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2017 Kia Sorento

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

Engine185 hp2.4L 4-cyl
Engine290 hp3.3L 6-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5–7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

L, LXSX, SX LimitedEX

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingSome trims
Forward collision warningSome trims
Blind-spot monitoringSome trims
Lane departure warningSome trims
Adaptive cruise controlSome trims
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startSome trims

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
EX/Limited AWD187.8 in74.4 in67.3 in109.4 in64.2 / 64.6 in4,004 lb56/44
EX/Limited FWD187.8 in74.4 in67.3 in109.4 in64.2 / 64.6 in3,878 lb56/44
L/LX FWD187.8 in74.4 in67.3 in109.4 in64.2 / 64.6 in3,704 lb56/44
LX AWD187.8 in74.4 in67.3 in109.4 in64.2 / 64.6 in3,840 lb56/44
V6 AWD187.8 in74.4 in67.3 in109.4 in64.2 / 64.6 in4,101 lb56/44
V6 FWD187.8 in74.4 in67.3 in109.4 in64.2 / 64.6 in3,968 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 FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24-1%$2,800377
Sorento FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-5%$2,900397
Sorento AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 22-4%$3,050414
Sorento AWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive21 / 25 / 22-4%$3,050397
Sorento FE AWD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21-8%$3,200434
Sorento FWD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20-18%$3,350436
Sorento AWD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-17%$3,550465
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.3 MPG2017 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2017 Kia Sorento SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15%
2017 Kia Sorento SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.8%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2017 Kia Sorento SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2017 Kia Sorento SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2017 Kia Sorento SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2017 Kia Sorento SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2017 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2017 Kia Sorento (this car)24 MPG★★★★★4
2017 Toyota RAV432 MPGNot rated3
2017 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★7
2017 Toyota 4Runner18 MPGNot rated5
2017 Subaru Forester28 MPGNot rated1
2017 Mazda CX-527 MPGNot rated1
2017 Toyota Highlander29 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (4)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2017 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

808Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
13Involved a crash
32Involved a fire
17Injuries reported
47,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine387
Exterior Lighting118
Unknown Or Other104
Steering97
Electrical System93
Fuel/Propulsion System39
Power Train37
Engine And Engine Cooling26
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 724/12: 625/01: 725/02: 725/03: 1125/04: 525/05: 325/06: 1125/07: 725/08: 1625/09: 825/10: 1125/11: 1025/12: 1026/01: 726/02: 626/03: 926/04: 626/05: 526/06: 726/07: 626/08: 726/09: 526/10: 424/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 16

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2017 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 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 — 387 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Exterior Lighting — 118 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  5. Steering — 97 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 47,000 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 2017 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★★★★★4135
2024 Sorento37189 in★★★★★251
2023 Sorento37189 in★★★★★4165
2022 Sorento37189 in★★★★★9227
2021 Sorento37189 in★★★★★5275
2020 Sorento25189 in★★★★★1140
2019 Sorento25189 in★★★★★2434
2018 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★3255
2016 Sorento24187.8 inNot rated81,258
2015 Sorento23184.3 inNot rated3743

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