The Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV. It was first launched in 2003.

It has two transmission options: a 5-speed manual or 4/5-speed automatic transmission (pre-2005 models have a 4 speed automatic, whilst 2005 Sorentos come with a 6 speed tip-tronic style automatic transmission). Sorentos are equipped with a Hyndai-manufactured 3.5L 24 Valve DOHC Aluminum Head V6 producing 192 Horsepower at 5500 RPM, producing 217 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3,000 rpm. The Sorento is very capable off-road while still providing a soft and comfortable ride. The automatic 4-wheel drive system features low range gearing. A sport package is available for the LX base model which adds a 5 speed manual transmission, fog lamps, alloy wheels, step bars, a leather wrapped steering wheel, a roof rack and remote keyless entry. All American Sorentos also come with dual front airbags and dual side-curtain airbags in the front and rear. The 4x4 system is a shift-on-the-fly nob located usually on the lower panel to the left of the steering column. Three modes available are Two-Wheel Drive, Four-High, and Four-Low. On-dash indicators show when the Four Wheel Drive System is active.

Common features of the Sorento family are 4 wheel disc brakes (standard on all models) Optional ABS Braking System, and a 21.1 Gallon fuel tank. Also standard is a battery saving feature which prevents wearing out the battery by leaving your headlights turned on (a shutoff engages when the key is removed from the ignition, even if the lights were left turned on). The chassis of the vehicle is also based on a ladder frame design which is more often used in building trucks. This lends a rigidity to the Sorento that other vehicles in its class lack, even at the same price point.