KiaSorento

　　

2023 Kia Sorento Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　If you want a small SUV but sometimes need to transport six or more people, the 2023 Kia Sorento should be on your short list. The Sorento is one of only a handful of small SUVs on the market that offers third-row seating. Slotting between the smaller five-passenger Sportage and larger three-row Telluride, the Sorento is a right-sized option that can squeeze in up to seven passengers in a pinch.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$146/mo  for Sorento LX

　　Sorento LX

　　LX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $30,090 MSRPLX 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $31,890 MSRPS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $32,590 MSRPX-Line S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $34,590 MSRPEX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $35,990 MSRPSX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $38,890 MSRPSX 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) (Most Popular) - $40,690 MSRPX-Line EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $39,690 MSRPSX Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $43,490 MSRPX-Line SX Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $43,690 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Like most other Kias, the Sorento comes with an impressive complement of standard features, including wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, lane keeping assistance (it helps keep the Sorento in its lane) and multiple USB charging ports. You might think having three rows means you have to sacrifice comfort in the second, but the Sorento's middle bench is surprisingly spacious. Even the rearmost seats are reasonably comfortable for adults, though getting back there can be a challenge.

　　Two conventional engine options are available in the Sorento, including a base four-cylinder and an optional turbocharged four-cylinder. The latter engine provides plenty of power and turns the Sorento into one of the quickest SUVs in its class. Additionally, Kia offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants of the Sorento (reviewed separately). The Sorento's interior is another high point — it uses high-quality materials and can be upgraded to near-luxury levels of comfort.

　　Changes to the 2023 Sorento are modest, but they bolster Kia's reputation for value. The base LX trim now offers a suite of new standard driver assist features (blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning and safe exit assist, which keeps rear passengers from opening a door into traffic). Higher trims all receive new standard equipment that was optional in 2022 models. All-wheel drive is now standard on the top-of-the-line SX Prestige trim.

　　Overall, we like the Sorento for its blend of value and versatility. See how it compares to the competition by reading our test team's Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.2

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Sorento drive? The Sorento with the optional turbocharged engine is downright quick for a small SUV. And it wasn't just the sprint to 60 mph in a mere 6.7 seconds that impressed us but also the way the power continues to build at higher speeds. For comparison, this Sorento is nearly 3 seconds faster than the similarly sized Volkswagen Tiguan and a tick faster than even the V6-powered Honda Passport. Highway merging as well as passing is not a problem in the Sorento. Just as impressive is the new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is capable of near seamless shifts in slow-moving traffic or full-throttle merging.

　　Slowing the Sorento can be done with confidence thanks to the nicely balanced and intuitive brake pedal. Stopping from 60 mph, the Sorento showed only a little nosedive and braked in just 121 feet, which is better than average for the class. Handling is similarly confidence-inspiring, but we wish for a little more accuracy in the steering.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Sorento? All three rows of seats provide better-than-expected comfort for a small SUV. The front seats on our top-of-the-line test vehicle offered heating, ventilation and a good range of adjustment. The second-row captain's chairs (a bench seat is standard on lower trim levels) were firm but more comfortable and supportive than bench seats found in other SUVs. The third-row seats are small and low to the floor but still offer enough support for adults. The dual-zone climate control is efficient and easy to use even if the touch-sensitive buttons aren't as responsive as traditional buttons.

　　Ride comfort isn't quite as impressive, and a steady stream of jitters heads into the cabin at lower speeds. The large 20-inch wheels of the Sorento we tested may have been the culprit, and their low-profile tires caused elevated road noise at freeway speeds. On the highway, the Sorento's ride is well controlled, imparting confidence and a sense of stability.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below