Owners of the 2020 Kia Sorento equipped with all-wheel drive and the 2.4L four-cylinder engine get 23 MPG combined. It’s not a record-breaker, but it’s also not necessarily a drawback for families who choose this mid-size SUV. These buyers prioritize space, value, and Kia’s long warranty over fuel efficiency. They understand that getting three rows of seating and available all-wheel drive at this price requires some compromises, and fuel economy is one of them.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway for this Sorento configuration. The city figure reflects the demands of stop-and-go traffic, where the 2.4L engine works harder to move the Sorento from a standstill. The 26 MPG highway rating suggests the engine uses less energy at consistent cruising speeds, and the six-speed automatic transmission finds its optimal gear. However, even on the highway, expect the MPG to decrease if you frequently load the Sorento with passengers and cargo or drive into strong headwinds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Kia Sorento AWD 2.4L at $1,900 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles annually using a mix of city and highway driving, and considering national average fuel prices. Remember that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the roads you drive on, and the price of gasoline in your area. Aggressive driving, prolonged idling, and consistently using premium fuel (though it’s not required) will all increase your yearly fuel expenses above this $1,900 estimate.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized testing procedure, but real-world MPG often differs from the official figures. Sorento owners have reported a range of experiences, with some achieving figures close to the EPA estimates and others falling short. Factors like tire pressure, the condition of your engine, and the weight you carry in the vehicle all play a role. Wind resistance is a big factor for any SUV, and the Sorento’s boxy shape doesn’t help it cut through the air. Consistent use of accessories such as air conditioning, especially in hot climates, will strain the engine and decrease fuel economy. Before buying, check out all Kia fuel economy data, specifically SORENTO MPG across all years to inform your decision.

How it compares

The 2020 Sorento is in a competitive segment with several other mid-size SUVs vying for the attention of family buyers. The Toyota Highlander generally achieves better fuel economy. The base 4-cylinder Highlander LE FWD model offers around 24 MPG combined. The Honda Pilot typically lands in a similar range, with its 2WD models hovering around 23 MPG combined. Even the Jeep Grand Cherokee, in its V6, RWD configuration, manages about 21 MPG combined. The Sorento is on the lower end of the MPG spectrum in this class, though it often wins out on price, warranty, and available features. For those prioritizing fuel economy above all else, a hybrid SUV like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (40 MPG combined) might be a better fit, but it has a smaller interior.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is important for fuel efficiency. Make sure your Sorento’s engine is properly tuned, the air filter is clean, and the tires are correctly inflated. These simple steps can noticeably improve your gas mileage. Schedule regular oil changes as well. Old oil is thicker and reduces engine efficiency.

Driving habits also have a significant impact. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these consume more fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Use cruise control on the highway to help you maintain an even speed and maximize fuel efficiency.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The heavier your Sorento, the more fuel it takes to move it. Remove any unnecessary cargo from the vehicle, especially heavy items like tools or sporting equipment that you aren’t using regularly. Small reductions in weight can add up over time.

Consider using a fuel additive designed to clean fuel injectors. Deposits can build up, hindering their performance and reducing fuel economy. A fuel additive can help dissolve these deposits and restore proper fuel injector function.