How Long Do Kia Sorento Spark Plugs Last?

You can travel as much as 60,000 miles with your original Kia Sorento spark plugs.

With regular cleaning, you can extend the lifespan of your spark plugs up to 100,000 miles.

What About Insurance Cost for Kia Sorento?

The average annual insurance cost for Kia Sorentos is $165 per month or $1,980 per year, according to finder.com. That said, several factors, such as age, location, credit score, driving history and gender may affect the price of your insurance policy. 

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Kia Sorento

Here are tips to prolong your Sorento’s lifespan:

1. Replace your faulty Kia Sorento components with high-quality parts.
2. Refill your Kia Sorento engine oil after every 7,500 miles.
3. Ask your auto-repairer to inspect your vehicle immediately it displays any warning light.
4. Always service your Kia Sorento at licensed Kia service shops.

Sources

Kia Sorento Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost | repairpal.com

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