Few if any complaints about the turbo engine itself. However, the engine is one half of the power train that includes the DCT which has seen a lot of reported failures on Sorentos manufactured in years 2021 and 2022 (the first half of the year?), to such extent that the reliability ratings (from all the major reviewers) has put the Sorento in the toilet. I think KIA has resolved the major issue -- a defective solder joint in the oil pump that is housed within the transmission. I have not seen any of these DCT failures crop up on the '23 model. But it will take several years before the reviewers put their faith back in the Sorento. Myself, I would jump in - the water is fine!

 

Thanks for your reply! I hadn't seen anything on the transmission, but I certainly appreciate your addressing that and the engine reliability.

 

I have my fingers crossed as my '22 was made during the latter part of the build cycle. So far it has been trouble free and I love this vehicle. The 2.5T runs like a scaled cat considering this is a relatively heavy SUV. Plenty of power for me. But, if you are one who wants to eek out every bit of extra power, C-Trink has written many posts about power mods he has done and recommends.
(27) Links to MQ4 Aftermarket/OEM Upgrades & Modifications (Not discussion) | Kia Forum (kia-forums.com)

Also, I enjoy excellent gas mileage in the upper 20s.

 

I would keep an eye on possible symptoms that could signify the headbolt issue rearing it's head and make a decision when it arises.

Trade-in value won't be good, you aren't necessarily guaranteed a failure and as that issue only really seemed to have picked up here in the past year or two, how the 2.5 turbo does in a few years remains to be seen since I believe they first popped up in mid-2020 I believe. Granted, they aren't blowing up like the 4-cylinders did a decade ago so at least there's that.

And while if it comes down to a replacement engine, if your current car is still fine, it'll still be cheaper than another Sorento especially combined with resale.

But of course, the whole easy theft and potential insurance complications do put a damper on it.

 

I have the fastest (in the Dragy world) Kia Sorento in the world, 0-60mph and 1/4 mi.

0-60 mph: 5.79s
1/4 mile: 13.88s@102.66mph

That's on OEM rubber (which is trash), a JB4 Tune on Map 3 and a K&N Typhoon intake.

 

That is amazing!

I had several Buick Grand Nationals back in the 80s-90s; one brand new in 1987. In the June 1987 issue of Road & Track, they tested one and came up with 0-60 in 6 sec and 1/4 mile in 14.7 at 94 mph. Those cars really felt amazingly fast back then, but they handled horribly and were really unrefined compared to the latest generation Sorento 2.5T.

Car And Driver Tested the 2021 Sorento 2.5T and logged 0-60 @ 6 seconds, and 1/4 mile 14.6 @ 97 mph.

There's a guy that lives a couple miles from me that has a Grand National, and every time I see it out of the garage, it kinda gets me in the gut because I'd love to have one again. But, the reality is, I wouldn't be happy with it in this day and age. After seeing that car, I tell myself that my Sorento does everything more or less that GN can do, and a whole lot better in every way. Sure it's very easy to make the GN go really fast, but... I finally manage to talk myself out of the idea ever getting another one. I think it's more about the gloss we tend to put on the distant past; rose-tinted glasses and all that.

The funny thing about all this, is that a Sorento SUV wouldn't be thought of as competing with "performance" vehicles of the past. We've come a long way!

You can also compare the performance of the Sorento with any number of "muscle" or "pony" cars of the past by checking out this website:

0-60 Times | Find 0 to 60 & Quarter Mile Times Car Specs

Zeroto60times mission is to provide the most accurate, comprehensive, and easy-to-find listing of 0-60 times and quarter mile car stats online.

www.zeroto60times.com

Anyway, great job, C! Thanks for letting us know of the performance results!