Thanks: Greenway Kia of Franklin https://www.greenwaykiafranklin.com/ 2023 Kia Sorento Starting at $31.415 Highs A smaller but more fuel-efficient Telluride with more powertrain options, spacious second-row, pleasant ride. Lows Third row is for kids only, front-wheel-drive models are prone to torque steer, limited towing capacity. Verdict The Sorento offers a lot for a little. It also features a comfortable and spacious interior, as well as a variety of powertrain options. Overview The mid-size crossover and SUV segment is swollen with entries, but the three-row Kia Sorento is one worth considering. With seating for up to seven passengers, the Sorento offers the utility of the larger V-6-powered Telluride, with better fuel economy and multiple powertrain configurations. The front-drive SUV comes standard with a 191-hp inline-four with an eight-speed automatic transmission; however, we think buyers ought to consider adding all-wheel drive and upgrading to the Sorento's 281-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Kia also offers the Sorento with a 227-hp hybrid powertrain that returns an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined and a 261-hp plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup with an estimated 32 miles of battery-electric driving range. The Sorento offers plentiful passenger space for its size, and even includes available niceties such as heated and cooled front and second-row seating. What's New for 2023? The Sorento pulls into 2023 without any major changes to its massive lineup. All models now come standard with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert while the S trim now comes with a wireless smartphone charging pad. The mid-range EX trim gets an eight-way power-adjustable passenger's seat and a frameless rearview mirror; the upscale SX now comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, power-folding exterior mirrors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Kia has discontinued the Sorento Hybrid S base model and added a fully loaded Hybrid SX-P trim with standard all-wheel drive, 17-inch wheels, leather seating, and captain's chairs for the second row. The Hybrid EX gets a little love too, with an eight-way power front-passenger seat and a frameless rearview mirror. For 2023, the Sorento PHEV comes strictly in SX-Prestige trim. The PHEV SX-Prestige has all the fixings, including retractable rear-door sunshades, a 115-volt inverter, and an estimated 32 miles of electric driving range. Pricing and Which One to Buy LX: $31,415 S: $33,915 X-Line S: $35,915 EX: $37,315 EX Hybrid: $38,015 SX: $40,215 X-Line EX: $41,015 SX-Prestige Hybrid: $43,815 SX Prestige: $44,815 X-Line SX Prestige: $45,015 SX-Prestige PHEV: $51,315 We like the EX hybrid. It's pricier than the base Sorento, but it comes standard with the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that's more powerful than the base nonhybrid offering. It also has nicer amenities than the trims below it, including leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, remote start, and snazzier styling such as 17-inch wheels and black exterior accents. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Sorento has a wide selection of engine options and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. A 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine is standard and a 281-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder is available too. Both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the hybrid model uses a six-speed automatic. We drove a top-of-the-line SX trim with the turbo four and appreciated its noticeable thrust, but we wish the powertrain felt more responsive off the line. The same model delivered poised handling, a nicely isolated ride, and firm brake-pedal feedback. The eco-friendly Sorento hybrid features a turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor that work together to generate 227 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive Sorento plug-in hybrid features the same engine and transmission as the lesser hybrid, but in this application, the powertrain makes a combined 261 horsepower courtesy of a more powerful electric motor. Towing and Payload Capacity Although the Kia Sorento won't move mountains, its marginal towing capacity could prove helpful in some situations. The maximum towing capacity for the Sorento is 3500 pounds when equipped with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the optional towing package. Avoid the towing package or opt for the base naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and that figure falls to 2000 pounds. Though the Sorento can't match the V-6-powered Kia Telluride's 5000-pound tow rating, it still can haul a couple of jet skis or small farm animals—depending on your lifestyle. Read More https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/sorento
