2018 Kia Sorento vs 2018 Nissan Pathfinder
Two midsize SUVs, compared on what actually matters when you're buying used:
what breaks, when it breaks, and what it costs you.
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.
VS
2018 Nissan
Pathfinder
4/10
Comfortable, well-equipped, and roomy — but the CVT is a ticking clock that turns 'good deal' into 'money pit' fast.
Milo scores the 2018 Kia Sorento higher — 6/10 against 4/10.
By the numbers
Green is the better number — higher on every score, lower on failures, complaints and recalls.
| Kia Sorento |
Nissan Pathfinder |
| Known failure points | 3 | 5 |
| NHTSA complaints | 248 | 77 |
| Safety recalls | 3 | 3 |
| Service bulletins | 12 | 12 |
| Reliability | 52 | 38 |
| Cheap to own | 48 | 30 |
| Fun factor | 38 | 30 |
| Holds value | 45 | 35 |
| Enthusiast cred | 20 | 15 |
The most expensive thing that goes wrong
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
2018 Nissan Pathfinder
CVT (Jatco JF015E/RE0F10E-family) shudder, whine, or outright failure — hesitation and slipping under load are classic early warning signs
$150–$5,50030k–70k mi
If you buy one, buy this one
✅ 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.
✅ 2018 Nissan Pathfinder
2018 SV 4WD with the Trailer Tow Package and mid-cycle CVT software update applied — check service records for CVT-related TSBs already performed.
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
Run my free report →
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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.