kia sorento

2022 Kia Sorento Model Review With Prices, Photos, & Specs And More Information!

8 Trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

  • LX$29,590
  • S$32,390
  • S X-Line$34,390
  • EX$35,490
  • SX$38,290
  • EX X-Line$39,190
  • SX Prestige$41,190
  • SX Prestige X-Line$43,190

Kia Sorento Models Price and Specs

The price range for the Kia Sorento varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $47,650 and going to $80,330 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

YearBody TypeSpecsPrice fromPrice to
2022SUV3.5L, ULP, 8 SP$47,650$80,330
2021SUV3.5L, ULP, 8 SP$37,000$80,960
2020SUV3.5L, ULP, 8 SP AUTO$34,900$68,420
2019SUV3.5L, ULP, 8 SP AUTO$31,900$58,300
2018SUV3.5L, ULP, 8 SP AUTO$26,900$50,820

Kia Sorento Seats

As a result, the first and second rows of every Australian Sorento variant are elevated to maximise space for adults. It is possible to get seats with either cloth or leather trim, as well as with or without electrical adjustment, depending on the vehicle’s specific model. The first and second rows of seats can be heated and ventilated in the higher-end models.

Kia Sorento Colours

The Sorento is available in a total of seven colours, including two whites, two blues, a silver, a grey, and black. Premium shades wear an extra cost of $695.

  • Snow White Pearl
  • Mineral Blue
  • Gravity Blue
  • Clear White
  • Silky Silver
  • Steel Grey
  • Aurora Black Pearl

Kia Sorento Towing Capacity

The Kia Sorento has maximum towing capacity of 2000kg for the latest model available.

This year’s model year of the Kia Sorento, which was completely reimagined last year, brings a slew of noteworthy upgrades to an already compelling vehicle. In spite of its diminutive stature, the Sorento is a three-row midsize SUV that has recently been overshadowed by Kia’s larger (and wildly popular) Telluride. It’ll have PHEV and hybrid drivetrains available by 2022, as well as an expanded selection of the X-Line off-road package.

Between the Toyota Highlander and the Telluride, the Sorento falls neatly in the middle of the mid-size and compact crossover market segments. Like the Tiguan’s wayback, the Sorento’s third row is strictly for children. Since the Sorento’s style and practicality extends beyond the fact that it has room for all those seats and four different powertrains, some buyers may also consider two-row alternatives, such as Toyota Venza or Ford Edge.

The base Sorento LX costs $30,845, while the top-of-the-line SX Prestige PHEV costs $49,345; some Sorentos are priced as high as the Telluride. If you’re looking for an SUV that’s both stylish and roomy in the first two rows, the Sorento is a great option for you to check out. The hybrid and new-for-2022 PHEV options, which can return 34 to 37 mpg combined, make this a much more fuel-efficient vehicle than any other three-rower.

While driving, the Sorento is an enjoyable companion, thanks to its nimble handling and comfortable ride. The hybrids aren’t as fast as the turbocharged 2.5-liter models, but they aren’t sluggish either. In full-electric mode, the PHEV is limited to 90 horsepower, which isn’t much fun. While all AWD models can handle light dirt and gravel, the X-Lines have an extra 1.3 inches of ground clearance and a variety of other upgrades that look great and improve off-road performance significantly..

Elegant and tasteful, just like the exterior of the Sorento. While some of the materials used in the higher trims are made of lower-grade plastic, the appearance and colour options are almost premium. If you fold down the third row, the Sorento’s cargo area is enormous. Similarly, the second and third rows are enormous, with front and rear legroom that rivals many smaller SUVs as well as some larger ones.

Higher-level Sorento models get heated seats and a slew of active safety features that come standard on lower-level models. All of Kia’s vehicles come with Kia’s longest warranty in the industry, and even the lower mid-range models are well-equipped with features like adaptive cruise control and Kia’s UVO information system. The Sorento isn’t quite as well-known as the Telluride, but it’s a solid choice that falls somewhere in the middle of two fiercely competitive SUV segments.

