Is a used Kia Sorento a good deal?
Short answer: A used Kia Sorento can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It loses value faster than average: iSeeCars measures 48% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, which makes a used one a relatively better deal than new. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
Looking at a used Kia Sorento? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Depreciation and value retention
| Age | Depreciation | Value kept | Typical resale value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 25% | 75% | $24,297 |
| 5 years | 48% | 52% | $16,859 |
| 7 years | 60.4% | 39.6% | $12,812 |
| 10 years | 71.2% | 28.8% | $9,331 |
Its class (midsize SUV) averages 46.4% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Kia Sorento resale value.
Recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 428 | Engine (156), Electrical System (68), Structure (55) |
| 2020 | 1 | 136 | Engine (65), Electrical System (20), Power Train (18) |
| 2021 | 4 | 41 | Power Train (17), Engine (17), Electrical System (12) |
| 2022 | 6 | 223 | Power Train (75), Engine (59), Electrical System (41) |
| 2023 | 3 | 161 | Engine (47), Electrical System (47), Power Train (27) |
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Example recall campaigns
- 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches): 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 orig…
- 23V639000 (Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera): Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Sorento vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, water may leak into the rearview camera, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. As such…
- 21V519000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings): Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.…
- 22V760000 (Power Train:automatic Transmission): Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which…
- 25V649000 (Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers): Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.…
Fuel cost
The EPA estimates $1,800–$2,800 per year in fuel for 2022 Kia Sorento versions (24–37 MPG combined across 7 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).
Dealer add-ons to watch for
- Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
- VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
- Nitrogen-filled tires
- Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
- Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
- Window tint, door-edge guards and all-weather mat bundles
- In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing
What to check before you buy
- Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
- Owners report problems most often with: Engine, Electrical System, Power Train. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
- Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price models like this with more room to negotiate.
- Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
- Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
FAQ
Is a used Kia Sorento a good deal?
A used Kia Sorento can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It loses value faster than average: iSeeCars measures 48% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, which makes a used one a relatively better deal than new. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
How much does a Kia Sorento depreciate?
iSeeCars estimates a Kia Sorento loses 48% of its value after five years (25% after three years, 71.2% after ten).
Does the Kia Sorento have recalls?
NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.
Which Kia Sorento year has the most complaints?
Among 2019–2023, the 2019 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (428). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.
How much does a Kia Sorento cost to fuel per year?
The EPA estimates $1,800–$2,800 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.
What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Kia Sorento?
Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.
Looking at a used Kia Sorento? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models