Makes›Kia›Sorento›2007

2007 Kia Sorento

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2007 models.

Kia Sorento
Pictured: 2024 Kia Sorento X-Line SX Prestige (facelift), front 12.20.24. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4WD LX Luxury
Engines
3.3L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
Length
180.7 in
Curb weight
4,462 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2007 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2007 Kia Sorento is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.3L 6-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 181 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,462 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 3% worse than the 2007 SUV - average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2007

  • Engines added: 3.3L 6-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl
  • Engine dropped: 3.5L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 16 to 18

Compared with 2006; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2006 Sorento →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD LX Luxury180.7 in74 in71.3 in106.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in4,462 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sorento 2WD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-3%$3,700494
Sorento 2WD3.8L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-9%$3,950523
Sorento 4WD3.8L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-2%$3,950523
Sorento 4WD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-2%$3,950523
Spend $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.6 MPG2007 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2007 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2007 Kia Sorento under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2007 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2007 Kia Sorento (this car)18 MPGNot rated3
2007 Toyota Land Cruiser13 MPGNot rated1
2007 Toyota RAV423 MPGNot rated13
2007 Honda CR-V23 MPGNot rated12
2007 Toyota 4Runner18 MPGNot rated5
2007 Subaru Forester22 MPGNot rated1
2007 Toyota Highlander26 MPGNot rated6

Recalls (3)

Electrical System · Feb 14, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V088000 · 228,829 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Risk
An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 1, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V114000 · 980,377 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Risk
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Sep 7, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V473000 · 10,631 vehicles

Problem
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 SORENTO PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2006 THROUGH NOVEMBER 27, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE TURNED OFF WHEN AN ADULT IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS DESIGNED TO BE TURNED OFF IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES INCLUDING WHEN CHILDREN AND SMALL ADULTS ARE SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THERE IS A CHILD RESTRAINT IN THAT SEAT OR THE SEAT IS NOT OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS), WHICH CLASSIFIES THE OCCUPANT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, MAY MISCLASSIFY AN ADULT PASSENGER AS A CHILD OR CHILD SEAT AND IMPROPERLY TURN OFF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. WHEN THE AIR BAG IS DEACTIVATED THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Risk
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF WHEN THE OCS MISCLASSIFIES AN ADULT PASSENGER. WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF, THE FRONT PASSENGER WILL NOT HAVE THE PROTECTION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAGS IN SOME FRONTAL COLLISIONS, THUS INCREASING THE RISK OF OCCUPANT INJURY.
Fix
KIA WILL UPDATE THE PROGRAMMING IN THE SORENTO OCS CONTROL MODULE AT NO CHARGE. THE RECALL REMEDY IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE UNDER SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC076. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-333-4542.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2007 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

55Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
110,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags15
Electrical System13
Service Brakes12
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)8
Engine5
Exterior Lighting4
Unknown Or Other4
Structure › Body3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/09: 217/10: 118/02: 118/05: 118/07: 118/08: 118/11: 219/03: 219/05: 119/08: 119/09: 120/04: 320/06: 120/07: 120/08: 220/09: 220/10: 221/08: 121/11: 122/03: 122/12: 123/09: 123/11: 124/10: 117/0918/0518/1119/0820/0620/0921/1123/09max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2007 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 15 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Electrical System — 13 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Service Brakes — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 110,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2007 Kia Sorento. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sorento years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Sorento37–Not rated00
2026 Sorento37189 inNot rated29
2025 Sorento36189 in★★★★★4135
2024 Sorento37189 in★★★★★251
2023 Sorento37189 in★★★★★4165
2022 Sorento37189 in★★★★★9227
2021 Sorento37189 in★★★★★5275
2020 Sorento25189 in★★★★★1140
2019 Sorento25189 in★★★★★2434
2018 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★3255
2017 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★4808
2016 Sorento24187.8 inNot rated81,258

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →