The 2024 Kia Sorento FWD 2.5L 4-cylinder gets 23 MPG combined. It won’t win any hypermiling contests, but it’s also not a deal-breaker for families who want three-row seating, versatile cargo space, and a comfortable daily driving experience over outright fuel efficiency. They understand there’s a trade-off, and the Sorento’s value, its features, warranty, and approachable price, makes the MPG acceptable.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates of 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway show the Sorento’s strengths and weaknesses. Urban driving, with its constant stop-and-go, is where the 2.5L engine works hardest and fuel economy suffers. The eight-speed automatic transmission (AM-S8) does its best to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but the Sorento’s weight is always a factor.

Out on the open road, the Sorento fares better. The engine settles into a more relaxed cruise, and the aerodynamics play a bigger role. Achieving that 29 MPG highway rating is realistic, especially on longer trips where consistent speeds can be maintained. The difference between city and highway figures suggests that drivers with longer commutes or frequent highway use will likely see better overall fuel economy than those primarily navigating city streets.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Kia Sorento FWD 2.5L at $1,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate.

Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and where you live. If you primarily drive in the city, rack up more than 15,000 miles per year, or live in an area with higher gas prices, you can expect to exceed that $1,900 figure. Drivers who primarily use the highway, drive less than 15,000 miles annually, and live in areas with lower fuel costs could see a lower annual fuel expense. It’s a useful benchmark, but not a guaranteed outcome.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides consistent and comparable data, real-world fuel economy often differs. Factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and even tire pressure can influence the MPG you actually achieve. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking will always negatively impact fuel efficiency.

Cold weather can decrease MPG by forcing the engine to work harder, and maintaining proper tire inflation is another critical factor. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Most drivers will find that staying close to the EPA’s combined MPG of 23 is achievable with mindful driving habits.

How it compares

Compared to others in its class, the 2024 Sorento with the 2.5L engine is in the middle. The Toyota Highlander achieves better fuel economy, with the FWD LE trim rated at 25 MPG combined. The Ford Explorer with its base 2.3L EcoBoost engine achieves a similar 24 MPG combined in FWD guise. The Hyundai Santa Fe, mechanically similar and closely related to the Sorento, achieves an identical 25 MPG in its base trim. These figures matter to buyers cross-shopping in this segment. While the Sorento offers other advantages, those focused solely on maximizing efficiency might lean towards competitors boasting superior MPG ratings. Always view SORENTO MPG across all years to determine if slight fuel economy changes have occurred year over year.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow. Look ahead and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking, with the Kia’s non-hybrid engine, these habits drain extra fuel.

Use cruise control on the highway, when appropriate. Once you’ve reached your desired speed, cruise control helps you maintain it consistently, which can improve fuel economy. This is relevant on longer trips, where speed fluctuations are common.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level. You will usually find the proper tire pressure information on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb. This simple step can improve your fuel economy and save you money at the pump.

Minimize your use of accessories. Air conditioning, heated seats, and other electronic accessories can increase fuel consumption. Only use these items when necessary to reduce the load on the engine. Consider opening the windows instead of using the AC when weather permits.

Regularly inspect and maintain your Sorento. Keeping your engine properly tuned and ensuring that all maintenance is up to date can help it run more efficiently. Clogged air filters, for example, reduce airflow to the engine and decrease fuel economy. For all Kia fuel economy data, remember that consistent maintenance contributes to long-term fuel efficiency.