DecodedCars2005 Kia Sorento
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD /LX, 4dr SUV 4WD EX/EX Luxury
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 15 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 179.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,255–4,299 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Kia Sorento is a SUV - offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,255 lb (4dr SUV 4WD /LX).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (15 city / 20 highway), 11% worse than the 2005 SUV - average of 18 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 93 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD /LX | 179.9 in | 73.2 in | 71.3 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,255 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD EX/EX Luxury | 179.9 in | 73.2 in | 71.3 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,299 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -11% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Sorento 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 16 | -11% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Sorento 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | -4% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Sorento 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -10% | $4,450 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Kia Sorento under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Kia Sorento (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2005 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2005 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Toyota Highlander | 22 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Kia Sorento.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 37 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Suspension — 14 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 107,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Kia Sorento. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sorento years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sorento | 37 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2025 Sorento | 36 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 136 |
| 2024 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 51 |
| 2023 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 165 |
| 2022 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 228 |
| 2021 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 276 |
| 2020 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 140 |
| 2019 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 434 |
| 2018 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 255 |
| 2017 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 808 |
| 2016 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 1,261 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →