2017 Kia Sorento
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- EX/Limited AWD, EX/Limited FWD, L/LX FWD, LX AWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 185–290 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5–7
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 187.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,704–4,101 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Kia Sorento is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.3L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 188 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,004 lb (EX/Limited AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 1% worse than the 2017 small SUV average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 808 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Sorento →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: West Point, Georgia
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 Sorento configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX/Limited AWD | 187.8 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 109.4 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 4,004 lb | 56/44 |
| EX/Limited FWD | 187.8 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 109.4 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,878 lb | 56/44 |
| L/LX FWD | 187.8 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 109.4 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,704 lb | 56/44 |
| LX AWD | 187.8 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 109.4 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,840 lb | 56/44 |
| V6 AWD | 187.8 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 109.4 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 4,101 lb | 56/44 |
| V6 FWD | 187.8 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 109.4 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,968 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 FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | -1% | $2,800 | 377 |
| Sorento FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -5% | $2,900 | 397 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 22 | -4% | $3,050 | 414 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 22 | -4% | $3,050 | 397 |
| Sorento FE AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -8% | $3,200 | 434 |
| Sorento FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -18% | $3,350 | 436 |
| Sorento AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -17% | $3,550 | 465 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15% |
| 2017 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.8% |


Similar 2017 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Kia Sorento (this car) | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2017 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2017 Subaru Forester | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 Toyota Highlander | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (4)
Trailer Hitches · Sep 19, 2022 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · 70,887 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Risk
- A 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 inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
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 · Sep 21, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V586000 · 62 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail.
- Risk
- If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crankshaft, and, as necessary, replace the engine sub assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC153.
Trailer Hitches · Nov 30, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V862000 · 10,212 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Not every 2017 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Engine — 387 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Exterior Lighting — 118 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Steering — 97 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 47,000 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 2017 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 | 135 |
| 2024 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 51 |
| 2023 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 165 |
| 2022 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 227 |
| 2021 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 275 |
| 2020 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 140 |
| 2019 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 434 |
| 2018 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 255 |
| 2016 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 1,258 |
| 2015 Sorento | 23 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 743 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →