Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2017 Kia Sorento S
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 →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
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%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Sorento S Year Should You Buy?
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.
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Common Questions — 2017 Kia Sorento S
Is the 2017 Kia Sorento S reliable?
We rate the 2017 Kia Sorento S's reliability 6.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2017 Kia Sorento S worth buying?
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #737 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 70% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2017 Kia Sorento S cost?
The 2017 Kia Sorento S starts at $30,879 and ranges up to $37,668 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Sorento S years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Sorento S years we've rated are 2018 (7.6/10), 2017 (7.6/10), 2016 (7.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.1/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Kia Sorento S
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More Kia Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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