Performance: 11/15

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque is standard in the LX and S trim levels of the non-hybrid Kia Sorento. All three trims get a turbocharged 2.5L with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, as well as an automatic transmission with an eight-speed dual clutch (DCT). DCT transmissions are faster, but the Turbo engine delivers more power lower in the rev range than the base engine, resulting in even more responsive driving.

There’s a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor in both the Sorento Hybrid and PHEV. The hybrid’s system generates 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, depending on whether the vehicle is front- or all-wheel drive. As for horsepower, it rises to 258 in AWD-only PHEV, but the battery is so large that it’s slower than both the hybrid (about 8.5 seconds to the hybrid’s low 8-second range) and the 2.5 Turbo (about 8 to the 2.5 Turbo’s 8-second range) (7.4).

It’s only available with gas engines that get the X-Line package, which includes AWD and raises the clearance from 6.9″ to 8.2″. However, even the standard AWD models are capable of light off-road duties and aren’t unpleasant for long journeys over gravel or dirt. This lift greatly enhances the Sorentos off-road ability. A 4Runner might be more capable, but the X-Line still performed admirably in our tests in deep ruts and moguls. When driving on the road, the Sorento is nimble, composed, and quiet, and provides an enjoyable ride.

Fuel Economy: 13/15

The front-drive Sorento Hybrid gets up to 39 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 37 mpg combined, while the AWD Hybrids lose about 2 mpg in each measure. However, the Toyota Venza and Honda CR-V hybrids are both a little more frugal than the Hybrid Sorento three-rower.

However, due to its underwhelming performance when operating as an all-electric vehicle, it’s difficult to achieve the claimed 32-mile all-electric range, even with its impressive 34 mpg combined fuel economy. The Sorento PHEV has a default mode of operation that works well in the city. There is less of a difference between it and a regular hybrid over long distances. Fuel economy was close to 50 mpg on a 100-mile trip in the plug-in mode. Allow 12 hours for a full charge with the 120-volt plug-in charger or get a 240-volt home EV charger.

Between 22 and 24 mpg city, 25 to 29 highway, and 24 to 26 mpg combined, the purely gas-powered Sorentos are available in AWD X-Lines and front-drive models. In terms of its size, the Sorento does well against the Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Edge, while also beating the Honda Passport and Toyota RAV4.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 11/15

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) both give the Kia Sorento a four-star overall rating in 2022. (IIHS). Those models with projector-beam headlamps are only eligible for the IIHS’ rating, which only applies to models above EX.

For example, while Kia offers a wide range of active safety features as options, only a select few are included as standard equipment. These are the automatic emergency stopping and pedestrian detection systems as well as the lane departure warning and lane keeping systems. Additional safety features are available on the S and higher trim levels, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, emergency exit warnings, and parking distance warnings, among many others. Some of the more luxurious options include adaptive cruise control with stop and go as well as cyclist and junction assist or their forward collision avoidance systems for the EX, SX and SX-P models.

Comfort & Room: 13/15

The Sorento’s 189-inch length makes it a compact three-row SUV, and the third row is a thinly padded, upright area best suited for small children. Compared to the Tiguan, the Sorento has a little more legroom back there (29.6 inches to the VW’s 26.9), but it’s hard to tell in person. Both have a diminutive stature. Third-row legroom is significantly better in some SUVs, such as Kia’s own Telluride and Volkswagen’s Atlas.

However, the Sorento’s second and third rows offer plenty of legroom, with 41.4 inches in the front and 41.7 inches in the back. Ample leg and head room is provided for both the front-seat passengers and the driver. While the Sorento’s standard bench seat in the second row isn’t terrible, the optional second-row captain’s chairs improve both third-row access and comfort. Optional features include heated and ventilated front seats, as well as heated rear seats.

Infotainment: 13/15

All the usual functions, including voice commands and Bluetooth, as well as wired or wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, are included in the LX’s 8-inch touchscreen. In addition, there is a six-speaker audio system with USB and Aux inputs. The 10.3-inch centre touchscreen on every other trim is much more visually appealing, with pretty visuals and an easy-to-use interface. There is no 8-inch version of Kia’s world-class UVO system. CarPlay and Android Auto, on the other hand, require wires to operate on this larger screen.

