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2014 Kia Sorento

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 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
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
LX 4dr SUV AWD, LX 4dr SUV FWD, LX-V6 4dr SUV FWD, LX-V6/EX-V6/EX-V6luxury/Sx 4dr SUV Aw
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
Length
184.3 in
Curb weight
3,796–4,050 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints946 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 143 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2014 Kia Sorento is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.3L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,814 lb (LX 4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 5% worse than the 2014 small SUV average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 946 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2014

  • Engine added: 3.3L 6-cyl
  • Engine dropped: 3.5L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG down from 24 to 22
  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Sorento →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–2.4L turbo
Engine–3.3L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

Base/ LXSX

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2014 Sorento configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
LX 4dr SUV AWD184.3 in74.4 in67.3 in106.3 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,814 lb56/44
LX 4dr SUV FWD184.3 in74.4 in67.3 in106.3 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,796 lb56/44
LX-V6 4dr SUV FWD184.3 in74.4 in67.3 in106.3 in63.4 / 63.8 in4,035 lb56/44
LX-V6/EX-V6/EX-V6luxury/Sx 4dr SUV Aw184.3 in74.4 in67.3 in106.3 in63.4 / 63.8 in4,050 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 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22-5%$3,050398
Sorento 2WD2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 21-9%$3,200413
Sorento 2WD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21-9%$3,200428
Sorento 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21-4%$3,200423
Sorento 4WD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20-8%$3,350449
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.1 MPG2014 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2014 Kia Sorento SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.5%
2014 Kia Sorento SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2014 Kia Sorento SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2014 Kia Sorento SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2014 Kia Sorento SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2014 Kia Sorento SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2014 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2014 Kia Sorento (this car)22 MPG★★★★★6
2014 Toyota RAV426 MPG★★★★★7
2014 Honda CR-V26 MPG★★★★★1
2014 Toyota 4Runner19 MPG★★★★★7
2014 Subaru Forester27 MPG★★★★★2
2014 Mazda CX-529 MPG★★★★★3
2014 Toyota Highlander28 MPG★★★★★4

Recalls (6)

Safety advisory: 3 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles

Problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · May 10, 2021 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 21V331000 · 440,370 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Aug 27, 2020 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 20V519000 · 440,370 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
Engine · Dec 19, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 71,653 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Mar 31, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V224000 · 618,160 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Aug 13, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V356000 · 9,345 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors Corp. is recalling certain model year 2014 front wheel drive Sorento vehicles manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 12, 2013; and equipped with 2.4 liter engines. Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture.
Risk
A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 . Kia's recall number is SC099.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2014 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

946Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
19Involved a crash
45Involved a fire
20Injuries reported
80,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine385
Structure › Body151
Unknown Or Other146
Electrical System134
Exterior Lighting77
Power Train67
Air Bags49
Fuel/Propulsion System46
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/09: 524/10: 424/11: 124/12: 425/01: 725/02: 525/03: 625/04: 225/06: 225/07: 525/08: 325/09: 325/10: 525/11: 526/01: 626/02: 426/03: 226/04: 126/05: 426/06: 726/07: 626/08: 226/09: 426/10: 124/0924/1225/0325/0725/1026/0226/0526/08max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2014 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 385 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Structure › Body — 151 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  5. Electrical System — 134 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 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★★★★★4136
2024 Sorento37189 in★★★★★251
2023 Sorento37189 in★★★★★4165
2022 Sorento37189 in★★★★★9228
2021 Sorento37189 in★★★★★5276
2020 Sorento25189 in★★★★★1140
2019 Sorento25189 in★★★★★2434
2018 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★3255
2017 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★4808
2016 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★81,261

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