19 MPG combined. That figure describes the 2016 Kia Sorento AWD with its 3.3L V6 engine. It’s not designed to compete with a Prius. Instead, it’s a mid-size SUV intended for families, groceries, and the occasional weekend, offering all-weather traction. For the Sorento’s target buyer, the suburban parent needing space and confident handling, fuel economy is a consideration, but not the most important factor.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Sorento AWD 3.3L V6 gets 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s need to work harder in stop-and-go traffic, battling the Sorento’s weight. The highway number is better, indicating that the six-speed automatic transmission does a good job of settling into a fuel-efficient cruising gear on long stretches of open road. Aggressive acceleration or consistent speeds above 75 mph will lower that highway number.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this version of the Sorento at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the national average fuel price. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how many miles you drive, your driving style, and fuel prices in your area.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers provide a useful baseline, but real-world MPG can change. Owners should see figures close to the EPA estimates with a careful gas pedal. Frequent short trips, heavy loads, or a lead foot could drop the combined MPG into the mid-teens.

Those who accelerate smoothly and spend more time on the highway might see numbers slightly better than the EPA estimates. Checking user-submitted MPG data on sites like FuelEconomyHub.com for other Sorento owners can provide valuable insights.

How it compares

The 2016 Sorento’s fuel economy is near the middle of its class. A 2016 Toyota Highlander AWD with its 3.5L V6 gets an EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined, a small advantage. A 2016 Ford Explorer with its 3.5L V6 and AWD system gets 19 MPG combined. A 2016 Honda Pilot AWD performs similarly achieving 22 MPG combined.

These figures matter because Sorento buyers often compare these models. They’re weighing the Sorento’s features, price, and warranty against the fuel economy of its competitors. Smart shoppers compare SORENTO MPG across all years to see how the current model stacks up against older versions, and against all Kia fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key. The Sorento’s 3.3L V6 is responsive, but pressing hard on the gas will waste fuel. Let the transmission shift smoothly and avoid unnecessary bursts of speed, especially in town.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the pressure recommended on the tire placard on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra cargo adds strain to the engine and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the cargo area.

Consider cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed can help you avoid sudden acceleration and braking, which waste fuel. Watch traffic and don’t use cruise control in heavy congestion.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained engine is more fuel-efficient. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your Sorento, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements.