Review and specifications
2023 Kia Sorento
Kia redesigned its Sorento SUV for 2021, with new engines and an available hybrid version. Three rows of seating are standard, in either six- or seven-passenger configurations. The base four-cylinder engine is neither quick nor quiet, but the 281-hp, turbo four-cylinder that comes on EX trims and higher gives strong acceleration and commendable fuel economy. Unfortunately, its dual-clutch automatic causes some low-speed vibrations. The 1.6-liter turbo hybrid version is pleasantly powerful, beyond an initial delay off the line. All-wheel drive can be had with either gas engine, but the hybrid is front-drive only. Handling is responsive but the ride is rather stiff. Standard active safety features include FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection, while BSW and RCTW are standard on all but the base trim. A 261-hp plug-in hybrid with 32 miles of electric range joins the Sorento lineup for 2022. The 2025 model includes ACC, LCA, LKA, and LDW as standard.
- Market value
- $25,850
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 7
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- 4-door SUV
- Drive type
- AWD
- Transmission
- Automatic, 8-speed
- Category
- Midsized SUVs 3-row
- Generation began
- 2021
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $25,850
- Retail value range
- $21,750 - $30,625
- Original MSRP range
- $30,390 - $49,990
- Trade-in range
- $19,815 - $29,255
Ratings
- Road test score
- 82/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 3/5
- Would buy again
- 51%
- Reliability
- 2/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 21 MPG
- EPA highway
- 28 MPG
- EPA combined
- 24 MPG
- Tested city
- 17 MPG
- Tested highway
- 34 MPG
- Tested overall
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,580
- Cruising range
- 435 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 2.6 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 6.5 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 133 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 52.5 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 189 in
- Width
- 75 in
- Height
- 67 in
- Wheelbase
- 111 in
- Weight
- 3,985 lb
- Maximum load
- 1,030 lb
- Towing capacity
- 3,500 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 7 people
- Front head room
- 6 in
- Front leg room
- 42 in
- Rear head room
- 3 in
- Rear leg room
- 30 in
- Cargo volume
- 39.5 cu ft
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 3/5
- Driving
- 4/5
- Styling
- 5/5
- Value
- 1/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 5/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 5/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Kia
<p>For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among competitive small and midsized sedans, Kia sells the K4 and K5. For small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento are competitive with nice interiors, good ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have a useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, but buyers need to be attentive to reliability. Many new and used Kias earn our recommendation.</p><p><br/></p>
Vehicle ID: 25469 First published: November 15, 2022 Updated: June 4, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.