The second-generation Kia Sorento (XM) marked a radical turning point for the model. Abandoning the ladder-frame chassis of the first generation, it adopted a unibody structure (shared with the Hyundai Santa Fe). This change transformed it into a modern family SUV, offering improved road handling, lower fuel consumption, and increased comfort, while retaining the ability to accommodate up to 7 passengers. A major restyling (facelift) occurred in late 2012 (2013 model year), bringing not only aesthetic updates but also a new modified platform, new subframes to improve suspension comfort, and mechanical updates. While the diesel engines (very popular in Europe) proved particularly robust, the 4-cylinder gasoline engines (Theta II), predominant in North America, suffered from serious reliabil
The Kia Sorento II (XM) is a vehicle with two faces. In Europe, where it is predominantly sold with the excellent 2.2 CRDi engine, it's a top buy: robust, spacious, and reliable, provided the AWD system is checked for proper functioning. In North America, caution is advised: the widespread 2.4L 4-cylinder (Theta II) is a ticking time bomb. If you're looking for a gasoline model, absolutely prioritize the V6 versions (3.5L or 3.3L), which are much more durable despite their thirst, or ensure that the 2.4L engine has already been replaced by Kia under warranty with the KSDS update performed.