“Love the interior and roominess. The sunroof is a plus as well as the third row seats.”
2016 Kia Sorento: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Kia Sorento is fully redesigned, marking the start of its third generation. The big change is a longer, stronger, and roomier new body, accompanied by a quieter, more upscale cabin and a new turbo engine.
About the 2016 Kia Sorento
3rd generation, first year of the full redesign
Kia positions the 2016 Sorento as a midsize family SUV that can bridge two-row and three-row needs without feeling stripped down. The pitch centers on useful space, quieter road manners, stronger towing and engine choices than many compact crossovers, and cabin materials that feel nicer than the typical mainstream entry. In practice, Sorento’s edge is flexibility: it can be a simple five-seat daily driver, a seven-seat family hauler, or a more upscale road-trip SUV within the same model range.
The 2016 lineup stretches from the straightforward, five-seat L to the comfort-focused EX, which pairs leather and heated front seats with turbo four-cylinder or V6 power. The V6-only SX adds navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and blind-spot monitoring, while the Limited-SXL emphasizes comfort with Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder joins the engine range in the EX and Limited-SXL. Drive Mode Select is fitted across the lineup.
Styling
The redesigned Sorento gets a new body and a more upscale cabin with higher-grade materials. The SX also receives updated LED lighting and trim details.
Safety
The LX rearview camera changes from optional to standard. The SX includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Tech
The LX gains two rapid-charge USB ports, while upper trims add richer cabin technology such as an 8-inch navigation system and a 10-speaker Infinity audio system.
Structural
A longer wheelbase and stronger body create more passenger room, increase maximum cargo space from 72.5 to 74 cubic feet, and help the Sorento feel more solid. Added sound insulation makes the cabin quieter.
2016 Kia Sorento specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter / V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc | Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc | Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc | Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc | Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 18–20 mpg | 18–21 mpg | 18 mpg | 18–20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 26–27 mpg | 26–29 mpg | 26 mpg | 26–27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 185 hp | 240–290 hp | 185–290 hp | 290 hp | 240–290 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 252–260 lb-ft | 178–252 lb-ft | 252 lb-ft | 252–260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 3500 lb | 2000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 74 cu-ft | 74 cu-ft | 74 cu-ft | 74 cu-ft | 74 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Kia Sorento a full redesign?
Yes. The 2016 Sorento is the first model year of the third generation, with a longer wheelbase, a stronger body, more interior room, additional sound insulation, and a more upscale cabin.
What is the biggest difference between the 2016 and 2015 Kia Sorento?
The biggest difference is that the 2016 Sorento has an all-new body and cabin rather than a light update. It is longer between the wheels, roomier, quieter, and built around a stronger structure.
Did the 2016 Kia Sorento get a new engine?
Yes. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder joined the 2016 engine range in the EX and Limited-SXL, alongside the existing 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.3-liter V6.
Which trim was added to the 2016 Kia Sorento lineup?
The L was added as the new base trim for 2016. It has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a six-speed automatic transmission, two-row seating for five, and a 40/20/40 split-folding second row.
Did the 2016 Kia Sorento gain more standard safety equipment?
Yes, on the LX trim. Its rearview camera changed from optional for 2015 to standard for 2016, while the SX includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
2016 Kia Sorento Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Kia Sorento.
4.3
2016 Kia Sorento
(488 reviews)
“The [Name] that are 2017 and below are horrible mechanically. They burn oil so you're getting oil changes every two months, the electrical is constantly having issues, the gear shift locks up constantly, the paint chips.”
“I enjoy my car, its smooth and quiet ride, and spaciousness. It handles very nicely, and even my passengers like how comfortable it is.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sorento / 2016
- kiamedia.com — Sorento / 2016 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sorento / 2015
- kiamedia.com — Sorento / 2015 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sorento / 2017
- kiamedia.com — Sorento / 2017 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Sorento / 2016 / Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Sorento / 2017 / Features