“My used, 2014 KIA Sorento is a basic, no-frills transport. I enjoy its solid feel, dependability, appearance, fuel economy, and brand reputation. I don't hate anything about it - since I knew what it had and chose to purchase it.”
2014 Kia Sorento: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2014 Kia Sorento received a major mid-cycle redesign led by an all-new chassis that was 18% stiffer, along with revised suspension intended to improve the ride and handling. Kia said more than 80% of its parts were new or revised, making this much more than a routine update.
About the 2014 Kia Sorento
2nd generation (2011-2015 US), major mid-cycle redesign
Kia positioned the Sorento as a family-focused crossover that sits between typical compact and midsize SUVs. It combines a manageable exterior size with a roomy cabin, flexible second-row seating, and five- or seven-passenger configurations. Four-cylinder and strong V6 versions, plus FWD and AWD configurations, broaden its everyday usefulness. Its main differentiators were generous equipment, an easy-to-use cabin, a quiet ride, and more passenger flexibility than many similarly sized crossovers.
The LX serves as the practical starting point, while the EX adds the new 290-hp V6, leather seating, heated front seats, and a rear-camera infotainment system. The SX emphasizes technology with an 8-inch navigation touchscreen, blind-spot detection, a panoramic roof, ventilated front seats, and a power liftgate. The new Limited-SXL sits at the top with Nappa leather, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and self-leveling HID headlights.
What changed, by category
Structural
An all-new chassis was 18% stiffer than before. Kia also reworked the suspension and replaced hydraulic power steering with electric power steering across the lineup.
Powertrain
A new 290-hp 3.3-liter V6 replaced the previous 3.5-liter V6 on V6 models. Four-cylinder LX models moved from the prior 175-hp engine to a 191-hp 2.4-liter direct-injected engine.
Styling
Kia redesigned the front and rear, added new lighting details, and gave the body a broader appearance. Rear lights with LED elements became standard across the lineup.
Tech
The redesigned cabin brought a new dashboard, revised center controls, updated instruments, and a larger 8-inch infotainment interface on upper trims. The SX also made its panoramic roof standard and gained a programmable-height power liftgate.
Safety
Blind-spot detection made its Sorento debut on upper trims. It was standard on the SX and Limited-SXL and part of an optional package on the EX.
Trim lineup and equipment
The Limited-SXL joined the lineup as the highest-content trim. The EX third-row seat became optional, while several LX items—including the rear camera, heated front seats, fog lights, and roof rails—moved from standard to optional.
2014 Kia Sorento specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter / V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18–20 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 25–26 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 191–290 hp | 290 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 252 lb-ft | 181–252 lb-ft | 252 lb-ft | 252 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 1650 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 72.5 cu-ft | 72.5 cu-ft | 72.5 cu-ft | 72.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2014 Kia Sorento fully redesigned?
No, the 2014 Sorento was not a new generation, but it received an extensive mid-cycle redesign. More than 80% of its parts were new or revised, including an all-new, 18%-stiffer chassis, reworked suspension, updated styling, and a substantially redesigned cabin.
What engine changes did the 2014 Kia Sorento receive?
The 2014 Sorento gained a new 290-hp 3.3-liter V6 in place of the previous 3.5-liter V6. Four-cylinder LX models also moved from the prior 175-hp engine to a 191-hp 2.4-liter direct-injected engine.
Did the 2014 Kia Sorento add blind-spot detection?
Yes, the 2014 Sorento introduced Kia’s first blind-spot detection system. It was standard on the SX and new Limited-SXL, while the EX included it in an optional equipment package.
Which trim was new for the 2014 Kia Sorento?
The Limited-SXL was new for 2014 and became the most comfort-focused Sorento trim. It combined the 290-hp V6 with Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, navigation, premium audio, and self-leveling HID headlights.
Is the 2014 Kia Sorento meaningfully different from the 2013 model?
Yes, the 2014 Sorento is meaningfully different from the 2013 model. Its stiffer chassis, revised suspension, electric power steering, new V6, redesigned cabin, refreshed exterior, and added upper-trim technology make 2014 a substantial update rather than a carryover year.
2014 Kia Sorento Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2014 Kia Sorento.
3.4
2014 Kia Sorento
(32 reviews)
“I do love the comforting look it has. It looks like a nice family vehicle with a slight edge to it. The ride is a little bumpy though. Not a big fan of the suspension.”
“Great leather interior and love the moon roof. Very disappointed to find out how easily they are stolen and Kia is doing absolutely nothing about it. They just want everyone to buy a new one because the 2022 models have safety features to prevent them from being stolen.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 5347 / Redesigned 2014 Kia Sorento Poised To Impress
- kiamedia.com — Documenttext / 6371 / Whats New 2014 Sorento
- kiamedia.com — Sorento / 2014 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Sorento / 2014 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Sorento / 2013 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Sorento / 2015 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 7819 / 2015 Kia Sorento