Wireless phone charging is available on the top three trims. Even more USB ports can be found on the sides of the front seats in the SX-Prestige, which has a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system and even more USB ports. There is a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel on the SX Prestige, and 4.2-inch LCDs flanking traditional dials on the other SX models.

Cargo Space & Storage: 13/15

When the third row is stowed, the Sorento has a lot of room behind the second row, but it suffers greatly when it’s in use. There are 38.5 to 45.0 cubic feet of space without it, depending on the configuration, but only 12.3 cubic feet with the wayback occupied, making it difficult to bring much luggage. Most Sorentos will be hauling a rooftop box if the third row is frequently used, but the towing package for 2.5 turbo models allows them to tow 3,500 pounds.

Compared to other three-row midsize SUVs, the Kia Sorento is one of the most compact and has the least amount of cargo space behind the third row. Other than the Outlander, there aren’t any compact three-rows that offer anything less. When the third row is folded down, the Tiguan is only 0.3 cubic feet behind the Sorento. The Sorento’s cargo space expands to 72.6 cubic feet when all the seats are folded down, which isn’t bad but falls short of the Subaru Outback’s and the Toyota RAV4’s.

Style & Design: 8/10

The exterior designs of Kia vehicles appear to be getting better and better. Kia’s “tiger nose” and other design cues can be found throughout the Sorento, but they aren’t as overt as they are in the Telluride. Despite this, the Sorento still has a handsome profile and looks great. In X-Line form, it looks low-slung and sleek from some angles, almost Acura-like, and sharper than Hyundai’s Santa Fe, which is a direct competitor.

However, there are signs of cost-cutting in the materials used in the lower-priced models, especially in the base model. The full-leather SX Prestige, which costs $50,000, has a similar upscale appearance to the Telluride. Few gripes remain, aside from a few too-small dash-mounted display readouts and limited colour options for lower trims.

Is the 2022 Kia Sorento Worth It? Which Sorento is the Best Value?

The base engine is underpowered, and many of the best features can only be found in the mid-range or higher-spec trim levels of the Kia Sorento.

Although the $36,745 starting price of the Turbocharged EX includes a $1,255 destination fee, the Hybrid EX ($37,345) also makes a strong case due to its excellent fuel economy and the modest performance loss that comes with it,

The X-Line ($40,445) is the only trim level available with AWD on the gas-powered EX, but the hybrid only costs an additional $1,800 to get it. The Sorento can handle light off-roading just fine with the X-Line, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Even on dirt, the Hybrid isn’t bad, but because of the lower ground clearance, extreme caution is advised.

At $49,345, the top-of-the-line SX Prestige is $5,000 more expensive than the Telluride SX, but it comes equipped with nearly every option and system available from Kia. While the Sorento’s main rival is that very popular in-the-showroom sibling, the Sorento does not offer a hybrid or PHEV option, and won’t get an X-Line model until 2023.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure the 2022 Kia Sorento?

Insuring a Kia Sorento is more expensive than for most of its rivals, but the difference isn’t significant. However, this averages out across all 50 states for a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record and an annual premium of $1,988 In comparison, the Volkswagen Tiguan costs $1,658; the Toyota Highlander is $1,970; the Ford Edge is $1,770; the Hyundai Santa Fe is $1,779. Visit our car insurance calculator for a more precise picture of your potential insurance costs.

Read More:

Warranty

Basic:
5 Years/60,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
10 Years/100,000 Miles
Corrosion:
5 Years/100,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance:
5 Years/60,000 Miles

Kia Sorento Generations

Fourth Generation

2021 to Present

As of the 2021 model year, Kia’s fourth-generation Sorento will be available with a hybrid powertrain. The outgoing model’s powertrains, including the V6, have been replaced by a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.5-liter with 281 horsepower and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There is an increase in usable interior space due to the wheelbase being 110.9 inches longer and 1.4 inches wider. A plug-in hybrid powertrain was added to the Kia lineup in 2022, as well as the expansion of the X-Line off-road package into full trims.

