2015 Kia Sorento
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 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, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 184.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,796–4,050 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints743 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 233 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 26 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Kia Sorento is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.3L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-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 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 4% worse than the 2015 small SUV average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 743 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Sorento — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Sorento →
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 FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -4% | $2,900 | 390 |
| Sorento FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -12% | $3,200 | 427 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -7% | $3,200 | 409 |
| Sorento AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | -12% | $3,350 | 449 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Kia Sorento.
Similar 2015 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Kia Sorento (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Honda CR-V | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2015 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
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.
Not every 2015 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 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 — 362 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Structure › Body — 95 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Exterior Lighting — 86 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 76,000 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 2015 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 |
| 2017 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 808 |
| 2016 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 1,258 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →