The Kia Sorento is a Goldilocks solution for many families — a midsize 3-row SUV the size of a 2-row midsize SUV. The third row is a bit tight, but the available second-row captain’s chairs make it useful and great for families with smaller children.
Its low price and standard seating for up to seven make it a practical minivan alternative for those who don’t want the price or the bulk of a minivan.
Kia offers the Sorento as a gas-powered vehicle, the Kia Sorento hybrid, or the Sorento plug-in hybrid with up to 32 miles of all-electric range. The standard internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered model comes in a remarkable eight trims.
But the best-seller of the bunch is the 2023 Kia Sorento SX.
Why? Because the SX is well-equipped but maintains a base price under $40,000 (starting at $38,890). It’s the sweet spot in the lineup for most buyers.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on all ICE trims and variants.
The 2023 Sorento’s base engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine rated for 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. However, the popular Kia Sorento SX 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.
Let’s see what else it has to offer:
2023 Kia Sorento SX ($38,890):
- Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 281 horsepower
- 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (wet type)
- Front-wheel drive
- Heated power-adjustable power-folding side mirrors w/turn signal
- Gloss black rear spoiler
- Smart power tailgate
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- 20-inch alloy wheels, gloss black
- 3-inch driver’s instrument display
- 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation and Kia Connect
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Voice recognition
- 6-speaker audio system
- USB charging ports in all three rows
- Cargo area power outlet
- Power door locks
- Power windows with 1-touch auto up/down
- Smart key with push-button and remote start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- LED interior lighting
- SynTex seat trim
- 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar adjustment
- 8-way power passenger’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob
- Forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian, vehicle, and cyclist detection and junction-turning detection
- Blind-spot collision avoidance assist
- Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist
Optional extras include a rear-seat entertainment system, side step bars, and the usual selection of floormat and cargo options.
What else is there to like about the 2023 Kia Sorento SX? Let’s explore some of our favorite features:
Standard second-row captain’s chairs
With most 3-row SUVs, second-row captain’s chairs are an option. Kia makes them standard equipment on the Sorento SX.
We recommend them in many cases. Not only do captain’s chairs make second-row passengers more comfortable, but they make the third row easier to reach. Some drivers may need to seat three in every row. If you’re routinely carrying most of the soccer team, you may need benches in both rear rows. But most drivers would probably benefit more from the flexibility of captain’s chairs.
Kia Drive Wise safety system
In model year 2023, most midsize SUVs have an extensive suite of driver assists. But Kia’s is one of our favorites. Drive Wise includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, driver attention warning, and more.
It operates with remarkable smoothness. Some automakers’ lane-keeping assist functions can feel jerky and contribute to motion sickness in sensitive passengers. This one is more subtle than most.
That extraordinary warranty
Kia offers the longest warranty in the industry — a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper plan and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That means many years of peace of mind and no surprise repair bills until 2033.
Ready for more Sorento? Read our full review to learn more about the 2023 Kia Sorento’s features, equipment, and driving traits, or build and price your own Sorento, then see Sorento models for sale near you.
