carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $33,581–$39,798 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2016 Kia Sorento SL at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.0/10, while Value at 6.5/10 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. We score reliability at 7.7/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. 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 is a genuine highlight at 8.0/10. The Kia Sorento SL delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Tech rates a reasonable 7.8/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $33,581–$39,798, 18 MPG, seating 7, the Kia Sorento SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 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 2016 Kia Sorento SL is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is 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 2016 Kia Sorento SL 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 $33,581 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 7%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Sorento SL model years we've scored, the 2016 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 | $45,511 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.0/10 | $44,187 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $42,861 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.9/10 | $41,535 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.9/10 | $40,209 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $38,884 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.7/10 | $37,558 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $36,232 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $34,907 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $33,581 | |
| 2015 | 7.6/10 | $32,255 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.