Kia Sorento reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Kia Sorento is a large suv. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 100 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 253 of 442, and 30.2% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is track rod end (3.6% of tests).
Ranked 253 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 22 of 24 large SUVs
In 2024, 35,390 Kia Sorentos aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 30.2% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Kia Sorento is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 14.0% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
30.2%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
14.0%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,800
Typical age at test: 9 years
Kia Sorento MOT failure rate by age
Most common Kia Sorento MOT faults
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.6% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.1% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.0% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5% of tests
- Position lamp: not working2.5% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2% of tests
What the Kia Sorento fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 10.4% | About average |
| Lights and electrics | 10.2% | ▼ 13% less often |
| Brakes | 10.0% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Tyres | 5.9% | ▼ 17% less often |
| Steering | 4.9% | ▲ 2.3× as often |
| Visibility | 3.8% | ▼ 19% less often |
| Body and structure | 3.7% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.0% | ▼ 43% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.9% | ▲ 1.8× as often |
| Wheels | 0.4% | ▼ 11% less often |
What MPG does the Kia Sorento do?
Official economy for the Kia Sorento ranges from 22.4 to 49.6mpg across the 106 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical diesel version manages 42.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Kia Sorento?
Any Kia Sorento first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia Sorento registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carKia Sorento specs and running costs
Official figures for 106 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
22.4–49.6 mpg
CO2
37–299 g/km
Power
132–230 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento '2' 2.2 CRDi 8-speed DCT AWD194 PS · DCT8 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 43.5 mpg | 170g | £200 | 37% |
| Sorento '3' 2.2 CRDi 8-speed DCT AWD194 PS · DCT8 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 42.8 mpg | 173g | £200 | 37% |
| Sorento '4' 2.2 CRDi 8-speed DCT AWD194 PS · DCT8 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 42.8 mpg | 174g | £200 | 37% |
| Sorento '2' HEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD160 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 42.2 mpg | 153g | £200 | 36% |
| Sorento '3' HEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD160 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 40.4 mpg | 158g | £200 | 37% |
| Sorento '4' HEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD160 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 39.8 mpg | 160g | £200 | 37% |
| Sorento 2' PHEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD160 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 176.6 mpg | 37g | £200 | 14% |
| Sorento 3' PHEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD160 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 176.6 mpg | 37g | £200 | 14% |
| Sorento 4' PHEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD160 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 176.6 mpg | 37g | £200 | 14% |
| Sorento 'Edition' 2.2 CRDi DCT AWD142 PS · DCT8 · listed 2024 | Diesel | 42.8 mpg | 173g | £200 | 37% |
| Sorento '3' 2.2 CRDi DCT AWD142 PS · DCT8 · listed 2024 | Diesel | 42.8 mpg | 173g | £200 | 37% |
| Sorento 'Vision' 2.2 CRDi DCT AWD142 PS · DCT8 · listed 2024 | Diesel | 42.8 mpg | 173g | £200 | 37% |
| Sorento 3' 2.2 CRDi DCT AWD148 PS · DCT8 · listed 2024 | Diesel | 42.2 mpg | 176g | £200 | 37% |
| Sorento 'Edition' HEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD132 PS · AT6 · listed 2024 | Hybrid | 38.2 mpg | 168g | £200 | 37% |
| Sorento 'Vision' HEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD169 PS · AT6 · listed 2024 | Hybrid | 38.2 mpg | 167g | £200 | 37% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 106 versions.
What a Kia Sorento costs to fuel
- diesel, typical official 42.2mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Kia SorentoBuying a used Kia Sorento?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Kia Sorento with other large SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Kia models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Kia Sorento reliable?
Its MOT record is about average: the Kia Sorento is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 100 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Kia Sorento?
The most common MOT fault is “Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play”, found in 3.6% of tests. It fails on steering and seat belts and airbags more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Kia Sorento do?
Official economy for the Kia Sorento ranges from 22.4 to 49.6mpg across the 106 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical diesel version manages 42.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Kia Sorento?
Any Kia Sorento first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia Sorento registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 to £790 a year.
›How many Kia Sorentos fail their MOT?
30.2% of Kia Sorentos aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 14.0% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Kia Sorento combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.