KIA SORENTO (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 5,394 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,192
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2359cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £2192/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.
At 8 years old, 89% of KIA SORENTOs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 5,394 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 52,871 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
52,871
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 KIA SORENTO has 52,871 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2018 sits between the two at 89%.
KIA SORENTO by Year
| 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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 KIA SORENTO
The 2018 KIA SORENTO is a large car with a 2359cc petrol engine. 5,394 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 52,871 miles at 8 years old, KIA SORENTO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 KIA SORENTO Fuel Costs
The 2359cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 KIA SORENTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,192 (£183/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
KIA SORENTO Reliability Trend
Newer KIA SORENTOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 KIA SORENTO
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 5,394 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 KIA SORENTO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 8 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2018 KIA SORENTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIA SORENTO(2018) | 89% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 25-38 | £2192 |
| VOLVO XC40(2020) | 93% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£420 |
| JAGUAR F-PACE(2017) | 90% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£420 |
| FORD MONDEO(2016) | 87% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£325 |
| VOLVO XC60(2016) | 86% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£325 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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