2023 Kia Sorento

History/Overview

Kia entered the mid-size crossover market in 2002 with the then-new Sorento, and rolled out the fourth-generation model – which you’re reading about here -- in 2021.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

Kia has not made any notable changes to the Sorento for 2023.

Available Trims

Kia offers the Sorento in LX+, LX Premium, X-Line, EX, EX+, and SX trim levels. All versions use a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, which adds turbocharging in X-Line and above for added performance. Non-turbo models have an eight-speed automatic transmission, and turbo versions get an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. All-wheel drive is standard across the line.

There are conventional gas-electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains available, too, which are covered in separate buyer’s guide entries.

Standard Features

LX+ trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off LED headlights with high beam assist, and passive keyless entry. Inside, there’s seven-passenger seating, heated front seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, dual-zone A/C, and wireless phone charging.

The Sorento’s basic safety package comprises lane keep/follow assist, forward collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic collision mitigation.

LX Premium gains 18-inch wheels, sound-reducing front door glass, a heated steering wheel, and a power driver’s seat.

X-Line gets 20-inch wheels, skid plates, roof rails, and six-passenger seating.

EX brings sport bumpers, synthetic leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, wood trim, satellite radio, an auto-dimming interior mirror, and an integrated garage remote.

EX+ gains LED fog lights and taillights, a panoramic roof, power-folding side mirrors, heated rear seats, rear door sunshades, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, adaptive cruise control, highway driving assist, LED cabin lighting, safe exit assist, rear occupant alert, junction turning assist, and front parking sensors.

Finally, SX gets rain-sensing wipers, remote-folding second-row seats, real leather upholstery, front-seat lumbar, ventilated front seats, a Bose stereo, digital gauges, a head-up display, a blind view camera, rear parking collision mitigation, and surround-view cameras.

Fuel Economy

Kia’s fuel consumption estimates for the Sorento are 10.1/9.2 L/100 km (city/highway) with the base 2.5L engine, and 10.9/8.7 L/100 km with the turbocharged motor.

Competition

The Sorento’s key competitors include the Honda Passport, Chevrolet Blazer, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, and the Volkswagen Atlas.