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Cross-comparison · Comparison spans different vehicle types

2007 Kia Sorento vs 2007 Toyota 4Runner

Reliability comparison based on NHTSA recall and complaint records.

Synced 2026-05-03 Source: NHTSA public records Reviewed by ASE-certified contributors
Quick verdict
2007 Kia Sorento and 2007 Toyota 4Runner run close on the data

Reliability scores are close enough (3.8 versus 3.8) that the choice between these two probably comes down to specific use case rather than overall reliability scoring.

2007 Kia Sorento

3.8/5
Reliability score
154 complaints
0 recalls (0 critical)
$11,950 repair exposure
vs

2007 Toyota 4Runner

3.8/5
Reliability score
154 complaints
0 recalls (0 critical)
$12,050 repair exposure

Stories from the shop

Reliability scores run close (3.8 versus 3.8). The pick comes down to specific use case more than overall reliability scoring.

If you lean 2007 Kia Sorento, know what you're getting into on airbags and electrical. Those categories have noticeably more complaints than the 2007 Toyota 4Runner sees, and they're not cheap items when they go.

Going with the 2007 Toyota 4Runner? Watch the body and brakes. The 2007 Kia Sorento has fewer reports in those categories, so you'd be trading one set of weak spots for another.

Bottom line: pick based on use case more than the spec sheet. If you tow heavy and don't want to think about it, that's one calculation. If you're a daily driver and want the cheapest path forward, that's another. Both of these will get you down the road. We're just telling you where each one is most likely to break.

— ProblemsByVin editorial team, drawing on the NHTSA data and shop experience.

Side-by-side by problem area

Category
2007 Kia Sorento
2007 Toyota 4Runner
airbags
55 reports
severe · ~$1,100
No reports
body
6 reports
severe · ~$1,500
29 reports
moderate · ~$1,500
brakes
11 reports
severe · ~$450
23 reports
moderate · ~$450
electrical
18 reports
severe · ~$850
13 reports
severe · ~$850
powertrain
17 reports
severe · ~$2,500
10 reports
moderate · ~$2,500
cruise control
6 reports
severe · ~$600
19 reports
severe · ~$600
engine
6 reports
moderate · ~$3,100
9 reports
moderate · ~$3,100
suspension
No reports
10 reports
moderate · ~$900
lighting
9 reports
moderate · ~$250
No reports
steering
No reports
9 reports
moderate · ~$700

Common questions

Which is more reliable, the 2007 Kia Sorento or the 2007 Toyota 4Runner?

It's close to a tie. Both vehicles score within 0.2 points on our reliability index (3.8 vs 3.8). At this margin, either choice is defensible — base your decision on the specific failure modes that matter to you.

What goes wrong more often on the 2007 Kia Sorento?

Compared to the 2007 Toyota 4Runner, the 2007 Kia Sorento sees more reported issues in airbags and electrical. That doesn't mean it's a bad truck — it means those are the categories worth budgeting for if you go that direction.

What goes wrong more often on the 2007 Toyota 4Runner?

Compared to the 2007 Kia Sorento, the 2007 Toyota 4Runner has more complaints in body and brakes. Whether that's a deal-breaker depends on the cost and severity — see the comparison table above for repair cost ranges.

Which has more recalls?

Both vehicles have 0 active recalls. Total recall count alone isn't a great signal — what matters is severity. See the recall counts by severity in the comparison table.

Is an extended warranty worth it on either of these?

Both vehicles are out of factory bumper-to-bumper coverage at this point. Combined repair exposure across the top problem categories runs around $12,050 on the higher-risk vehicle. A quality service contract typically costs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years, so a single major failure usually pays for the contract. The math favors warranty coverage on whichever vehicle you choose, especially if you plan to keep it past 100,000 miles.

Related comparisons

Reliability scores, complaint counts, and severity ratings derived from the NHTSA public records database. "Repair exposure" is the sum of average independent-shop repair costs across each vehicle's tracked problem categories and is intended as a relative comparison, not an exact prediction. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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