What's New
After coming out as a fully-redesigned SUV last year, the 2022 Kia Sorento arrives with new X-Line trims and the introduction of a plug-in hybrid model. In its first model year on sale as a redesigned vehicle, the Sorento managed to solidify itself as an impressive option despite the competition. The stylish, comfortable, and tech-filled SUV has a lot to offer in the three-row SUV scene, giving Kia two excellent midsize options alongside the Telluride.
Choosing Your Kia Sorento
The gas Sorento is available in the following trims: LX, S, X-Line S AWD, EX, X-Line EX AWD, SX, SX Prestige, and X-Line SX Prestige AWD. Pricing starts at $30,665 for the LX trim and goes up to $44,265 for the X-Line SX Prestige AWD.
The Sorento Hybrid is sold in just S and EX styles and ranges from $35,165 and ranges up to $39,465. Finally, the new Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is only available in two well-equipped all-wheel-drive trims, the SX and SX Prestige. Sorento PHEV pricing starts at $46,165 and ranges up to $49,065.
The Sorento PHEV is eligible for incentives like a $6,587 federal EV tax credit as well as state plug-in rebates you can't get with gas or hybrid styles.
Engine Choices
Not counting the Sorento’s available electrified powertrains, the regular Sorento line is available with two engines. The LX, S, and X-Line S AWD trims come with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The EX trim and above are powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
The base four-cylinder engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the turbocharged motor features an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on LX, S, EX, and SX trims. The LX and SX trims have all-wheel drive as an option for $1,800.
The turbocharged engine is well worth the upgrade. It makes nearly 100 more horsepower than the base engine, while bringing 129 more pound-feet of torque. All of this power results in 1 less mpg combined. With the turbocharged engine, the Sorento is one of the more powerful midsize SUVs available.
The hybrid and PHEV are worth a look, too. In the case of the plug-in, drivers will get up to 32 miles of range on EV power.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.5L 4-Cylinder | 191 hp | 182 lb-ft | 26 mpg |
2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 281 hp | 311 lb-ft | 25 mpg |
1.6L Hybrid | 227 hp | 258 lb-ft | 37 MPG |
1.6L PHEV | 261 hp | 258 lb-ft | 79 MPGe |
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Unlike a few choices in the midsize class, the Sorento is available in both six- and seven-passenger configurations. In seven-passenger models, the second row is a bench seat for three, while the third row has two seats. Six-passenger models come with second-row captain’s chairs. Like many other options in the class, legroom in the third row is tight, measuring in at roughly 30 inches. Space in the second row is another story, as the SUV has 42 inches of legroom.
With the third row in place, the Sorento has 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the third row down opens up cargo space to 45 cubic feet of space. In total, the Sorento offers up to 75 cubic feet of cargo space.
Safety Features
Kia offers its Drive Wise suite of advanced safety features as standard on the Sorento. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane tracing assist, automatic speed limit assist, driver attention monitoring, automatic high-beam assist, and a rear-seat reminder are included.
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, and rear parking sensors are standard starting on the S trim. Adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance assist-junction turning, cyclist detection, and Kia’s Highway Driving Assist are standard on the EX trim. The SX Prestige includes a surround-view monitor, reverse automatic emergency braking, forward parking sensors, and Kia’s blind spot view monitor.
Connectivity
The base infotainment system on the Sorento includes an eight-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system, and six USB ports. Higher trims levels have two additional USB ports and satellite radio.
All but the base LX trim come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, voice recognition, and an HD Radio. The EX adds a wireless smartphone charger, while the SX comes with multi-device Bluetooth connectivity. The SX Prestige has a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Sorento LX — MSRP From $30,665
The LX may be the most affordable Sorento, but it comes generously equipped with cloth upholstery, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, heated exterior mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and remote keyless entry.
Kia doesn’t offer any major options on the LX trim.
The S trim adds a sporty body kit, black exterior trim, a rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The available Panoramic Sunroof Package adds a panoramic sunroof and LED interior lighting for $1,300.
Sorento X-Line S AWD — MSRP From $35,465
The new X-Line S AWD trim has a more rugged design, skid plates, a Hypersilver finish, 18-inch gloss black wheels, roof rails, wood trim, special graphics, a 1-inch taller ride height, and a center-locking differential.
The trim is available with the $1,300 Panoramic Sunroof Package.
Sorento EX — MSRP From $36,565
The EX trim is a mix of the S and the X-Line S trims. It has the design of the S, but the same feature content as the X-Line S AWD. A power liftgate, LED fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a wireless charger, and six-passenger seating are standard.
The only major package is the Panoramic Sunroof Package.
Sorento X-Line EX AWD — MSRP From $40,265
The X-Line EX AWD has the rugged look of the X-Line trim with the same features as the EX, but adds 20-inch alloy wheels with a gray finish and a panoramic sunroof.
Sorento SX — MSRP From $39,365
The SX reverts to the sporty body style, but adds low-profile roof rails, full LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, 20-inch gloss black wheels, an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and metal accent trim.
Sorento SX Prestige — MSRP From $42,265
Kia saves its best features for the SX Prestige trim, offering the model with power-folding exterior mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated rear seats, heated and ventilated front seats, as well as a heated steering wheel.
Sorento X-Line SX Prestige AWD — MSRP From $44,265
The range-topping X-Line SX Prestige AWD trim has the same features as the SX Prestige but features the rugged X-Line body.
Compare Sorento Trims Side-By-Side
There are a dizzying number of trims to choose from with the 2022 Kia Sorento. Thankfully, Kia doesn’t offer a lot of options features, which makes choosing what trim works for you easier. With the more powerful turbocharged engine, larger touchscreen, and extra set of safety features, we think the EX trim is the most attractive choice. It's also priced reasonably well for the class, making it a good value option.