Kia Sorento

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 18 model years from 64,738 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

77%

Total Tests

64,738

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (92%)

Years Covered

About the Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento was MOT tested 64,738 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 18 model years (2003 to 2020), with an average pass rate of 77%. That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92% from 797 tests. The 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. With a 27 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Kia Sorentos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 15 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2003) averages 120,995 miles, while the newest (2020) averages 36,475 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Kia brand average of 86%, the Sorento is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Kia models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2199cc)

£1,676

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,131

Per month£178/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2020 details

How reliable is the Kia Sorento?

vs average of all models-5% (82% avg)

vs Kia brand average-9% (86% avg)

Best to worst year spread27 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Kia Sorento by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	92%	797	36,475 mi
2019	90%	5,231	43,737 mi
2018	89%	5,394	52,871 mi
2017	88%	5,869	60,803 mi
2016	84%	5,714	72,775 mi
2015	83%	7,581	79,583 mi
2014	79%	5,512	87,900 mi
2013	77%	4,199	97,498 mi
2012	75%	3,653	105,666 mi
2011	75%	3,283	110,486 mi
2010	73%	3,463	113,933 mi
2009	72%	2,396	107,820 mi
2008	70%	1,936	108,273 mi
2007	72%	2,670	112,654 mi
2006	67%	3,595	117,298 mi
2005	66%	1,973	116,648 mi
2004	65%	1,065	115,317 mi
2003	65%	407	120,995 mi

Questions about the Kia Sorento

Is the Kia Sorento reliable?

Across its 18 model years in our data (2003 to 2020), the Kia Sorento averages a 77% MOT pass rate, from 64,738 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 92%.

Which year Kia Sorento has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Kia Sorento has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%, a 27 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.