2011 Kia Sorento EX V6 FWD
All photo credits
- Photo: 2012 Kia Sorento LX in Titanium Silver, Front Right, 08-21-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2015 Kia Sorento KX-3 SAT NAV CRDi 2.2 Front by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Kia Sorento TLX XM Spicy Red (1) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2015 Kia Sorento LX in Wave Blue Metallic, rear right by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2012 Kia Sorento LX in Titanium Silver, Rear Right, 08-21-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2011 Kia Sorento EX V6 FWD is a 276-hp V6 with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $27,395 MSRP and is rated at 22 mpg combined.
It makes 276 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (22 mpg combined).
The Sorento measures 183.9 inches long on a 106.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,781 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $27,395 ($39,588 *) |
| MSRP with Destination | $28,190 ($40,737 *) |
| Destination Charge | $795 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | Lambda II 3.5L DOHC V6, MPI, Dual-CVVT, naturally aspirated |
| Horsepower | 276 hp @ 6,300 rpm |
| Torque | 248 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 24-valve with Dual-CVVT |
| Injection Type | Multi-point fuel injection |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 20 MPG |
| Highway | 25 MPG |
| Combined | 22 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | Independent multi-link, stabilizer bar |
| Turning Diameter | 35.7 ft |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | 11.8 in ventilated discs |
| Rear Brake Disc | 11.9 in solid discs |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 18 in |
| Wheels Rear | 18 in |
| Tires Front | P235/60R18 |
| Tires Rear | P235/60R18 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 183.9 in |
| Width | 74.2 in |
| Height | 67.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in |
| Front Track | 63.7 in |
| Rear Track | 63.8 in |
| Ground Clearance | 7.5 in |
| Approach Angle | 20° |
| Departure Angle | 23° |
| Cargo Volume | 9.1 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 3,781 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 39.2 in |
| Headroom Rear | 39.2 in |
| Legroom Front | 41.3 in |
| Legroom Rear | 37.6 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 59.3 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 58.7 in |
| Hip Room Front | 56.3 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 55.9 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2011 Kia Sorento EX V6 FWD with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (17.5 % risk) |
Other tested variants (1)
- 2011 Kia Sorento SUV 4WD: 4 ★ overall
Recalls
8 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Kia SORENTO. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Dec 21, 2023 · ENGINE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC291.
NHTSA campaign 23V877000
Sep 25, 2023 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Park outside
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
NHTSA campaign 23V652000
Oct 6, 2015 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Consequence: Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.
NHTSA campaign 15V626000
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
Apr 25, 2011 · POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO 2WD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND 2.4L ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION THROUGH MAY 22, 2010. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT MAY SUFFER FROM NOISE AND EXCESSIVE WEAR DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WITH THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR. CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION LEADS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WHIRRING/WHINING NOISE AND CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Consequence: DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
NHTSA campaign 11V258000
Nov 24, 2010 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2010, THROUGH OCTOBER 4, 2010. SOME OF THE REAR BRAKE CALIPERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY MACHINED.
Consequence: AS A RESULT, BRAKE FLUID WILL LEAK, FOLLOWED BY ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT INDICATING THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL IS LOW AND SHOULD BE CHECKED, THEN A SOFT OR SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL FEEL, AND IF NOT SERVICED, REDUCED BRAKING POWER WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR CALIPERS AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 10, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
NHTSA campaign 10V599000
Aug 31, 2010 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SOUL AND MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010. A LIMITED NUMBER OF WIRING HARNESSES SUPPLIED BY JCI AND USED FOR THE LIGHTING IN THE KIA SOUL VEHICLE'S ADVANCED LIGHTING SPEAKERS, LOCATED IN THE FRONT DOOR TRIM PANELS, AND THE KIA SORENTO VEHICLE'S INTERIOR ACCENT ILLUMINATION, LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND REAR DOOR TRIM PANELS, MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY SOLDERED.
Consequence: WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY OCCUR THAT CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESSES FOR THE LIGHTS IN THE KIA SOUL VEHICLE'S ADVANCED LIGHTING SPEAKERS, AND THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE KIA SORENTO VEHICLE'S INTERIOR ACCENT ILLUMINATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
NHTSA campaign 10V388000
1,520 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2011 Kia SORENTO
Owner Complaints
1,520 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Kia SORENTO (42 mention a crash, 63 a fire, 35 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Engine | 284 |
| Structure | 268 |
| Power Train | 265 |
| Electrical System | 246 |
| Unknown Or Other | 214 |
| Air Bags | 183 |
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 2011 KIA SORENTO. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.