2023 Kia Sorento

The configurations for the 2023 Kia Sorento are: LX, S, X-Line S EX, X-Line EX, SX, SX-Prestige and X-Line SX-Prestige. Above the base price of every trim, an additional fee of $1,325 is levied as a destination charge. The base LX comes with features such as third-row 50/50 split folding seats, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, etc. The S variant further upgrades the SUV with 18-inch wheels, remote engine start, back exterior trim, roof rails, leather-wrapped steering wheel, etc. The EX gets a powertrain upgrade, which adds a turbo engine and enhances the power and torque output.

It also comes with features such as a hands-free liftgate, second-row captain's chairs, a wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, etc. X-Line SX essentially adds EX's features, but without AWD or the unique styling of the EX. It also features power adjustments for the front passenger seat. The top-end SX-Prestige gets an abundance of new features, like an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather seating surfaces, ventilated front seats with additional adjustments, a heated steering wheel, an upgraded 12-speaker Bose audio system, front parking sensors, etc.

The 2023 Kia Sorento comes with an X-line package on the EX, the S, and the SX variants. It adds an AWD drivetrain and distinctive styling. Furthermore, a sunroof can be added for $1,300 with S, while auto-dimming rearview mirrors with universal garage remotes are available for $350 in the lower trims. A towing hitch can be added for $475. Rear-seat entertainment systems cost $1,500 and are available across all trim lines.

The 2023 Kia Sorento mpg ratings are 26 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined with the standard powertrain. Opting for the AWD drivetrain reduces the gas mileage to 23/25/24 mpg in city, highway, and combined conditions. With the turbocharged engine, the 2023 Kia Sorento gas mileage is 22/29/25 mpg in city, highway, and combined conditions. However, opting for the AWd brings those prices down to 22/27/24 miles per gallon, which is just about acceptable.

In the city, the Kia Sorento is more efficient as compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan, and offers the same gas mileage as the Mitsubishi Outlander. On a highway, the Sorento is more efficient than the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Sorento also comes with a bigger fuel tank capacity as compared to the Tiguan and the Outlander. This is also reflected in the overall range of travel, in which it leads the two, both in a city and on a highway.

Talking about the interior of the Kia Sorento, good build quality and a modern layout are very noticeable. The dashboard is well laid out and ergonomic. Even the seats offer decent comfort and under-thigh support. The second row of seats can be a single bench seat or two captain chairs. The provision of dual-zone climate control is a plus, in addition to power adjustment, heating, and ventilation for the front seats.

The third-row bench seat feels cramped and is best suited for shorter commutes. The seat upholstery consists of cloth, SynTex, and leather choices, depending on the trim configurations. The upholstery color options are black, gray, and rust, with or without a 3D embossed pattern. The Kia Sorento cargo space dimensions are 12.6/38.5/75.5 cubic feet with respect to the third, second, and first rows.

The 2023 Kia Sorento comes with better front shoulder room as compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Mitsubishi Outlander. At the rear, the Sorento offers more shoulder room and legroom than the Tiguan and the Outlander. All the rivals come with plush interiors and a well-balanced layout of the cabin. However, in our view, the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe have a more appealing interior due to their attractive center console styling.

The 2023 Kia Sorento LX comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display infotainment system. A 10.3-inch display is also available with the upper trims in the lineup. The system has all the essential connectivity features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The SUV comes with a standard 6-speaker sound system, while the SX Prestige variant gets a standard 12-speaker Bose sound system. The infotainment comes with navigation, additional auxiliary, USB, and iPod connection points, SiriusXM, and UVO telematics. In the EX variant, all the trims feature a wireless phone charger. Also, the 2023 edition features a 12.3-inch digital gauge display with the SX variant.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Kia Sorento include:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Power adjustable seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Leather upholstery
• Smart cruise control
• Automatic climate control
• Wireless charging pad
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bose sound system 

The 2023 Kia Sorento shares some of its design with the Telluride. The large but not overbearing grille is incorporated into the front fascia and incorporates LED multi-reflector headlight clusters. Also, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) are featured in the upper trim levels of the 2023 Sorento.

Kia offers full LED projector headlights and LED taillamps at the SX trim level. The base variant comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, while upper trims get 18 or 20 inches of wheels. A rear roof spoiler also enhances the sporty styling of the car. The X-Line trims get 8.2-inches of higher ground clearance.

The 2023 Kia Sorento SUV is the longest and features the longest wheelbase as compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Mitsubishi Outlander. It is also taller than the Santa Fe and the Tiguan. The Sorento, however, lags behind its competitors in terms of ground clearance. The Sorente and the Outlander look decently aggressive, while the Hyundai Santa looks more stylish and authoritative with its sleek headlights and attractive grille design.

Some of the 2023 Kia Sorento color options are: 

• Everlasting Silver
• Gravity Gray
• Ebony Black 
• Glacial White Pearl (+$445)
• Wolf Gray 
• Passion Red (+$445)
• Sapphire Blue 
• Aruba Green

The 2023 Kia Sorento comes with a body-on-frame structure that is tough and rigid to resist any unforeseen impact. The 2023 Kia Sorento received an overall four-star safety rating in the crash tests done by the NHTSA. The IIHS also reviewed the Sorento with a Good rating in every crashworthy test except lower-tier headlights. With the LED projector lamps, the 2022 edition received the Top Safety Pick award. Kia offers Kia Drive Wise-Driver Assistance Technology as standard across all trims.

Some of the major safety features available with the 2023 Kia Sorento include

• Lane keeping assist
• Blind spot monitor
• Driver attention system
• High beam assist
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning

2023 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe 

The 2023 Kia Sorento comes with a more expensive price tag as compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe. It dominates Santa Fe in terms of torque delivery with its AWD model. The Sorento reaches the quarter mile quicker than the Santa Fe. It also has a better braking performance as per the 60-0 MPH. The Sorento has better highway efficiency. On the other hand, the Hyundai Santa Fe reaches 60 MPH quicker than the Kia Sorento. Santa Fe provides better gas mileage in a city.

2023 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is a cheaper option as compared to the Kia Sorento and offers better highway economy. Whereas, the 2023 Sorento SUV comes with a more powerful engine. It dominates its rival in terms of torque output with its AWD variant as well. The Sorento is also quicker to reach the 60 MPH speed and also leads in quarter mile timing. The braking performance of the Sorento is better and the SUV covers less distance while sudden braking from 60 MPH.

2023 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2023 Kia Sorento demands more bucks from its customer as compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander. It also leads in terms of power output. The Sorento offers more torque with AWD as well as a better engine grunt. It is also quicker and provides impressive acceleration than the Outlander. On the other hand, the quarter mile timing of the Santa Fe is better, which makes it quicker over a longer stretch. It is also more economical on a highway.

The 2023 Kia Sorento is a robust and well-packed midsize SUV for the segment. The car comes with multiple engine options, a smooth automatic transmission, and an optional AWD. Furthermore, the cabin is equipped with a user-friendly entertainment system and comfortable seats. Moreover, the exterior looks appealing with the authoritative profile and the re-styled Kia logo. It has an impressive front profile to woo the spectators. However, we would recommend waiting for the 2024 Kia Sorento, which has received refreshed styling, an updated infotainment system, and off-road-oriented trims.