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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2023 Kia Sorento: Big Value, Small SUV
The 2023 Kia Sorento packs a lot of options and tech in an affordable package. We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more.
2023 Kia Sorento – kia.com | Shop 2023 Kia Sorento on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Kia Sorento?
The mid-size SUV market is chock full of competitors these days. Every major automaker has at least one entry, and many times they have more than a few. With all of the choices available to drivers these days, it can be tough to pinpoint exactly which mid-size crossover offers the most value.
The 2023 Kia Sorento should be at the top of the list. It is a seven-seater that offers the practical utility capabilities of the Telluride with a smaller size and multiple powertrain options. Yes, that means there are some great hybrid options available!
There haven’t been a lot of changes for the 2023 model year. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all models now. There is wireless smartphone charging in the S trim, and the EX trim now offers an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat with a frameless rearview mirror. A 12.3-inch digital gauge display, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and power-folding exterior mirrors are available on the SX trim.
The Hybrid S trim has been discontinued while the fully loaded Hybrid SX-P trim has been added. The Hybrid EX gets a power front-passenger seat and a frameless rearview mirror. Kia’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is only available on the SX-Prestige trim which also includes retractable rear-door sunshades, a 115-volt inverter, and 32 miles of electric driving range.
The Breakdown
Impressive standard features
10-year/100K-mile powertrain warranty
Easy-to-use infotainment system
Limited towing capacity
Third-row legroom is small
Not as affordable as the last generation
A lot of features for a little money
2023 Sorento Specs
- 191 horsepower from base engine
- 181 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 11 available trims
- 45 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 75.5 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Optional 10.3-inch touchscreen
- 4-star NHTSA safety rating
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
2023 Kia Sorento Powertrain
One of the great things about the 2023 Kia Sorento is that there are several engine options available. The base engine is a 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine that puts out 191 horsepower. There is also a 281-horsepower turbocharged version of the 2.5L four-cylinder as well. An eight-speed automatic transmission is mated to the gasoline-only transmissions.
There are also hybrid options available – a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder that is paired with an electric motor to make 227 horsepower. There is also a plug-in hybrid model with the same engine that is available in AWD only that makes 261 horsepower thanks to a more powerful electric motor.
These engine options produce 181 to 311 lbs.-ft. of torque. All but the plug-in hybrid option are available in AWD or FWD. The shock and strut suspension makes the ride comfortable, and it provides 6.9 inches of ground clearance in the event you need to go off-road in moderation.
Towing & Payload
The 2023 Kia Sorento can tow up to 3,500 lbs. when properly equipped with AWD. The base engine can only handle up to 2,000 lbs. This is a bit of a disappointment since many competitors can tow more. The payload capacity for the AWD turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder is 1,563 lbs.
2023 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy & MPG
The base engine gives drivers up to 24 MPG city/29 MPG highway. The turbocharged version returns an EPA-rated 22 MPG city/29 MPG highway.
If you really want to save at the pump, the hybrid options are the way to go. The plug-in hybrid has a combined rating of 79 MPGe with a gasoline mileage of 35 MPG city/33 MPG highway. The plug-in hybrid can travel up to 32 miles on electricity alone with a full battery.
For even more fuel savings, the Hybrid Sorento will give drivers an estimated 38 mpg city and highway driving.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The interior of the 2023 Kia Sorento is built with attractive and high-quality materials. Rhombus-shaped air vents, ambient lighting, and intricate stitching are among some of the things that don the interior with class without venturing into luxury territory. There are a variety of storage cubbies and cupholders around the console so there will always be a place for things on long trips.
While there are three rows, it is important to note that the third row is cramped for adult passengers compared to the larger Telluride. It would be more appropriate for children or smaller adults. With all seats up, drivers get 12.6 cubic feet of storage. Folding down both back rows of seats yields 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
The overall ride quality isn’t as smooth as some competitors, but it wasn’t the worst either. There was a little vibration that snuck into the cabin as well as a bit of wind noise.
Entertainment & Technology
An 8.0-inch infotainment system is standard while a 10.3-inch screen is optional. Wireless smartphone charging is also optional. Drivers can also opt for the 12-speaker Bose sound system if they want better audio quality, and parents can add the optional rear-seat entertainment system with touchscreens mounted on the back of each front seat to keep the little ones occupied on long trips.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both supported.
There are eight USB ports located throughout the cabin so everyone can charge their devices without fighting over a port.
Safety Features
The 2023 Kia Sorento received a four-out-of-five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It gives drivers a plethora of driver-assistance technology including standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and available blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
2023 Kia Sorento Trims and Pricing
LX – $31,415
The base model LX offers the 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine, cloth upholstery, 8-inch touchscreen, rear a/c vents, keyless entry, 6-speaker audio, 60/40 split folding middle row, automatic LED headlights, and heated power mirrors.
S – $33,915
The S trim offers everything you get with the LX trim plus sport exterior styling, 18-inch alloy wheels, 10-way power driver seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, 10.25-inch infotainment with navigation, optional panoramic sunroof, and synthetic leather upholstery.
X-Line S – $35,915
The X-Line S has standard AWD 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, X-Line body styling, and high-utility roof racks
EX – $37,315
The EX trim adds the turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine to the S trim features along with LED foglights, a power liftgate, wireless smartphone charging, and second-row captain’s chairs.
EX Hybrid – $38,015
All of the same features as the EX with the hybrid powertrain.
SX – $40,215
The 2023 Kia Sorento SX has all of the EX features plus 20-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, LED taillamps, a panoramic moonroof with power sunshade, LED interior lighting, and an 8-way power front passenger seat.
X-Line EX – $41,015
The X-Line EX includes the X-Line body styling, 20-inch matte grey alloy wheels, and high-utility roof rails.
SX Prestige – $44,815
The Kia Sorento SX Prestige includes power-folding side mirrors, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated leather front seats, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and a 14-way power front driver seat with lumbar support.
SX Prestige Hybrid – $43,815
A hybrid version of the SX with the same luxury appointments and a hybrid powertrain.
X-Line SX Prestige – $45,015
The X-Line SX-Prestige includes all the features of the SX-Prestige with AWD, X-Line body styling, and 20-inch matte gray alloy wheels.
SX Prestige PHEV – $51,315
This is the plug-in hybrid trim. All other luxury features of the SX-Prestige model are included.
Warranties
The Kia warranty plans are well-known throughout the industry. They have some of the best plans in the industry. Drivers get a limited warranty that covers 5 years/60,000 miles. The powertrain warranty is 10 years/100,000 miles. There is no complimentary maintenance coverage.
What We Think
2023 Kia Sorento PHEV – kiamedia.com | Shop 2023 Kia Sorento on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Kia Sorento is one of the best deals in the industry. While the new prices aren’t as affordable as they once were, they still offer a ton of features and an industry-leading warranty plan. Sure, some crossovers offer more luxurious appointments and provide a much better ride – but you’ll surely pay a more premium price.
Small families that are looking for a daily driver will love options such as the rear entertainment system while travel-minded couples will love the cargo space. The hybrid options are great for those who are looking to save money at the pump as well.
In the highly competitive crossover SUV market, the 2023 Kia Sorento should not be overlooked. It is a real winner when it comes to value. If you are in the market for 2023 Kia Sorento, be sure to check out the current new car incentives here.
