carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $34,907–$42,581 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2017 Kia Sorento SL is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 7.9/10. 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.3/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.9/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. 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 $34,907–$42,581, 19 MPG, seating 7, the Kia Sorento SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.8/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. 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.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2017 Kia Sorento SL will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.
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 SL ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $34,907 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
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 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 | $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 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $34,907 | |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $33,581 | Read review → |
| 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.