2018 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2018 Kia Sorento
Two midsize SUVs, compared on what actually matters when you're buying used:
what breaks, when it breaks, and what it costs you.
2018 Chevrolet
Traverse
5/10
Best seats and ride in the segment, wrapped around a 9-speed transmission that GM never fully sorted out.
VS
2018 Kia
Sorento
6/10
Buy it for the V6 with a documented Theta II settlement claim already paid — everything else about this generation is genuinely good.
Milo scores the 2018 Kia Sorento higher — 6/10 against 5/10.
By the numbers
Green is the better number — higher on every score, lower on failures, complaints and recalls.
| Chevrolet Traverse |
Kia Sorento |
| Known failure points | 6 | 3 |
| NHTSA complaints | 455 | 248 |
| Safety recalls | 2 | 3 |
| Service bulletins | 12 | 12 |
| Reliability | 48 | 52 |
| Cheap to own | 45 | 48 |
| Fun factor | 40 | 38 |
| Holds value | 42 | 45 |
| Enthusiast cred | 25 | 20 |
The most expensive thing that goes wrong
2018 Chevrolet Traverse
Full transmission failure — won't engage reverse, stuck in gear, pressure control solenoid codes (P0846/P0776 common)
$3,500–$5,50060k–100k mi
2018 Kia Sorento
Theta II 2.4L/3.3L engine excessive oil consumption, rod bearing knock, potential catastrophic failure (subject of multiple Kia lawsuits/settlements)
$0–$8,50060k–110k mi
If you buy one, buy this one
✅ 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
2019 Traverse RS or High Country (post-first-model-year running changes, updated TCM software from the factory) with the 3.6L V6 and full service records showing a transmission fluid/filter change — avoid the very first 2018 build run if possible.
✅ 2018 Kia Sorento
2018 Sorento SX or SXL, 3.3L V6 AWD, with full documented oil-consumption test history and confirmation of Theta II settlement enrollment or extended engine warranty.
Narrowed it down? Get the full report
This comparison is model-level.
Milo's report goes car-level — the one you're actually looking at:
- A line-by-line negotiation script
- The pre-purchase inspection checklist
- VIN-specific open recalls
- What it's really worth right now
- Your next 15,000 miles, forecast
- Hidden features & money-savers
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Scores and findings blend documented NHTSA recalls and complaints with
patterns synthesized from owner communities. Always inspect the specific vehicle and
verify open recalls by VIN before buying.