The 2022 Kia Sorento is coming off a full redesign last year, meaning it’s still packed with new tech and competitive features in the bustling midsize 3-row SUV class. There is also a new Sorento Plug-in Hybrid variant for 2022, but the most popular version of the Sorento remains the 2022 Kia Sorento SX equipped with the standard internal combustion engine (ICE).
So what makes the Sorento SX such a good buy? It’s well-equipped yet affordable, putting it right in the sweet spot of Kia’s Sorento range, with the LX, S, and EX trims positioned below it, and the SX-Prestige and SX-Prestige X-Line above. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on all ICE trims and variants.
Priced to start from $38,290, the Sorento SX is about $9,000 more expensive than the base Sorento LX, but also about $5,000 less expensive than the range-topping Sorento SX-Prestige X-Line.
Standard equipment in the 2022 Sorento includes a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine rated for 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The popular Kia Sorento SX, however, gets upgraded to the 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder rated for 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Standard driver assistance and safety features include Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (including pedestrian and cyclist detection), lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic collision warning, and more.
Benefits to choosing the Sorento SX over lower tiers include:
- 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
- 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- LED projector headlamps
- LED rear combination lamps
- LED interior overhead lamp
- Satin chrome door handles
- 8-way power adjustable passenger’s seat
- 2nd-row captain’s chairs
On top of the standard equipment included with the 2022 Kia Sorento SX, it’s also eligible for optional extras, including a rear-seat entertainment package ($1,500), side step bars ($690), a tow hitch ($475), all-wheel drive ($1,800), an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink ($350), custom illuminated interior appearance items, and a variety of cargo management accessories.
Rear Seat Entertainment Package
Ideal for families on the go, this rear-seat entertainment system includes a screen on the back of each front seat headrest, along with two remotes and USB ports as well as HDMI input.
Panoramic Sunroof w/Power Sunshade
Spanning the first and second rows, the panoramic sunroof is expansive, yet easy to hide when necessary thanks to the power-operated sunshade. The sunroof also opens to allow fresh air into the cabin.
2nd-Row Captain’s Chairs
Two individually adjustable captain’s chairs in the second row offer easier access to the third row, plus improved comfort for the second-row passengers.
Modern Tech Features
A 10.25-inch touchscreen display provides Kia Connect infotainment and navigation access plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as well as satellite radio. Also standard on the Sorento SX are a wireless phone charger, 8 USB charge ports across all three rows, keyless entry with pushbutton & remote start, and more.
What You Don’t Get
While the Sorento SX is the most popular model in the lineup, it’s not the most loaded. To get the equipment below you’ll have to step up to the Sorento SX-Prestige or SX-Prestige X-Line:
- Power folding exterior mirrors
- Unique ruggedized bumper design
- Dark Hyper Silver radiator grille mesh
- Matte Black with Chrome wheel arch/lower door trim
- Matte and Glass Black roof rack
- 12.3-inch instrument panel display
- Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
- Perforated leather seat trim
- 14-way power driver’s seat w/4-way lumbar
- 10-way power passenger’s seat w/2-way lumbar
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated captain’s chairs
- Heated steering wheel
- 12-speaker audio system
- Parking distance warning – forward & reverse
- Parking collision avoidance – rear
- Surround-view monitor
- Blind-spot monitor
Ready for more Sorento? Read our full review to learn more about the 2022 Kia Sorento’s features, equipment, and driving traits, or build and price your own Sorento, then see Sorento models for sale near you.
