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2009 Kia Sorento EX 2WD

The 2009 Kia Sorento EX 2WD is a 262-hp V6 with a 5-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $25,345 MSRP and is rated at 17 mpg combined.

It makes 262 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway (17 mpg combined).

The Sorento measures 180.7 inches long on a 106.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,083 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$25,345 ($38,402 *)
MSRP with Destination$26,095 ($39,538 *)
Destination Charge$750
Engine
Engine TypeLambda G6DA 3.8L DOHC V6, MPI, CVVT, naturally aspirated
Horsepower262 hp
Torque260 lb-ft
ValvetrainDOHC, 24-valve with CVVT
Injection TypeMulti-point fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission5-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway21 MPG
Combined17 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16 in
Wheels Rear16 in
Tires FrontP245/70R16
Tires RearP245/70R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length180.7 in
Width73.3 in
Height68.1 in
Wheelbase106.7 in
Front Track62.2 in
Rear Track62.2 in
Ground Clearance8.2 in
Cargo Volume31.7 ft³
Curb Weight4,083 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.7 in
Headroom Rear39.5 in
Legroom Front42.6 in
Legroom Rear36.1 in
Shoulder Room Front58.9 in
Shoulder Room Rear58.4 in
Hip Room Front55.3 in
Hip Room Rear55.3 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (19.1 % risk)
Tested variant: 2009 Kia Sorento 4-DR. w/SAB

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Kia SORENTO. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Feb 14, 2020 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.

NHTSA campaign 20V088000

Apr 1, 2013 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

NHTSA campaign 13V114000

Oct 6, 2011 · EQUIPMENT

CURT MANUFACTURING IS RECALLING CERTAIN TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESSES, PART NUMBER 56024, THAT CONNECT TOW VEHICLE LIGHTING CIRCUITS TO TRAILER LIGHTING CIRCUITS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ AND KIA SORENTO VEHICLES. THE UNITS ARE NOT WATER-TIGHT AND MOISTURE CAN SEEP INTO THE CONVERTER MODULE AND DEFEAT THE MODULE'S INTERNAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION, THE MODULE CAN OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy: CURT MANUFACTURING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESS. THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MANUFACTURING AT 1-715 831-8713.

NHTSA campaign 11E041000

55 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2009 Kia SORENTO

Owner Complaints

55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Kia SORENTO (2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags21
Electrical System14
Power Train9
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)8
Service Brakes8
Hydraulic6
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jan 16, 2026 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System
“The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine, ESC, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Upon speaking with other independent mechanics…”
Jun 4, 2025 · Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Engine
“My check engine light is on. It has been on for over 2 or more years. Nobody knows what the codes mean. My timing chain needs to be replaced. My tires are constantly leaking. My battery has been…”
Aug 27, 2024 · Unknown Or Other Fire
“Driving on the interstate @ 65mph the car cut off then caught on fire. Smoke came in the car we pulled over to emergency lane exited the car and then flames came up through the console. The car became…”
Apr 26, 2023 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System
“The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 15 MPH, she activated the windshield wipers and the radio, and the vehicle started to stall. The…”
Jun 23, 2022 · Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control
“Currently my ESC OFF warning light is lit on my dash, and while lit my vehicle has trouble accelerating from 0 to 40 mph. The warning light goes on and off at random. I have had the accelerator pedal…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2009 KIA SORENTO. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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