DecodedCars2020 Kia Sorento
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 2.4l AWD, V6 AWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 185–290 hp
- Transmission
- automatic, 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 189 in
- Curb weight
- 3,953–4,101 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
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 32 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 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 189 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,953 lb (2.4l AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway), 2% worse than the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 140 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Sorento — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Sorento →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: West Point, Georgia
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4l AWD | 189 in | 74.4 in | 66.5 in | 109.4 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,953 lb | 56/44 |
| V6 AWD | 189 in | 74.4 in | 66.5 in | 109.4 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 4,101 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 | 22 / 29 / 25 | -2% | $2,700 | 363 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -2% | $2,900 | 389 |
| Sorento FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -14% | $3,050 | 413 |
| Sorento AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -15% | $3,350 | 436 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.8% |
| 2020 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15% |
Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Sorento (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2020 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 35 |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2020 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall 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 — 67 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 18 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 17 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 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 2020 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 |
| 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 |
| 2015 Sorento | 23 | 184.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 743 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →