The 2023 Kia Sorento offers two powerplants--a 2.5L 4-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower and a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes a full 281 horsepower. Both mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is an option across the entire lineup with the X-Line badge. The front-wheel drive Hybrid Sorento is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder with 227 horsepower as well as a 1.5 kWh lithium polymer battery that brings the total range to 655 miles, the hybrid powertrain has a 6-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in version will have only all-wheel drive option and the same engine and transmission making together 261 horsepower. If equipped with the towing package, the Sorento can haul up to 3500 pounds.
The Sorento comes in five trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The hybrid version only comes in two trims, EX and SX Prestige. Also, the plug-in offers one trim the SX Prestige.
The LX may be the lowest trim level for the Sorento, but it's far from just a basic people mover. It still offers plenty of features to please those who maybe don't want to splurge too much on their new car purchase. Standard equipment on the LX includes 17-inch alloy wheels, 3-row seating, Bluetooth connectivity, an HD radio, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, voice activated audio, smartphone integration, rear camera, 6 USB ports, an 8-inch touchscreen, power windows and door locks, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and keyless-remote entry. This trim also has many safety tech features, active lane departure, forward collision automatic breaking with pedestrian detection, driver attention alert, and traffic sign recognition with speed limiter.
The S trim adds to the features with an 8-way power driver seat, 18-inch machine w/painted accents aluminum wheels, heated front seats, leatherette seats, leather steering wheel, 10.25-inch touch screen, dual-zone automatic climate control, vehicle security systems including tracker, power rear child safety lock, remote start, voice activated navigation/audio/climate control, cruise control with steering assist, satellite radio, 2 more USB ports, roof rails, and proximity keyless entry with push button start. The S gets more standard safety tech adding rear parking sensors, blind spot mitigation, and exit warning.
Buyers opting for the EX get electric parking brake, power liftgate with proximity access, wireless charging pad, LED fog lamps, captain rear seats, and adaptive cruise control with traffic stop and go.
The SX trim rides on 20-inch black aluminum wheels and several body-colored exterior additions give the SUV a more cohesive look. The SX trim also adds to the previous list of features a panoramic sunroof, full LED headlamps 8-way power passenger seat, and LED brake lights.
The top-of-the-line SX-Prestige X-Line trim comes with all the bells and whistles including 1-touch up and down windows front and back, heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, surround view cameras, auto-dimming rearview mirror, fully digital gauge cluster, power folding mirrors, 12-speaker audio system, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats and leather throughout with driver seat memory for 2.
Clean Styling
Multiple Engine Options
Versatile Interior
Available All-wheel Drive
High-end Features
The Kia Sorento gets an updated trim lineup for 2023 but otherwise carries over with minimal changes.
The Kia Sorento competes in a crowded segment against other mid-sized SUVs. Luckily for Kia, the Sorento stands out, with bold styling and a bevy of options, making it an extremely versatile competitor. Kias are known for their great warranties and an affordable base price, and the Sorento doesn't disappoint. With a low base price and a 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, the 2023 Kia Sorento is extremely competitive.
