What is the best year for a Kia Sorento?

Strongly avoid 2011-2017, which logged complaint counts between 741 and 1,515 annually — tied to engine and powertrain issues across multiple generations. The 2024 Sorento (35 complaints, 10/10 safety, 7 severe) is the best year on record. The 2020-2025 window represents a substantially improved reliability profile, with 2024 as the standout pick.

How much does Kia Sorento insurance cost?

Sorento insurance averages about $2,005/year — roughly $167/month. The lowest insurance rate in the three-row class.

Is the Kia Sorento or Toyota Highlander cheaper to maintain?

The Highlander is cheaper to maintain by $44/year — $489 versus $533 for the Sorento. Both carry a reliability score of 8. Repair frequency data isn't available for the Highlander, but on cost and reliability score, the two are closely matched. The Sorento's $44 premium is modest given its improving complaint trajectory.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Kia Sorento?

Major repair probability of 11% and repair frequency of 29% are both well below the three-row class average. For 2020 and newer models, extended warranty isn't needed — the data supports self-insuring. For used buyers in the 2011-2017 range, coverage is strongly recommended given the documented complaint history.

Is the Nissan Murano expensive to maintain?

The Murano averages $507/year in maintenance — $66 below the midsize segment average of $573. However, repair frequency of 51% is well above the class average of 40%, meaning owners visit for unscheduled repairs more often than most midsize rivals. Major repair probability of 14% is slightly above the 13% segment average. Lower annual cost but higher visit frequency — a mixed profile.

What is the best year for a Nissan Murano?

From available data, 2024 (4 complaints, 10/10 safety, 0 severe) and 2023 (6 complaints, 10/10 safety, 2 severe) are exceptional years. Complaint data has significant gaps in our records between 2013 and 2022, so years in that range can't be fully assessed. Recent production shows very low complaint activity.

How much does Nissan Murano insurance cost?

Murano insurance averages around $2,418/year — roughly $202/month.

Is the Nissan Murano or Chevrolet Blazer cheaper to maintain?

The Murano is $14/year cheaper than the Blazer — $507 versus $521 — a negligible difference. The Blazer has a higher reliability score (8 vs. 7), lower major repair probability (11% vs. 14%), and much lower repair frequency (28% vs. 51%). On total maintenance value, the Blazer holds a meaningful advantage despite nearly identical annual cost.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Nissan Murano?

Repair frequency of 51% is the highest in the midsize segment. While the annual dollar cost is below average, the elevated visit frequency means more exposure to labor charges and potential additional repairs discovered during service. Warranty coverage is worth considering for used models to help contain those costs.

Kia Sorento vs Nissan Murano

Two three-row SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Nissan Murano to minimise 5-year ownership cost.

Buy the Kia Sorento if long-term reliability matters most.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Kia Sorento	Nissan Murano
Annual maintenance	$533	$507winner
5-year total cost	$2,665	$2,535winner
Reliability score	8 / 10winner	7 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	11%winner	14%
Cargo space	—	—
Starting price (new)	$32,390winner	$41,670
Best years to buy	—	2023

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Kia Sorento	Nissan Murano
RepairPal score	8 / 10winner	7 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	494.7	166.8winner
Years to avoid	2011, 2013, 2014	2010, 2011, 2012
Value retained · 3 yr	75.6%winner	62.2%
Value retained · 5 yr	51.6%winner	47.3%
Value retained · 7 yr	39.8%winner	37.4%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Kia Sorento	Nissan Murano
Engine	41.0%	5.7%winner
Electrical	7.2%	7.0%winner
ADAS	5.0%winner	5.9%
Brakes	4.8%winner	19.8%
Suspension	0.9%winner	5.1%
Steering	3.5%	2.2%winner
Fuel system	1.1%	1.1%winner
Tires/Wheels	—winner	1.5%
Glass/Windows	2.1%winner	8.1%
Airbags	5.3%winner	9.5%
Lighting	5.2%	—winner

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Kia Sorento	Nissan Murano
Avg annual premium	$2,005winner	$2,418

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Kia Sorento

$533/yr maint · 8 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Nissan Murano

$507/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Sorento costs $533/year to maintain — $40 below the three-row segment average of $573. Repair frequency of 29% is well below the class average of 40%. Reliability score of 8 is above the segment average of 7, and major repair probability of 11% is well below the 13% norm. One of the strongest ownership-cost profiles in the three-row class.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →