2023 Kia Sorento Review
The 2023 Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV that offers a lot of value for its price. It has a spacious and upscale interior, a variety of powertrain options, and a host of standard and available features. It also has a third-row seat that can accommodate up to seven passengers, making it one of the few small SUVs with this capability.
The Sorento comes in six trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, and SX-Prestige X-Line. The base LX model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional on all trims except the SX-Prestige X-Line, which comes standard with it.
The S trim adds a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that boosts the output to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that provides quicker shifts and better performance. The EX trim offers a hybrid option that combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. The hybrid system delivers 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, as well as an impressive EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined. The SX-Prestige trim also has a plug-in hybrid option that increases the power to 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and adds an estimated 32 miles of electric-only driving range.
The Sorento has a comfortable and refined ride quality, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and steering. It also handles well around corners, with minimal body roll and good grip. The turbocharged engine provides strong acceleration and passing power, while the hybrid models offer smooth and efficient performance. The Sorento's towing capacity is limited to 3,500 pounds, which is lower than some rivals.
The Sorento's cabin is spacious and stylish, with high-quality materials and a modern design. The front seats are supportive and adjustable, while the second-row seats are roomy and slide forward and backward for more legroom or cargo space. The third-row seats are best suited for children or short trips, as they are cramped and hard to access. The Sorento has 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expands to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 75 cubic feet with both rows folded.
The Sorento comes with a long list of standard features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, six USB ports, a six-speaker sound system, a rearview camera, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, alloy wheels, and keyless entry. It also comes with several advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, driver attention monitor, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors.
The higher trims add more features, such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless charging pad, Bose premium sound system, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, power-folding third-row seats, digital gauge cluster display, power liftgate, LED headlights and taillights, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera system
