2019 Kia Sorento Used Car Review

The 2019 Kia Sorento is one of the more tempting options in the used midsize SUV market right now, and for good reason. It offers three-row seating, solid features for the price, and a reputation that holds up reasonably well against rivals like the Honda Pilot. But before you hand over your money, there’s a lot you should know about this specific model year.

This review is written for buyers who want a practical family SUV without overpaying, and who want the full picture before committing. Whether you’re shopping in the USA or looking at what the 2019 Sorento offers compared to newer alternatives, here’s what the research and real owner experience actually tells you.

Reliability & Common Issues

The 2019 Kia Sorento gets a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 from RepairPal, which puts it at #12 out of 29 in the compact SUV category. That’s a solid score, but the raw number doesn’t tell the whole story. Owner feedback across KBB, Edmunds, and Cars.com surfaces some patterns you need to know about.

Engine Concerns

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder base engine has a few documented issues. The bigger concern is the V6. Some owners have reported premature engine failure, sometimes as early as 60,000 to 70,000 miles. One KBB reviewer noted their engine went out at just 66,000 miles with no warning, and because they bought the car used with 4,000 miles already on it, they missed out on the powertrain warranty coverage.

That’s a critical thing to understand about the 2019 Kia Sorento if you’re buying used. Kia’s powertrain warranty only transfers fully if the vehicle was purchased new. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is non-transferable. As a second owner, you typically get 5 years/60,000 miles from the original sale date. Do the math on that before you buy.

Suspension & Steering

Consumer Reports flags the front suspension as a known weak point on the 2019 Sorento. Specifically, strut mounts, ball joints, and wheel bearings have come up in owner complaints. One owner described a failed left front strut mount that created a disturbing noise, and said it took multiple dealership visits just to identify the problem correctly.

The V6 AWD trims tend to see more wear here, partly because they carry more weight and often get used more aggressively. If you’re looking at a V6 AWD model, the suspension is the first place to focus your inspection.

Recalls

The 2019 Kia Sorento has two documented recalls. You can verify these yourself through the NHTSA recalls database by entering the vehicle’s VIN. Always check before buying. Make sure any open recalls have been completed, and get the paperwork to prove it.

Tech and Infotainment

Owners consistently flag the navigation system and climate control as frustrating points. The infotainment setup in the 2019 Sorento feels dated compared to what you get in newer vehicles. Not a dealbreaker, but if you’re expecting a seamless tech experience, you might be disappointed. The collision avoidance system has also generated some complaints, with warning lights appearing without obvious cause.

What to Inspect Before You Buy

Never skip a pre-purchase inspection on any used vehicle, and the 2019 Kia Sorento is no exception. Find an independent mechanic, not a Kia dealership, and have them put it on a lift. Here’s what deserves close attention on this specific model.

Under the Hood

Ask for a full engine inspection, especially on V6 models. Check for oil consumption issues, which have been reported on both the four-cylinder and V6 engines. Look for oil residue around the valve cover gaskets and around the front of the engine. A compression test is worth requesting if the mileage is above 60,000.

Check the coolant condition and level. A brown or oily coolant reservoir can hint at a head gasket issue, which is expensive to fix on any SUV.

Suspension Check

With the car on a lift, have your mechanic check the front strut mounts, ball joints, and wheel bearings. These are the documented weak spots on the 2019 Sorento. Any clunking or looseness should be a negotiating point, or a reason to walk away if the seller won’t budge on price.

Also ask to drive the car on a rough road and listen for any rattles or groaning from the front end. That’s the easiest way to catch a failing strut mount before the mechanic even touches it.

AWD System

If you’re looking at an AWD model, make sure the system engages properly. Find a light gravel lot or empty parking lot and test the AWD transfer. Hesitation, grinding, or warning lights on engagement are red flags. The AWD components on this generation can be costly to repair.

Transmission Behavior

The V6 pairs with a six-speed automatic. The four-cylinder uses the same transmission in most trims. What you’re watching for is hesitation on acceleration, hard shifts between gears, or slipping at highway speeds. Any of these can point to a transmission that’s been neglected or abused. Check that the transmission fluid is clean and at the right level.

Run a free VIN lookup before you even go see the car in person. This tells you whether it’s been in accidents, had title issues, or changed hands more times than the seller is letting on.

Fair Price Range

Pricing on the 2019 Kia Sorento varies quite a bit depending on trim, mileage, and whether it’s a front-wheel-drive four-cylinder or a V6 AWD model. Here’s what you’ll typically see in the current used car market.

• Base LX trim with 80,000+ miles: You’ll often find these in the lower price tier, reflecting higher mileage and fewer features. These can be solid value picks if the engine checks out.
• EX or SX trims with 40,000 to 70,000 miles: Expect to pay more here, often significantly more, especially for the V6 AWD configuration. The feature set justifies it, but the extra scrutiny on the engine and suspension is just as important.
• Low mileage examples under 30,000 miles: Rare but out there. These typically command a premium closer to what a newer used model might cost, so compare carefully against 2020 or 2021 Sorento pricing before committing.

Whatever price you’re quoted, factor in the cost of a pre-purchase inspection and any deferred maintenance you might inherit. Use a car loan calculator to make sure the total monthly payment fits your budget before falling in love with a specific vehicle.

Is the 2019 Kia Sorento Worth Buying Used?

The 2019 Kia Sorento is a genuinely capable family SUV, and at the right price, it’s a solid buy. Three-row seating, a refined ride, and a reasonably strong reliability record make it competitive with most other used midsize SUVs at this price point.

The best buyer for this vehicle is someone who wants three rows without paying crossover-segment prices, plans to stay on top of maintenance, and is buying from a seller who can document service history. The V6 AWD trims are the sweet spot for capability, but they’re also where the risk is highest if the engine or suspension has been neglected.

The 2019 Sorento is not the right pick if you’re hoping to rely on transferable warranty coverage. You won’t get the full powertrain protection as a second owner. It’s also a harder sell if you’re buying from someone who can’t show maintenance records, especially on the V6. Walk away from those deals.

You can browse used Kia Sorentos and compare trims across thousands of listings to get a feel for what’s available in your area and what prices look reasonable.

The 2019 Kia Sorento rewards buyers who do their homework. Get the inspection done, check the VIN history, and verify those recalls are closed. Do all of that, and you’re in a much stronger position to make a smart call on one of the more practical used SUVs in this segment.