Kia Sorento III (UM) (2014 – 2020)

Reliability score : 8.2/10

The third-generation Kia Sorento (UM) marks a spectacular move upmarket for the Korean manufacturer. Gone is the rustic off-roader positioning; this Sorento asserts itself as a large family SUV (up to 7 seats) focused on comfort, soundproofing, and technology. Sharing its platform with the Hyundai Santa Fe, it benefited from a late 2017 facelift (2018 model year) bringing slight aesthetic touches, new driving aids, and, above all, an excellent 8-speed automatic gearbox replacing the old 6-speed unit. On the European market, it was almost exclusively distributed with a diesel engine (2.2 CRDi), a unit renowned for its great robustness. Overall generation rating: An excellent choice for large families looking for an affordable and reliable alternative to German premium SUVs, provided you pri

✅ Strengths

Remarkable reliability of the 2.2 CRDi diesel engine
Giant interior space and true modularity (usable 7 seats)
Soundproofing and ride comfort worthy of the upper segment
Unbeatable price/equipment ratio on the used market
Excellent towing capacity (up to 2,500 kg in diesel)
7-year manufacturer's warranty (often still active on later models)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Very high weight (nearly 2 tons) penalizing agility and braking
High fuel consumption in the city, even with diesel
Disastrous reliability of 4-cylinder gasoline engines (Theta II) sold outside Europe
Multimedia system of the early phases (2015-2017) a bit dated
Fragility of the AWD coupler if not maintained

🎯 Verdict

The Kia Sorento III is an exceptional family SUV provided you choose the right engine. In Europe, where the 2.2 CRDi reigns supreme, it is a highly recommended purchase (Verdict: BUY). This diesel engine is one of the most reliable of its generation, capable of handling very high mileages if maintenance is followed. Prioritize facelifted versions (post-2018) equipped with the 8-speed automatic gearbox, which is smoother and lowers highway fuel consumption. However, if you reside in North America or are looking for an imported model equipped with the 2.4 GDI or 2.0 T-GDI 4-cylinder gasoline engines, the verdict radically reverses (Verdict: AVOID) due to major engine failure risks.

Common issues

Encrassement du filtre à particules (FAP/DPF) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 300 – 600 € (nettoyage) ; 1 200 – 2 500 € (remplacement)

Privilégier les longs trajets réguliers pour éviter l'encrassement.

Dysfonctionnement de la vanne EGR (encrassement/blocage) Medium

🔧 70 000 – 120 000 km

💶 150 – 350 € (nettoyage) ; 400 – 800 € (remplacement)

Un nettoyage préventif peut prolonger sa durée de vie.

Problèmes d'injecteurs diesel Medium

🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km

💶 350 – 700 € par injecteur (remplacement)

Utiliser du carburant de qualité et des additifs nettoyants occasionnellement.

Usure prématurée des roulements de roue Low

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 200 – 450 € par roue (remplacement)

Écouter les bruits de roulement, faire vérifier lors des entretiens.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing chain	£650 – 1 300 (si remplacement nécessaire, rare)
Complete brakes	£300 – 580
Estimated annual budget	£550 – 1 100

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.