If you're shopping three-row SUVs and the Sorento catches your eye, know this: generation matters more than brand loyalty here. The 2011-2020 models earned their reputation the hard way, owners report needing two or three complete engine replacements before 110k miles, with Kia dragging its feet on warranty coverage until recalls forced action. The 2021-and-newer models fixed the engine drama but swapped it for DCT transmission failures in the turbocharged EX and higher trims, typically around 70k miles. The bright spot? The current Sorento Hybrid runs a bulletproof conventional six-speed automatic and delivers 32 mpg without the powertrain anxiety. It's genuinely competitive if you can live with a tighter third row than the Highlander offers and don't need to tow a boat. Skip the older generations entirely, and if you're buying new, either go Hybrid or stick with the base engine and transmission, the turbo DCT combo is a $6,000 repair waiting to happen.
Mazda built a $50k SUV that drives like it costs $70k, sharp handling, a silky inline-6, and an interior that embarrasses the Highlander, but shipped it before the transmission learned its lines. The 8-speed shudders and hesitates at low speeds across enough reports to call it systematic, not a lemon-lottery issue, and early PHEVs needed steering racks and 12V batteries replaced under warranty. If you prize driving feel over appliance-smooth operation and can live with first-year quirks (2026s show real improvement), the CX-90 delivers shocking value; if you need bulletproof out-of-the-gate execution, wait a year or stick with the boring-but-reliable competition.