The 2020 Kia Sorento with the front-wheel-drive 3.3L V6 gets 22 MPG combined. It’s not class-leading, so fuel economy isn’t the reason to choose this configuration. However, it’s the cost for a genuinely useful family vehicle that prioritizes smooth power and comfortable cruising. This Sorento appeals to those who need occasional extra seating and the utility of a mid-size SUV but want the responsiveness of a larger engine.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates provide a breakdown of the Sorento’s fuel consumption in different driving conditions. The 3.3L V6 Sorento FWD is rated at 19 MPG in the city. This figure is understandable given the engine’s size and the Sorento’s weight. Highway driving yields a more respectable 26 MPG, aided by the automatic’s ability to select higher gears, allowing the engine to relax and consume less fuel at steady cruising speeds. The eight-speed automatic helps keep the engine in its sweet spot for both performance and economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Kia Sorento FWD 3.3L 6-cyl to be $2,000. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes fuel prices at the national average. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the mix of city versus highway miles driven. $2,000 provides a useful baseline for comparing the Sorento’s running costs against other vehicles in its class, or if you’re comparing SORENTO MPG across all years.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, real-world MPG often differs. Expect fluctuations based on driving style. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will decrease fuel economy, while a gentler, more anticipatory driving approach will improve it. Terrain also plays a role; hilly areas will likely reduce MPG compared to flat terrain. Weather conditions impact fuel economy as well, with cold temperatures and strong headwinds often leading to a drop in miles covered per gallon.

How it compares

The 2020 Sorento’s fuel economy is average compared to some competitors. The Honda Pilot, for example, with its 3.5L V6 and front-wheel drive, gets a slightly better 23 MPG combined. The Toyota Highlander, with its standard 3.5L V6, also offers an estimated 24 MPG combined in its FWD configuration. Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer with its base 2.3L EcoBoost turbo-4 and RWD manages 24 MPG combined, but most buyers stepping up to the Sorento’s V6 are specifically trying to avoid that smaller, less powerful engine. These differences matter to buyers who carefully weigh the trade-offs between power, space, and running costs. A vehicle like the Sorento Hybrid (not available in 2020) or a smaller SUV might be a better fit for those particularly concerned with fuel economy, though the hybrid powertrain wasn’t available until the redesigned Sorento launched with the 2021 model year. Be sure to look at all Kia fuel economy data for a complete view.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and restarting uses less fuel than idling for extended periods of time.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel consumption. Cruise control minimizes fluctuations in speed, preventing wasteful acceleration and deceleration.

Lighten your load. Remove any unnecessary items from your Sorento. Extra weight increases the amount of energy required to move the vehicle, negatively impacting fuel economy. Keep the cargo area clear of items you don’t need on a daily basis.

Accelerate smoothly. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and aggressive driving. Gentle acceleration and braking allow the engine and transmission to operate more efficiently. Anticipate traffic flow and adjust your speed gradually.