2014 Kia Sorento
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

- 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
Trims
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2014 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX 4dr SUV AWD | 184.3 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 106.3 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,814 lb | 56/44 |
| LX 4dr SUV FWD | 184.3 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 106.3 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,796 lb | 56/44 |
| LX-V6 4dr SUV FWD | 184.3 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 106.3 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 4,035 lb | 56/44 |
| LX-V6/EX-V6/EX-V6luxury/Sx 4dr SUV Aw | 184.3 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 106.3 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 4,050 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 | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | -5% | $3,050 | 398 |
| Sorento 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 413 |
| Sorento 2WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 428 |
| Sorento 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -4% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Sorento 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | -8% | $3,350 | 449 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
| 2014 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |


Similar 2014 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Kia Sorento (this car) | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2014 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2014 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2014 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2014 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2014 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (6)
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.
Not every 2014 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 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 — 385 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Structure › Body — 151 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 134 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 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 2014 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 →