I have no power to the radio, fuse is good
battery was jumped backwards, replaced alternator, everything but the radio works now
22759 views
2005 Kia Sorento Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Kia Sorento has undergone little change since its introduction in 2003 as a midsize entry in the SUV class. And except for a lousy 15/20 mpg rating that is about average for an SUV, owners have found little to complain about. Available in LX and EX trims, the 2005 Sorento comes with either rear-wheel drive or part-time all-wheel drive that can be manually engaged by the driver. An optional Torque-on-Demand full-time 4WD is offered for the EX, automatically distributing power to the wheels that need it. Both 4WD systems feature low-range gearing that can be engaged on dry pavement, making the 2005 Sorento a unique off-roading SUV.
For 2005, the Sorento gets a new 5-speed Sportmatic transmission that is standard on the EX and optional on the LX. A 5-speed manual is standard on the LX. Both are coupled to a 3.5-liter, 192-hp V6 engine that has 217 lb-ft of torque. All of the 2005 Sorentos feature power windows, locks, and mirrors, cruise control, a CD player, and a split-folding 60/40 rear seat that folds flat to expand the cargo space to 66 cubic feet. Six airbags reinforce Kia's reputation for solid and safe vehicles, but ABS brakes are only optional. There is no traction or stability control offered. The EX adds foglights, an 8-way power driver's seat, a sunroof, garage opener, metallic trim, keyless entry, a roof rack, upgraded sound system and an auto-dimming mirror. The Sport Package for the LX adds most of these features and adds blacked-out headlights for 2005.
Lots of storage compartments, a cargo net, 6 cupholders, and a rear window that opens separately from the liftgate are other nice features of the 2005 Sorento. Owners rave about the interior comfort, great handling, tight turn radius, overall styling, and the off-roading capability. They also like how many features you get for the low price tag. Aside from the pesky gas mileage, other downsides include a rough ride on bumpy roads, an underpowered engine, and the lack of standard ABS.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2005 Kia Sorento
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by Julio M
Jul 26, 2022
This car has a good value. I love Kia Sorento 2005 they are reliable but also it has good manuvering.I compare it to a 2004 Kia Sorento.This care is not missing anything.Its a safe automobile and its reliable.i give it 100 precent safe car.Jul 26, 2022
by floyd w
May 22, 2015
Ideal college student car.
Plenty of leg room in back seats, cargo space, and headroom in the interior.
Is a very valuable Suv with 4x4 capability with a turn of a switch.
A simple layout of an instrument panel, and center infotainment display.
Deliveries a really quiet ride.
Has a numb steering response.
Car was built with a ton of hard plastic for a lx
May 22, 2015
by Anonymous
Aug 15, 2014
I bought this car brand new and have been the only owner of the vehicle. Since I have owned this car it has always proven to be very reliable and I have found the scheduled maintenance on the vehicle to always be very affordable.Aug 15, 2014
User rating:
by Julio M
Jul 26, 2022
This car has a good value. I love Kia Sorento 2005 they are reliable but also it has good manuvering.I compare it to a 2004 Kia Sorento.This care is not missing anything.Its a safe automobile and its reliable.i give it 100 precent safe car.Jul 26, 2022
by floyd w
May 22, 2015
Ideal college student car.
Plenty of leg room in back seats, cargo space, and headroom in the interior.
Is a very valuable Suv with 4x4 capability with a turn of a switch.
A simple layout of an instrument panel, and center infotainment display.
Deliveries a really quiet ride.
Has a numb steering response.
Car was built with a ton of hard plastic for a lx
May 22, 2015
by Anonymous
Aug 15, 2014
I bought this car brand new and have been the only owner of the vehicle. Since I have owned this car it has always proven to be very reliable and I have found the scheduled maintenance on the vehicle to always be very affordable.Aug 15, 2014
by James T
Mar 22, 2014
Before the year was up, I had to have the engine replaced. The dealership set the timing incorrectly when they replaced the engine. It took over 5 years to get the timing set correctly, and it ended up coming out of my own pocket. It cost over $1300 just to have the spark plugs replaced. The dealership shop manager tried lying about my warranty, to the point I had to get third party intervention. The electric system had to be completely replaced in the car. There were more sensor problems than I would care to talk about. The first 5 years there was a check engine light on, almost all the time. The dealership would just clear the code and send me home, and it would just come back on. I would not recommend this car to anyone. Mar 22, 2014
by Anonymous
Sep 08, 2013
I really like my truck what I like most is it is perfect for a small family and is easy on gas. I haven't had any major problems since I have owned the truck it does great on highway and in city.Sep 08, 2013
by Anonymous
Jun 20, 2013
One of the best suv's! Don't get me wrong, the car still runs almost like new and still feels solid on the road. Love the body style and interiors. Off road it can take on some of the best 4X4's out there and it is definitely fun to drive. Gas mileage is average but not bad. Personally, I love my SORENTO!Jun 20, 2013
by Anonymous
Apr 09, 2013
I bought this 2005 Sorento a year ago (2012) for $ 8,900 including TTL and so far, I may as well have bought a brand new vehicle as I have had no repair or maintenance costs. It's our family's second car so I occasionally pile my 3 kids in it but it's mostly for back and forth to work.
It's a really nice looking vehicle inside and out for the price and drives very well with the exception of a little road noise at higher speeds. I would highly recommend this to anybody based on what you get for the money. For reference, I previously owned a Toyota 4runner and Tundra which were both great vehicles as well.Apr 09, 2013
by Anonymous
Jan 29, 2013
Great for a small family. It is really great for a college student. It is reliable and does not use a lot of gas. It does not drive like a heavy truck. It is easily manageable and maintenance is not an issue.Jan 29, 2013
by Anonymous
May 16, 2012
I've heard praise and nightmare stories concerning this era of Sorentos. But my personal experience has been above average at least. It currently (as of 20-Nov-2014) has almost 107k miles. And it runs like the day I bought it. If I had the money, I'd buy an '07-'09 with creampuff (low) miles as a secondary one. These years had the option of 2 engines. Both of higher horsepower. Regardless of the package ordered. My first repair (other than usual maintenance) since purchase was the A/C unit. Based on mileage, I have no issue with this. I can remember past years and makes of cars I've had that I had to repair it. Long before 100k miles. In some cases, more than once. Also, as a quick note....My Kia has been the 1st car I've owned that "didn't" leak/drip any kind of fluid. Body/paint is still secure, no rust or paint fade. Still solid, no squeaks, etc. with the body or frame. Due to early retirement (@ 45 in 2009). With gas prices I've cut out the proverbial "Sunday drives" out of the budget. I don't run anywhere near the 16K milesMay 16, 2012
by Anonymous
Mar 22, 2011
This vehicle has more of a truck ride to it. We've had lots of problems mechanically. Cheaply made parts with a huge price tag. Not many mechanics will work on them. Parts are hard to find unless you go to dealer and that cost big time $$$$.Mar 22, 2011
by Anonymous
Mar 19, 2011
Like I mentioned before, I purchased my Kia about 4 yrs. ago and don't have any major complaints. The only thing I can say that is a PITA is the engine layout. I usually do my own tune-ups, timing belt, ect on must of the cars I've own but this one is very complicated and it takes a lot of work and money to do it by a licensed mechanic. Don't get me wrong, the car still runs almost like new and still feels solid on the road. Love the body style and interiors. Off road it can take on some of the best 4X4's out there and it is definitely fun to drive. Gas mileage is average but not bad. Personally, I love my SORENTO, is all a matter of maintenance and TLC... besides 2005 has no recalls.Mar 19, 2011
by Alexey K
Jan 27, 2011
Reliable enough, despite of Korean origin. I'm
using it 1.5 year and had no any trouble with
the car. Slightly slow at accelaration, but ok
for everyday city driving. Great for off-road.
Exterior & interior is not of the cutting edge,
but are solid enough.
Jan 27, 2011
by Ted H
Apr 21, 2010
110k miles and no problems. Pulled a tandem axle trailer from OK to TN with 2 motorcycles on it, still got nearly 270 miles to a tank. I can't say enough good about this vehicle. Hauls the family of 5 with ease.Apr 21, 2010
by Rich S
Feb 18, 2010
never had a problem and has over 100.000 miles the quality is great and is great on gas and we r soon getting a new one
this car is great to drive but when it is slippery use 4 wheel drive this car also has the best steering i have ever used
it also looks beautiful in and out and it has power but also great breakingFeb 18, 2010
by Emma H
Jan 08, 2008
Very fond memories of the sand dunes in Dubai - A great car!Jan 08, 2008
What users have asked
Key won’t start 2005 Kia sorento lx
In the price of trying to remove a different fuse, I accidentally pulled the power train fuse while the car was running. This fuse happens to go to the pcm and main relay. Car immediately died, I replaced the fuse, key still does nothing. I have checked every fuse with a tester and every relay as well. All are good. I happen to have a spare pcm, so I switched it out, problem remains. Of note, I opened the starter relay (which has resistance on the multimeter, so should be good) with the key on, I can use my finger on the side to start the car, I can also start the car with a nail bridge on the starter. Long story short, I know I should not have done that while running, all relays and all fuses are perfect, pcm is different, same problem remains. To the best of my knowledge my car does not have a chip key, as I can start it with a simple copy from the hardware store, and the keyless entry still works. Only thing that doesn’t is the key. No cranking, no clicking, just perfect silence, all lights and hear and radio also come on. PLEASE help !
16 views
Replacing spark plug wires on 2005 Kia Sorento
I am trying to replace the spark plug wires on a 2005 Kia Sorento, but I can't get to them on the back side of the engine. Is there a trick to getting to them? What do I need to remove in order to reach them?
6355 views
Interior lights
2005 Kia Sorento interior lights do not work when door opens
694 views
Interior lights do not work when door is opened
At first the back seat overhead light stopped working. Kia said it would be over $1,000.00 to repair it. Font overheads still worked but now they no longer work when a door is opened. Both front and rear still work manually.
13262 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2005 Kia Sorento?Compare this car
2005 Kia Sorento Pricing
Original MSRP
$22,370 to $26,665Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.67
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 4.67 · Limited slip differential: rear · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.67
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 4.67 · Limited slip differential: rear · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent