CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 27.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 300
Average Price: Around £23,000

Kia Sorento (2015-2019) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Practical interior	Seat Tarraco is better to drive
Third-row seats are roomier than most	It's a big car to park
4WD as standard	Diesel-only engine range

Quick Summary

The Kia Sorento (2015-2019) is a solid, spacious seven-seat SUV that represents excellent value for families requiring extra seating and boot space. This third-generation model features a quality cabin with soft-touch plastics, comfortable front seats, and a well-laid-out dashboard. The second row offers generous head and legroom for three adults, whilst the third row accommodates children or occasional adult passengers. With all three rows in place, the boot offers 142 litres, expanding to 660 litres with the third row folded and 1,732 litres with both rear rows folded—more than the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

The Sorento prioritises comfort over driving dynamics, with soft suspension that absorbs road imperfections effectively. It's powered by a single 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine available with six-speed manual or automatic transmission (upgraded to eight-speed from 2018). Real-world fuel economy ranges from 30-35mpg depending on gearbox choice. The car is well-equipped across all trim levels, from entry-level KX-1 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, to KX-4 with premium features. Four-wheel drive comes as standard on every version, making it an excellent tow car. Running costs are reasonable, with insurance groups 24-27 and servicing every 12 months or 20,000 miles.

Best for: Families needing seven seats, caravan and boat owners, those prioritising practicality and comfort over driving engagement, and buyers seeking a reliable, well-equipped SUV.

Not ideal for: Drivers wanting dynamic handling (like the Seat Tarraco or Skoda Kodiaq), those with limited parking space, or buyers preferring petrol engine options.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Sorento if: You need a practical seven-seater, prioritise comfort and space over driving dynamics, require a reliable tow car, or seek excellent value in the premium SUV segment.

Consider alternatives if: You want engaging handling (Seat Tarraco or Skoda Kodiaq), prefer petrol engines, need superior off-road capability (Land Rover Discovery Sport), or have limited parking space.

Competitive Position: The Kia Sorento (2015-2019) is a strong contender in the seven-seat SUV market, offering exceptional practicality, comfort, and value. Whilst rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq and Seat Tarraco provide more dynamic handling, and the Land Rover Discovery Sport offers superior off-road credentials, the Sorento excels as a comfortable, spacious family hauler with standard four-wheel drive and excellent equipment levels. Its diesel-only powertrain and size may deter some buyers, but for families prioritising practicality and reliability, it represents outstanding value.

Read our full Kia Sorento Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.