2019 Kia Sorento: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2019 Kia Sorento gets a mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. The biggest change is a broad update that brings revised styling, standard three-row seating, and updated transmissions.

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About the 2019 Kia Sorento

3rd generation (2016-2020), mid-cycle refresh year

Kia positions the Sorento as a refined yet rugged family SUV that gives buyers three rows and available AWD without the bulk of a full-size crossover. The pitch centers on flexible seating, useful cargo space, upscale cabin touches, and strong feature value. Compared with many rivals, the Sorento aims to feel a bit more premium inside while still being easy to park, easy to live with, and capable enough for family road trips or bad-weather duty.

The lineup ranges from the straightforward four-cylinder L, with a 7-inch touchscreen and phone integration, to V6 trims focused on stronger performance and added comfort. The new S has gloss-black exterior details, while the EX Sport pairs 19-inch wheels with a panoramic sunroof and leather seating. Higher trims add features such as navigation, Harman Kardon audio, Nappa leather, and a surround-view camera.

What changed, by category

Styling

The front and rear are refreshed with a new grille, revised bumpers and lighting details, and new wheel designs.

Powertrain

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder gets a revised 6-speed automatic, while the 3.3-liter V6 switches to a new 8-speed automatic. The previous 2.0-liter turbo engine is dropped, and Smart Shift and Drive replaces the old drive-mode setup.

Structural

Third-row seating becomes standard across the lineup, making every 2019 Sorento a seven-passenger SUV.

Safety

Driver-assistance equipment expands on several trims. The EX makes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning standard; the SX makes adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning standard; and the LX makes blind-spot monitoring standard.

Tech

The L gains a 7-inch touchscreen, the LX makes phone integration standard, and the SX adds standard navigation, Harman Kardon audio, wireless phone charging, and front parking sensors.

Trim lineup

The S and EX Sport trims join the lineup. The S is a V6 model with gloss-black exterior details, while the EX Sport combines V6 power with 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and leather seating.

2019 Kia Sorento specs and features by trim

Feature	2019 Kia SorentoL5 in stock	2019 Kia SorentoS3 in stock	2019 Kia SorentoEX11 in stock	2019 Kia SorentoLX39 in stock	2019 Kia SorentoSX4 in stock	2019 Kia SorentoEX Sport4 in stock	2019 Kia SorentoLimited-SXL3 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter	V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter	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	V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc	Automatic, 8-Spd	Automatic, 8-Spd	Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc / Automatic, 8-Spd	Automatic, 8-Spd	Automatic, 8-Spd	Automatic, 8-Spd
Drivetrain	FWD	AWD	AWD	FWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	22 mpg	19 mpg	19 mpg	19–22 mpg	19 mpg	19 mpg	19 mpg
MPG Highway	29 mpg	26 mpg	26 mpg	26–29 mpg	26 mpg	26 mpg	26 mpg
Horsepower	185 hp	290 hp	290 hp	185–290 hp	290 hp	290 hp	290 hp
Torque	178 lb-ft	252 lb-ft	252 lb-ft	178–252 lb-ft	252 lb-ft	252 lb-ft	252 lb-ft
Max Towing	2000 lb	5000 lb	5000 lb	2000 lb	5000 lb	5000 lb	5000 lb
Trunk/Cargo	154.2 cu-ft	154.2 cu-ft	154.2 cu-ft	154.2 cu-ft	154.2 cu-ft	154.2 cu-ft	154.2 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	31.7 in	31.7 in	31.7 in	31.7 in	31.7 in	31.7 in	31.7 in
Seats	7	7	7	7	7	7	7
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Blindspot Sensors
Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
360 Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Windshield
LED Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Close Liftgate/Trunk
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
LCD Instrument Cluster
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Comfort & Convenience
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
Third Row Seat
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2020 Kia Sorento compares

The biggest change for the 2020 Kia Sorento is a reshuffled V6 trim lineup: S became the value-focused V6 model, while EX was recast as a standalone trim. This was a light update rather than a redesign.

See the full 2020 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Kia Sorento a full redesign?

No. The 2019 Sorento is a mid-cycle refresh of the third-generation model, with updated styling, transmissions, seating, equipment, and trims rather than an all-new platform.

Does every 2019 Kia Sorento have a third row?

Yes. Third-row seating became standard across the 2019 Sorento lineup, giving every trim three rows and seating for seven.

What transmission changes did the 2019 Kia Sorento receive?

The 2019 Sorento's 2.4-liter four-cylinder uses a revised 6-speed automatic, while V6 models use a new 8-speed automatic. The previous 2.0-liter turbo engine was also removed from the lineup.

Which trims were added to the 2019 Kia Sorento lineup?

The S and EX Sport were added for 2019. The S combines V6 power with gloss-black exterior details, while the EX Sport adds 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and leather seating.

What safety equipment changed on the 2019 Kia Sorento?

Several driver-assistance features became standard on more trims for 2019. The EX gained standard adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, driver-attention monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance, while the LX and SX also received broader standard safety equipment.

2019 Kia Sorento Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2019 Kia Sorento.

4.2

2019 Kia Sorento

(290 reviews)

5 stars (116)

4 stars (122)

3 stars (36)

2 stars (15)

1 star (1)

“I liked the color and style of this vehicle. It was roomy but cute. The warranty is one of the best out there. I would like a better way to connect Android Auto.”

RIRaymona I.
2019 Kia Sorento - FWD

“The vehicle is basic and gets you around reliably. The passenger seat is really low and not adjustable, it is hard to even see out the windshield. Overall it's a good vehicle, but I would not buy another because the passenger seat is terrible.”

ETEdward T.
2019 Kia Sorento - FWD

No rating

“Before you spend a ton of money on status symbol vehicles, give the Sorento a try. Quality, reliability, comfort, price. You definitely get more bang for your buck.”

KNKaye N.
2019 Kia Sorento - FWD