Kia Sorento III (UM) (2014 – 2020)

Reliability score : 6.5/10

The third-generation Kia Sorento (UM) marks a true move upmarket for the Korean manufacturer. Gone is the rustic SUV; this iteration positions itself as a large family SUV (available in 5 or 7 seats) with performance close to the premium segment. Based on a platform shared with the Hyundai Santa Fe, it offers remarkable ride comfort, excellent soundproofing, and rich technological features. A facelift occurred in 2018, bringing a new 8-speed automatic gearbox, aesthetic touches, and enhanced driving aids. While the European market was almost exclusively dominated by the excellent 2.2 CRDi diesel, North American, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets benefited from a wide range of gasoline engines. It is on these latter engines that maximum vigilance is required, due to major reliability issues

✅ Strengths

Gigantic interior space and modularity (true auxiliary 3rd row)
Soundproofing and suspension comfort worthy of the upper segment
Exemplary reliability of the 2.2 CRDi diesel engine
Pleasure and power of the 3.3L V6 (non-European markets)
Unbeatable price/equipment ratio on the used market
7-year manufacturer's warranty (reassuring for end-of-production models)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Disastrous reliability of 4-cylinder gasoline engines (Theta II)
Very high fuel consumption of V6 gasoline versions
Imposing size (4.80 m) making urban parking difficult
Clumsy road handling, focused on comfort at the expense of dynamism
Aging infotainment system on pre-facelift models (2014-2017)

🎯 Verdict

The Kia Sorento III is an excellent family SUV, spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped. However, the choice of engine entirely dictates the buying verdict. If you are looking for a gasoline model, absolutely avoid the 2.4 GDI and 2.0 T-GDI 4-cylinders (Theta II) unless the engine has been recently replaced by Kia with an extended warranty. Their design flaws are too risky. Turn to the 3.3L or 3.5L V6, which is very smooth and generally reliable, although you will have to accept gargantuan fuel consumption. Paradoxically, for this heavy SUV, the best engine remains the 2.2 CRDi diesel, which stands out for its reliability, torque, and relative fuel efficiency.

Common issues

Problèmes moteur (2.4L GDI Theta II): Claquements, consommation d'huile excessive, risque de défaillance des coussinets de bielle. High

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 4 000 – 8 000 € (remplacement moteur)

Vérifier l'historique d'entretien, écouter le moteur, vérifier la consommation d'huile.

Toit ouvrant panoramique: Fuites, grincements, ou défaillance du mécanisme/moteur. Medium

🔧 50 000 – 120 000 km

💶 500 – 1 500 €

Tester l'ouverture/fermeture, inspecter les joints et l'absence de traces d'eau.

Système d'infodivertissement: Bugs logiciels, écran figé, problèmes de connectivité Bluetooth/USB. Low

🔧 Dès le début, ou de manière intermittente.

💶 0 – 800 € (mise à jour logicielle ou remplacement module)

Tester toutes les fonctions multimédia et de connectivité.

Moteur de ventilation (pulseur d'air) / Résistance: Panne ou fonctionnement intermittent du chauffage/climatisation. Low

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 200 – 400 €

Vérifier le fonctionnement de la ventilation à toutes les vitesses.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 140
Timing chain	£650 – 1 300 (si remplacement nécessaire)
Complete brakes	£320 – 600
Estimated annual budget	£650 – 1 300

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