carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $30,879–$37,668 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2017 Kia Sorento S at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 7.8/10, while Value at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.9/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. Safety is a notable gap at 6.6/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance scores 7.8/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $30,879–$37,668, 19 MPG, seating 7, the Kia Sorento S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2017 Kia Sorento S is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is reliability and technology and safety and value — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 Kia Sorento S ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $30,879 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 14%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Sorento S model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $40,260 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.0/10 | $39,088 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $37,915 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.9/10 | $36,739 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.9/10 | $35,569 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $34,397 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.7/10 | $33,224 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $32,051 | Read review → |
| 2017 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $30,879 | |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $29,706 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.6/10 | $28,533 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.