2016 Kia Sorento
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 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
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 187.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,704–4,101 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 8 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints1,258 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 311 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 22 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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), 2% worse than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1258 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
- New body dimensions: 3.5 in longer, wheelbase +3.1 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Sorento →
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 | -2% | $2,800 | 377 |
| Sorento FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -7% | $2,900 | 396 |
| 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 | -9% | $3,200 | 434 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 418 |
| Sorento FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -19% | $3,350 | 436 |
| Sorento AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -17% | $3,550 | 466 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Kia Sorento.
Similar 2016 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Sorento (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Honda CR-V | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2016 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (8)
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift · Aug 10, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V612000 · 28,065 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016 Sedona and Sorento vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, preventing the shift lever from locking, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.
- Risk
- A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC246.
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.
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.
Seats · Oct 24, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V770000 · 1,408 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured March 3, 2016 to March 21, 2016. The driver's seatback frame may have been produced with inadequate weld joints and, as a result, the seatback may not function as designed in the event of a rear-end collision.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the driver seatback frame could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds and replace the driver seatback frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 9, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC140.
Suspension › Rear · Jun 29, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V480000 · 7,901 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles. A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded.
- Risk
- The improper weld may break, affecting the rear suspension alignment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds at the rear suspension cross-member, replacing the rear cross-member assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service Department at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC137.
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly · Jul 14, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V446000 · 2,587 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 23, 2014, to December 10, 2014. The affected vehicles have a front passenger seat belt whose buckle latch assembly may prevent the front passenger from fastening the seat belt.
- Risk
- If the front passenger seat belt cannot be latched, an occupant sitting in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt buckle cover, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC123.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · Feb 13, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V089000 · 12,361 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to January 29, 2015. Due to an improperly soldered component in the accelerator pedal assembly, the driver may not be able to accelerate the vehicle.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC115.
Not every 2016 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 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 — 696 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 123 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Structure › Body — 106 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,000 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 2016 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 |
| 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 →