Third Generation

2016 to 2020

For the third generation, Kia refined its five- or eight-passenger CUV and moved it upmarket with the Sorento. A 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6, an inline-four with 185 horsepower, or the new 2.0-liter turbodiesel with 240 horses powered the new Sorento’s launch. Cargo space behind the third row has grown from 9.1 cubic feet to 11 cubic feet as a result of the longer wheelbase. The 2017 Kia Sorento is now compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 2019 saw the introduction of an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Second Generation

2010 to 2015

In the second generation, the Sorento’s design became more cohesive and distinct, resulting in a much larger vehicle. As part of a complete redesign, the new design was one of the first vehicles to sport the now familiar “Tiger Nose” grille. Moreover, it is the first Kia to be manufactured in West Point, Georgia, and the first to use the company’s UVO infotainment and voice system. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6 provided the necessary horsepower.

First Generation

2003 to 2009

Sorento was a compact SUV rather than a crossover when it was first introduced. In the early days, it could even be equipped with a manual transmission. However, from the outside, it appeared to be a family-friendly light SUV with styling reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz ML-class of the late 1990s. One of the first Kia cars to sell on quality rather than price, the original Sorento was introduced in the early 2000s when the company was still known for its low-priced goods. 3.3- and 3.8-liter V6 engines with up to 263 horsepower were available in the first Sorento, which received major facelifts in 2007 and its final year of production in 2009.

Kia Sorento VS the competition

Kia Sportage vs Kia Sorento
Kia SportagevsKia Sorento
Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento
Hyundai Santa FevsKia Sorento
Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sorento
Hyundai TucsonvsKia Sorento
Kia Seltos vs Kia Sorento
Kia SeltosvsKia Sorento
Mazda CX-9 vs Kia Sorento
Mazda CX-9vsKia Sorento

Kia Sorento Dimensions

The dimensions of the Kia Sorento SUV vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

YearBody TypeHeight x Width x LengthGround Clearance
2022SUV1700x1900x4810 mm176 mm
2021SUV1700x1900x4810 mm176 mm
2020SUV1690x1890x4800 mm185 mm
2019SUV1690x1890x4800 mm185 mm
2018SUV1690x1890x4800 mm185 mm

Kia Sorento Interior

The interior of the Sorento is versatile, with enough room for adults in all three rows. Including the plug-in hybrid, every Sorento model in Australia has seven seats, with the underfloor battery taking up only a small amount of extra space. For the lower trim levels, cloth manual-adjustable seats are standard, while the top-of-the-line models come standard with quilted Nappa leather seats with electric lumbar support.
kia sorento
kia sorento

Kia Sorento Accessories

Standard gear on top-spec GT-Line grades includes a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital dash, 8.0-inch head up display, Quilted Nappa leather interior trim, full electrical adjust for the front seats with both heating and ventilation, dual-zone climate control, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, keyless entry with push-start ignition, ambient interior lighting, a 360-degree parking suite, and a motorised tailgate.

What Features in the 2022 Kia Sorento Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Manual air conditioning
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Automatic high-beam headlights

Available features include:

  • 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels
  • Power liftgate
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Leather-trimmed seats
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated second-row captain’s chairs
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
  • 25-inch touchscreen navigation system
  • Bose premium stereo
  • Wireless device charging
  • 360-degree camera system
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert

2022 Kia Sorento review: Our expert’s take

What Is the 2022 Kia Sorento?

Mid-size SUV Kia Sorento seats seven people in three rows. This vehicle comes standard with a 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Additionally, the Sorento can be equipped with a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid engine. The Subaru Ascent, Honda Passport, and Hyundai Santa Fe are some of the main competitors for this model.

According to cargo measurements, the Sorento has 23.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 10.5 cubic feet behind the third row.

What’s New on the 2022 Kia Sorento?

EPA estimates put the Sorento’s electric-only range at 32 miles on the new plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The Sorento Hybrid now offers all-wheel drive as an option.

Scroll to Top