Kia Sorento first generation

Photo: Greg Goebel from Loveland CO, USA / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

The Kia Sorento first generation (2003–2009): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 25 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Model codes: BL

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	Europe	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	4,590–4,690 mm RDW	–
Width	1,890 mm RDW	–
Height	1,720–1,805 mm Traficom	–
Wheelbase	2,700–2,710 mm RDW	2,710 mm
Front track	1,580 mm ASTRA	–
Rear track	1,580 mm ASTRA	–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	1,790–1,959 kg RDW	–
Mass in running order	1,890–2,059 kg RDW	–
Gross vehicle weight	2,455–2,600 kg RDW	–
Towing, braked trailer	2,300–3,500 kg RDW	–
Towing, unbraked trailer	750 kg RDW	–
Seats and space
Seats	5 RDW	–
Doors	4 RDW	–
Performance
Top speed	167–190 km/h RDW	–
Torque	294–392 Nm ASTRA	–

Tyre sizes (most common first): 245/70R16, 225/75R16, 245/65R17

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Traficom type approvals (Finland), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at test	Pass rate	UK average	Tests
13 years and older	58.5% (57.8–59.1)	69.2%	22,986

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Brakes	51.8%	36.4%
Suspension	46.3%	41.6%
Lights and electrics	33.7%	28.8%
Tyres	28.2%	31.2%
Body, chassis and structure	26.4%	18.6%
Noise, emissions and leaks	20.8%	17.1%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

1,499 complaints for model years 2003–2009. 77 crashes · 43 fires · 92 injuries · 6 deaths

Engine 407
Airbags 213
Electrical system 204
Lights 128
Transmission and drivetrain 120
Steering 114

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 25 versions of the Kia Sorento first generation

Show all 25 versions

United Kingdom 8 versions

New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2007–20092.5 CRDi	2.5 L	Diesel	5-speed automatic	8.6 L/100 km NEDC	228 g/km
2007–20092.5 CRDi	2.5 L	Diesel	5-speed manual	7.9–35.8 L/100 km NEDC	209–228 g/km
2008–20093.3 (Facelift)	3.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	10.8 L/100 km NEDC	258 g/km
2003–20062.5	2.5 L	Diesel	5-speed manual	7.7–8.5 L/100 km NEDC	204–226 g/km
2004–20062.5	2.5 L	Diesel	5-speed automatic	8.4 L/100 km NEDC	223 g/km
20063.5	3.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.9 L/100 km NEDC	286 g/km
2003–20043.5	3.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	12.6 L/100 km NEDC	299 g/km
20032.5	2.5 L	Diesel	4-speed automatic	8.9 L/100 km NEDC	238 g/km

United States 12 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2007–20092MODE CLKUP	3.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA	307 g/km
2007–20092MODE CLKUP	3.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Four- or all-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
2007–20092MODE CLKUP	3.8 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
2007–20092MODE CLKUP	3.8 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Four- or all-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
2005–20062MODE CLKUP	3.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km
2004–2006	3.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km
2005–20062MODE CLKUP	3.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Four- or all-wheel drive	15 MPG (15.7 L/100 km) EPA	368 g/km
2004–2006	3.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Four- or all-wheel drive	15–16 MPG (14.7–15.7 L/100 km) EPA	345–368 g/km
2004CLKUP	3.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km
2004CLKUP	3.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Four- or all-wheel drive	15 MPG (15.7 L/100 km) EPA	368 g/km
20032MODE CLKUP	3.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	15 MPG (15.7 L/100 km) EPA	368 g/km
20032MODE CLKUP	3.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Four- or all-wheel drive	15 MPG (15.7 L/100 km) EPA	368 g/km

Canada 5 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2008–2009Sport utility vehicle	3.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.1–13.5 L/100 km 5-cycle	301–311 g/km
2007–2009Sport utility vehicle	3.8 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.7–13.8 L/100 km 5-cycle	315–317 g/km
2004–2006Sport utility vehicle	3.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	14.9–15.2 L/100 km 5-cycle	343–350 g/km
2006Sport utility vehicle	3.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	15.7 L/100 km 5-cycle	361 g/km
2003–2005Sport utility vehicle	3.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	15.3–15.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	352–366 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.