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2015 Kia Sorento SX-L FWD

The 2015 Kia Sorento SX-L FWD is a 290-hp 3.3-liter V6 with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $39,900 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.

It makes 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque at 5200 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).

The Sorento measures 184.6 inches long on a 106.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,722 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$39,900 ($54,715 *)
MSRP with Destination$40,795 ($55,943 *)
Destination Charge$895
Engine
Engine Type3.3-liter DOHC V6 GDI, dual CVVT (Lambda)
Displacement3.3 L
Horsepower290 hp
Torque252 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 24-valve, Dual CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing)
Bore and Stroke92.0 x 84.0
Compression Ratio11.5:1
Injection TypeGasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission6-Speed Automatic (Torque Converter, Sportmatic™)
1st Gear4.651
2nd Gear2.831
3rd Gear1.842
4th Gear1.386
5th Gear1
6th Gear0.772
Reverse3.393
Final Drive3.041
Fuel Economy
City18 MPG
Highway25 MPG
Combined21 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Unleaded, 87 octane or higher
Tank Capacity17.43 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent MacPherson Struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar, DFD shocks
Rear SuspensionIndependent Multi-Link, stabilizer bar, DFD (Dual Flow Dampers)
Brakes
Front Brake DiscVentilated Disc, 12.6"
Rear Brake DiscSolid Disc, 11.9"
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front7.5J x 19" Alloy
Wheels Rear7.5J x 19" Alloy
Tires Front235/55R19
Tires Rear235/55R19
Dimensions & Weight
Length184.6 in
Width74.2 in
Height67.5 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Front Track63.8 in
Rear Track63.7 in
Ground Clearance7.3 in
Approach Angle18.9°
Departure Angle22.2°
Cargo Volume9.1 ft³
Curb Weight3,722 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R)60% / 40%
Interior
Headroom Front39.2 in
Headroom Rear39.2 in
Legroom Front41.3 in
Legroom Rear38.8 in
Shoulder Room Front59.3 in
Shoulder Room Rear58.7 in
Hip Room Front56.3 in
Hip Room Rear55.9 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (16.4 % risk)
Tested variant: 2015 Kia Sorento SUV FWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2015 Kia Sorento SUV AWD: 5 ★ overall

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2015 Kia SORENTO. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

May 10, 2021 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Park outside

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.

NHTSA campaign 21V331000

Aug 27, 2020 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Park outside

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.

NHTSA campaign 20V519000

Dec 19, 2018 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

NHTSA campaign 18V907000

754 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2015 Kia SORENTO

Owner Complaints

754 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Kia SORENTO (20 mention a crash, 14 a fire, 13 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine363
Unknown Or Other114
Structure100
Exterior Lighting91
Electrical System58
Power Train42
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 19, 2026 · Unknown Or Other
“On XXX, my father was driving his Kia on the [XXX] when the vehicle unexpectedly stopped operating. The specific mechanical or electrical component responsible for the failure is currently UNKNOWN…”
Oct 13, 2026 · Engine
“The contact rented a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the headlights and tail lights intermittently failed to illuminate or shorted out, and the check engine warning light illuminated. While…”
Oct 11, 2026 · Engine
“My car's check engine just started flashing and the ECU has reduced my drivability to limp mode stating that my knock sensors are showing up on scan test and camshaft position exhaust sensor. When I…”
Oct 5, 2026 · Engine
“1) The engine control system / KSDS knock sensor system triggered safety recall code P1326, accompanied by a flashing check engine light. The vehicle and components are currently at the dealership…”
Sep 11, 2026 · Engine
“I was driving my 2015 Kia Sorento on [XXX] south of the [XXX] junction when the engine suddenly started making severe mechanical noise and the vehicle seemed to have significantly reduced power. This…”

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 2015 KIA SORENTO. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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