Archived model-year dossier
2018 Kia Sorento
The 2018 Kia Sorento was a mostly unchanged third-generation model that made the third row standard on AWD versions, with used prices from $9,750 at Kelley Blue Book. NHTSA lists three recalls, for a steering crossbar weld, side curtain air bags and tow hitch wiring, plus 254 complaints, 106 of them about the engine. EPA rates it 19 to 24 mpg combined.
Configurations7
Model/option labels3
Combined efficiency19–24 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers3
What changed on the 2018 Kia Sorento
Carvana (opens in a new tab) describes the 2018 Sorento as a mostly unchanged third-generation model rather than a redesign or major refresh. Kia's press site (opens in a new tab) lists third-row seats as now standard on AWD models and a Supervision meter cluster with a 7-inch TFT color LCD.
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) puts used 2018 Sorentos at $9,750 for the L Sport Utility 4D up to $14,400 for the Limited-SXL at a dealership, and lists wheels from 17-inch alloys on the base and LX models, to 18-inch on the EX and 19-inch on the SX. EPA rates the 2018 Sorento at 19 to 24 mpg combined and $2,600 to $3,300 a year in fuel, with front- or all-wheel drive.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists three recall campaigns for the 2018 Sorento. 18V656000 covers a cowl crossbar that may be improperly welded, which could let the steering column separate, and Kia's remedy is to replace the crossbar free of charge. 17V784000 covers a side curtain air bag component that may detach during deployment, and 22V703000 covers 2016 to 2022 Sorentos with a tow hitch harness, where moisture on the circuit board may cause an electrical short and a fire, so owners are advised to park outside until it is repaired.
Owners have filed 254 complaints with NHTSA: engine with 106, exterior lighting with 41, unknown or other with 37, electrical system with 30, steering with 26 and fuel and propulsion system with 13. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) keeps a separate common-problems page for the year, and VinSpectorAI (opens in a new tab) reports the same pattern of engine, headlight and taillight, and electrical complaints.
2018 Sorento against the Santa Fe, Pilot and Highlander
EPA rates the 2018 Sorento at 19 to 24 mpg combined and $2,600 to $3,300 a year in fuel. The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe lists the same 19 to 24 and $2,600 to $3,300, the Honda Pilot 21 to 23 at $2,700 to $2,950, and the Toyota Highlander 22 to 29 at $2,150 to $2,850. The Highlander is the most efficient of the four on EPA figures, and the Sorento ties the Santa Fe at the bottom of the range.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2018 Kia Sorento: 5 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc | FWD | 185 | 178 | 21 / 28 / 24 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| LX | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc | FWD | 185 | 178 | 21 / 28 / 24 mpg | 7 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| EX | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc | AWD | 240 | 260 | 19 / 25 / 22 mpg | 7 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| SX | 3.3-liter V6 (GDI) | Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc | AWD | 290 | 252 | 17 / 23 / 19 mpg | 7 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Limited-SXL | 3.3-liter V6 (GDI) | Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc | AWD | 290 | 252 | 17 / 23 / 19 mpg | 7 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | 3,832 lb | 187.4 in | 66.3 in | 109.4 in | 7.3 in | 37.2 ft | 18.8 gal | 39.5 in | 44.1 in | 2,000 lb | P235/65R17 |
| LX | 3,832 lb | 187.4 in | 66.5 in | 109.4 in | 7.3 in | 37.2 ft | 18.8 gal | 39.5 in | 44.1 in | 2,000 lb | P235/65R17 |
| EX | 4,303 lb | 187.4 in | 66.5 in | 109.4 in | 7.3 in | 37.3 ft | 18.8 gal | 39.5 in | 44.1 in | 3,500 lb | P235/60R18 |
| SX | 4,343 lb | 187.4 in | 66.5 in | 109.4 in | 7.3 in | 37.3 ft | 18.8 gal | 39.5 in | 44.1 in | 5,000 lb | P235/55R19 |
| Limited-SXL | 4,343 lb | 187.4 in | 66.5 in | 109.4 in | 7.3 in | 37.3 ft | 18.8 gal | 39.5 in | 44.1 in | 5,000 lb | P235/55R19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2018 Kia Sorento trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | L | LX | EX | SX | Limited-SXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod connector | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod interface | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | – | Std | – | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||
| Heated front seats | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | – | Opt | Std |
| Heated windshield | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | – | – | Opt | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Third-row seat | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | – |
| Fog lights | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Opt | Opt | – | – | – |
| Proximity keyless entry | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | – | – | Opt | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | – | – | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
7 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38693Sorento AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 21 | 25 | 22 | N/A |
| 38726Sorento AWD | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 19 | 25 | 22 | N/A |
| 38751Sorento AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 17 | 23 | 19 | N/A |
| 38750Sorento FE AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 18 | 25 | 21 | N/A |
| 38689Sorento FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 | N/A |
| 38720Sorento FWD | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 | N/A |
| 38746Sorento FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 18 | 25 | 20 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
3 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2018 Kia Sorento versus the 2017 Kia Sorento?
Model year
Nothing in the certification data changed, so the 2018 Kia Sorento carries the 2017 Kia Sorento's figures forward: 7 certification records labelled Sorento AWD, Sorento FE AWD, Sorento FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI, 2L 4-cyl SIDI, 3.3L 6-cyl SIDI, all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive on regular, rated 19-24 combined MPG/MPGe and an EPA annual fuel cost of $2,600 to $3,300. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 4 for the 2017 to 3 for the 2018.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How do the 2018 Kia Sorento trims differ from one another?
Trims
The LX has a touchscreen as standard equipment over the L. The EX has 240 hp against 185 and AWD instead of FWD and power front seats for driver and passenger, fog lights, front and rear climate zones and 14 more as standard equipment over the LX. The SX has 290 hp against 240 and blind-spot alert, forward collision warning, a panoramic moonroof and 5 more as standard equipment over the EX. The Limited-SXL has heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a surround-view camera as standard equipment over the SX.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q03What size wheels does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?
Wheels and tires
The 2018 Kia Sorento's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the L and LX, 18 inches on the EX and 19 inches on the SX and Limited-SXL. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2017 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2018 Kia Sorento.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Kia Sorento across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Engine and coolingEngine loses power during accelerationSoon →Transmission and drivetrainWhine or howl from a differentialSoon →Brakes, tires and steeringWhy tire pressure drops in cold weatherRoutine →Climate and electricalA fuse keeps blowing after replacementStop driving →Maintenance and fluidsHow to tell whether an engine air filter needs replacementRoutine →Hybrid and electric vehiclesWhy an EV can have a dead 12-volt batterySoon →