KIA Sorento 3rd generation (UM, 2014–2020): overview, 2017 facelift and what to check used

Third-generation Kia Sorento (factory code UM) is a mid-size crossover with 5 or 7 seats, which Kia unveiled in South Korea on August 28, 2014, and in Europe at the Paris Motor Show later that year. Sales in Europe began in March 2015; in autumn 2017 the model received a facelift with new LED headlights and an 8-speed automatic, and in 2020 it was replaced by the fourth generation MQ4. Below are the dimensions and engines of both versions, how not to confuse the UM with the neighboring generations, what to check on the used market, and how to choose accessories.

Contents

• How to tell Sorento UM apart from XM and MQ4
• What the 2017 facelift changed
• Which engines and gearboxes were fitted to Sorento UM
• What to check when buying a used Sorento UM
• How to choose accessories for the third-generation Sorento

How to tell Sorento UM apart from XM and MQ4

Sorento has four generations: BL (2002–2009), XM (2009–2014), UM (2014–2020) and MQ4 (since 2020). Cars built in 2014–2015 are most often confused: in Korea the third generation was shown in August 2014, while in Europe sales started only in March 2015, so 2014 cars can be from either generation.

• UM vs XM. According to Kia, the third generation is 95 mm longer than the second, the wheelbase is 80 mm longer, the body is 15 mm lower and 5 mm wider. The UM silhouette is more upright and “straight”; the share of ultra-high-strength steel in the body increased from 24.4 to 52.7%, and torsional stiffness rose by 14%. The rear suspension remained multi-link, with McPherson struts at the front.
• UM vs MQ4. Kia first revealed the fourth generation in photos on February 17, 2020. It is easy to recognize: the enlarged “tiger nose” grille frames the headlights with “tiger eye” daytime running lights, and the rear lamps are vertical. The dimensions are close—4,810 mm in length and a 2,815 mm wheelbase—but the body is completely new, so UM accessories do not carry over: there is a separate section for it in the catalog.

For body parts, the model year is a poor clue: the same 2014 car can be either XM or UM. Compare the shape of the front end and the lights with the photos in the product listing, and look for accessories for the previous generation in the Kia Sorento XM 2009–2014 tuning section.

What the 2017 facelift changed

Kia Motors Europe announced the updated Sorento on September 5, 2017 and showed it at the Frankfurt Motor Show; European sales started in Q4 2017. For the USA, the updated version was presented in November 2017 in Los Angeles as a 2019 model year.

In addition to the lighting, the facelift version received new front and rear bumpers, 17–19-inch wheels, a new steering wheel and instrument cluster, more soft-touch materials in the cabin, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (depending on trim). The GT Line version appeared with four-section LED fog lights, red calipers, and a dual exhaust outlet on the diesel. Ground clearance of the updated version, according to Kia, is 185 mm. Trunk volume of the five-seat car is 660 l; with the rear seatback folded it is 1,732 l; in the seven-seat version with the third row folded it is 605 l.

Which engines and gearboxes were fitted to Sorento UM

• 2.2 CRDi (code D4HB) — 200 hp and 441 Nm, the main engine of European cars. With all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic it accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.6 s and can tow a trailer up to 2,000 kg with brakes. After the facelift, it was paired with an 8-speed automatic, and CO₂ emissions dropped from 172 to 159 g/km.
• 2.0 CRDi — 185 hp and 402 Nm; after the facelift only with a 6-speed automatic.
• 2.4 GDI — a naturally aspirated petrol engine with direct injection, 188 hp in the European version.
• 2.0 T-GDI with 240 hp and 3.3 V6 with 290 hp — petrol engines for Korea and North America, so they are found on cars imported from the USA. In the American 2019 model year, the V6 received an 8-speed automatic, and the third row of seats became standard.

Drive is front-wheel or all-wheel. Fuel tank capacity of the diesel version is 71 l.

What to check when buying a used Sorento UM

1. The 2.2 CRDi diesel is considered reliable even at high mileage, provided the service history has no gaps. Check components typical for modern diesels: the DPF particulate filter, EGR valve, injectors, turbocharger, and dual-mass flywheel—carbon buildup in injectors and the EGR with city use leads to expensive repairs.
2. The Theta II family 2.4 GDI and 2.0 T-GDI petrol engines in North America had issues with connecting-rod bearings. Kia released the KSDS software update, which detects the onset of bearing wear via vibration and switches the engine into limp mode; the PI1805 campaign in 2019 covered, among others, some Sorento 2019 model year vehicles with the 2.4 GDI. For cars from the USA, check the VIN for completed service campaigns, listen to the engine when cold, and review the oil level.
3. Recalls. On diesel versions, the software and the PTC heating element of the auxiliary cabin heater were replaced due to the risk of connector overheating; there were also campaigns related to daytime running lights (2017) and the collision avoidance system (2019).
4. Underside and sills — scratches and impacts underneath will hint at how the car was used off asphalt.
5. Manual-transmission clutch — it should not slip or smell, especially if the car towed a trailer.
6. Electronics — in higher trims, check the operation of all electrical systems and multimedia.

How to choose accessories for the third-generation Sorento

Everything for UM is collected on the Kia Sorento III UM tuning page. Before ordering, clarify three things: the generation (by the front-end photos, not only by the year), pre-facelift or facelift, and the number of seats—5 or 7.

• Side steps. Model-specific side steps for Sorento UM are aluminum, made in Turkey, and installed in the factory mounting points with an installation kit.
• Wind deflectors.Window deflectors for Sorento UM come as stick-on versions with double-sided tape and in-channel versions that fit under the seal; there are also options with a chrome molding.
• Roof rack. Crossbars for Sorento integrated rails mount on their own brackets; for roofs without rails there are crossbars for factory mounting points. Match the roof type in the photos.
• Floor mats. In the Sorento UM floor mats section you will find polyurethane 3D, rubber, textile, and EVA. Sets differ for 5 and 7 seats, and for the seven-seater also for two or three rows; the trunk mat is also selected by the number of seats.

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