22 MPG combined in the 2019 Kia Sorento FWD with the 3.3L V6 isn’t going to win any fuel-sipping awards, but it’s a perfectly acceptable compromise for buyers who prioritize space, performance, and reliability over ultimate efficiency. This is a family-focused SUV, not a hybrid experiment, and its gas mileage reflects that straightforward mission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway for the 2019 Kia Sorento FWD with the 3.3L V6. The city figure reflects the reality of stop-and-go traffic, where the Sorento’s weight and conventional automatic transmission take their toll. The highway MPG is more respectable, partly attributable to the eight-speed automatic transmission helping the engine cruise at lower RPMs. These numbers might not impress compared to smaller SUVs or hybrids, but they’re in line with what most buyers expect from a V6-powered, three-row crossover.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,000 for the 2019 Kia Sorento FWD 3.3L. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs can vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local gas prices. While $2,000 is a significant expense, it’s a cost that many Sorento buyers are willing to bear in exchange for the vehicle’s practicality and strong engine.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a baseline, and real-world fuel economy can vary considerably. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will all lower your MPG. However, a careful driver who primarily drives on the highway can potentially exceed the EPA’s estimates. Owners report that achieving the 26 MPG highway figure requires disciplined throttle control and consistent speeds. Many drivers may find themselves averaging closer to 20-21 MPG in mixed driving conditions. Considering SORENTO MPG across all years can give you a realistic look at customer averages.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2019 Kia Sorento FWD 3.3L falls in the middle of its competitive set. The Honda Pilot, with its 3.5L V6, achieves a slightly better 23 MPG combined in FWD configuration. The Toyota Highlander, another strong contender, offers similar MPG in its V6 guise, around 22 MPG combined. The Ford Explorer, especially with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, may offer comparable numbers on paper, but real-world fuel economy tends to be lower. The Chevrolet Traverse, a larger offering, delivers similar fuel economy at around 21 MPG combined. These comparisons solidify the Sorento’s position as a reasonably efficient choice, but not a class leader. It’s critical that buyers understand this tradeoff between space, performance, and efficiency when making their decision. Keep these numbers in mind as you research all Kia fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel efficiency with the 3.3L V6. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and hard braking, as these actions waste fuel. The Sorento’s engine has enough torque to accelerate smoothly without aggressive throttle input, especially from a stop.

Proper tire inflation is important for fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Consult the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure, and check your tires regularly, especially during temperature changes. Consider investing in a digital tire pressure gauge for accurate readings.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s load and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need, especially heavy objects. Even a few extra pounds can affect fuel consumption, particularly in city driving.

Plan your trips to avoid stop-and-go traffic. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. Using navigation apps to find routes with less congestion can significantly improve fuel economy. Consider alternate routes or travel times to bypass peak traffic periods.

Use cruise control on the highway. Engaging cruise control maintains a consistent speed, which minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. A steady speed maximizes fuel efficiency on long highway drives with minimal driver input as long as the terrain is relatively flat.