CARFOCALvehicle research
Research CarsCompareRankingsArticles
  1. Home›
  2. Manufacturers›
  3. Kia›
  4. Sorento›
  5. 2020

2020 Kia Sorento Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated Jun 10, 2026·Ethan Miller
2020 Kia Sorento Report

Overall Score

7.2/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Prioritize confirming the trailer hitch harness recall (22V703000) is completed. This addresses a potential fire risk.
  • The V6 engine offers adequate power for daily driving and highway cruising.
  • With a combined EPA rating of 20 MPG, expect moderate fuel costs.
  • The Sorento boasts a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side crash tests.
See the 5 checks before you buyFree • Takes 20s • Saves Thousands $
OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2020 Kia Sorento

The 2020 Kia Sorento presents itself as a practical, family-oriented SUV with a strong emphasis on safety, earning top marks in NHTSA crash tests. It provides a comfortable ride and decent fuel economy for its class, powered by a capable V6 engine. However, potential buyers should be aware of a significant recall concerning the trailer hitch harness module, which poses a fire risk. While the vehicle has a high TSB count, consumer complaints are notably absent, suggesting most issues are addressed via technical service bulletins or recalls.

Critical Failure Risk

A recall addresses a potential fire risk originating from the trailer hitch harness module. Debris and moisture can cause an electrical short within the module's printed circuit board.

Early detection can help you avoid a $300-$700 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls7
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

0

No primary complaint themes found.

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
20
MPG
City
18
MPG
Highway
24
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

9.1/ 10

Practicality

4.3/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Families seeking a safe and practical SUV with three rows of seating.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers unwilling to meticulously check for completed recalls, especially the trailer hitch harness.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2020 Kia Sorento Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2020 Kia Sorento.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
7
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
EPA Combined MPG
20

CarFocal account required

See the full 2020 Kia Sorento buyer report before you decide

Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Trailer Hitch Harness Module Fire Risk

Most reported

Usage data observed

2. Oil Leaks

Usage data observed

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake Inspection - Fluid Level Checks (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering, Washer)

Est. shop cost: $100 - $150

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
7 recall campaign details & remedy notes
Create free account

Free • Takes 20 seconds • Saves Thousands $

Already have an account? Log in

FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2020 Kia Sorento reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2020 Kia Sorento is 9.1/10. Reliability score is 9.1/10. NHTSA recalls: 7. Owner complaints: 0.

How practical is the 2020 Kia Sorento for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 4.3/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 20 MPG. Seating capacity is 7.

What is the overall score for the 2020 Kia Sorento?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2020 Kia Sorento is 7.2/10. Overall score is 7.2/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.8/10. Practicality 4.3/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2020 Kia Sorento?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake Inspection - Fluid Level Checks (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering, Washer) at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $600. Repair prediction highlight: Trailer Hitch Harness Module (estimated cost Min: $0 (Recall)).

What is the MSRP range for the 2020 Kia Sorento?▾

Base MSRP is $27,990.

What engine is in the 2020 Kia Sorento?▾

Engine specs list 6 • 3.3.

What transmission does the 2020 Kia Sorento use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Kia Sorento, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is FWD/Front-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2020 Kia Sorento?▾

EPA combined estimate is 20 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2020 Kia Sorento?▾

14 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2020 Kia Sorento?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Kia Sorento, seating capacity is 7.

What drivetrain does the 2020 Kia Sorento use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Kia Sorento, drivetrain is FWD/Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2020 Kia Sorento?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Are there open safety recalls on the 2020 Kia Sorento?▾

This model year has 7 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2020 Kia Sorento?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2020 Toyota Highlander and 2020 Honda Pilot.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

We may earn a commission if you buy parts through our links. Learn more.