Best Car Reviews - 2015 Kia Sorento AWD

Rate this article Choose 1-5 stars.

Introduction

The 2015 Kia Sorento AWD is a midsize crossover SUV aimed at families wanting three-row flexibility, all-weather traction and strong value. This facelifted second-generation Sorento combines a conventional six-speed automatic transmission with available four-cylinder or V6 power, a substantial cabin and an upscale appearance that helped it stand apart from many mainstream rivals.

Design and Exterior Features

The 2015 Sorento has a clean, upright SUV profile with a prominent tiger-nose grille, swept-back headlights and sculpted sides. At about 184 inches long, it is compact enough for daily parking while offering available third-row seating. Updates for this generation included a more polished grille and lighting treatment, revised bumper detailing and a more premium visual character than the earlier model.

All-wheel-drive system for improved traction on wet, snowy and loose surfaces.
Available 17-, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on trim.
Roof rails, rear privacy glass and fog lamps available on selected versions.
Available panoramic sunroof and power liftgate on higher trims.

Interior and Comfort

The Sorento’s cabin is functional and family-focused, with a straightforward dashboard, supportive front seats and useful storage areas. Material quality varies by trim: entry versions use more hard plastic, while higher trims add leather upholstery, wood-look trim, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second row is accommodating for adults, while the optional third row is best reserved for children or occasional use.

Five-seat layout standard, with an available third-row seat for seven-passenger capacity.
Sliding and reclining second-row seating helps balance legroom and cargo space.
Available leather seating, dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Available heated front and second-row seats, plus ventilated front seats on upper trims.

Performance and Handling

This four-cylinder AWD configuration uses Kia’s 2.4-liter gasoline direct-injection engine, rated at 191 horsepower and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It is adequate for commuting and steady highway travel, though a loaded Sorento or a vehicle carrying several passengers benefits from the optional V6. The AWD system adds confidence in poor weather, but this is a comfort-oriented crossover rather than an off-road specialist. EPA ratings for the 2.4-liter AWD model are approximately 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined, equal to roughly 12.4, 9.4 and 11.2 L/100 km respectively; real consumption can rise substantially in winter, traffic or with frequent short trips.

2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline direct-injection engine with 191 horsepower.
Six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability.
All-wheel drive improves grip but adds weight and fuel use.
Comfortable highway ride and composed everyday steering response.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology depends heavily on trim and optional packages. Basic models provide conventional audio controls and Bluetooth availability, while better-equipped Sorentos can include a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, rear-view camera, premium audio and Kia’s UVO telematics and infotainment features. The interface is relatively simple by 2015 standards, although it lacks the newer smartphone integration expected in many modern SUVs.

Available Bluetooth phone and audio streaming.
Available touchscreen navigation and rear-view camera.
Available UVO infotainment and telematics features.
Available Infinity premium audio system and panoramic sunroof.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, multiple airbags and tire-pressure monitoring. Available equipment included a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors and blind-spot detection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2015 Sorento Good ratings in the moderate-overlap front, side, roof-strength and head-restraint tests, but its driver-side small-overlap front result was Poor. Buyers should confirm the equipment and recall status of the specific vehicle by VIN.

Standard electronic stability control and traction control.
Standard front, side and side-curtain airbags.
Available blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.
Available rear-view camera and parking assistance.

Pricing and Variants

In the United States, the 2015 Sorento range began at about $24,900 before destination charges for the front-wheel-drive base model; an AWD four-cylinder version cost more. The lineup included L, LX, EX, SX and Limited trims, with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder serving value-minded buyers and V6 versions offering stronger towing and passing performance. Against rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, the Sorento offered an appealing mix of available third-row seating, equipment and warranty coverage when new.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Available third-row seating in a manageable crossover size.
Confident all-weather traction from the AWD system.
Attractive, mature exterior styling.
Comfortable ride and quiet cruising manners.
Strong equipment availability on upper trims.

Cons

Four-cylinder acceleration can feel slow when fully loaded.
Third row is tight for adults.
Fuel economy trails smaller two-row crossover rivals.
Driver-side small-overlap crash-test performance is weak.
Long-term reliability and engine-history concerns require careful inspection.

Maintenance and Common Issues

Independent repair-cost estimates have placed average annual maintenance and repair spending for a Kia Sorento at roughly $500 to $600, although age, mileage, location and prior care can change this sharply. Commonly reported concerns for this model year or generation include engine knocking, oil consumption or engine failure concerns on some 2.4-liter vehicles; air-conditioning compressor or refrigerant issues; electrical faults involving warning lights, switches or accessories; exterior-lighting or wiring complaints; and ABS hydraulic control unit recall-related fire-risk concerns. A pre-purchase inspection, complete service records and a VIN-specific recall check are essential.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.0/10. Design: 7.5/10 for its still-handsome, practical shape. Comfort: 7.5/10 for ride quality and available features. Performance: 6.5/10 for adequate four-cylinder power but modest loaded acceleration. Technology: 6.5/10 because equipment was competitive for 2015 but is dated now. Safety: 6.5/10 due to useful available driver aids and mixed crash-test performance.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly values the Sorento’s family-friendly packaging, styling and winter usability, while long-term experiences are more mixed. Satisfaction often depends on maintenance history, engine condition and trim level.

Owners often appreciate the comfortable ride and easy daily driving position.
Many value the available third row and flexible interior for children and cargo.
AWD is frequently praised for winter and wet-weather confidence.
Some owners find the four-cylinder engine underpowered with passengers or luggage.
Reliability feedback often stresses checking engine health, recalls and service documentation.

Best Cars in This Category

2015 Honda CR-V AWD
2015 Toyota RAV4 AWD
2015 Mazda CX-5 AWD
2015 Ford Edge AWD
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD

Summary

The 2015 Kia Sorento AWD suits buyers who want a reasonably sized family SUV with available three-row seating, a comfortable ride and useful all-weather capability. It remains appealing as a used vehicle when priced sensibly and supported by detailed maintenance records, but shoppers should prioritize a thorough inspection, confirm open recalls and carefully assess the condition of the 2.4-liter engine before purchase.