2022 Kia Sorento

Entering the new year with just a few updates, the 2022 Kia Sorento continues on as one of the most capable midsize SUVs on the US market. Just like its larger sibling, the Telluride, it tries to squeeze in three rows of seating. While this sets it apart from direct competitors like the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, or Hyundai Santa Fe, there is a reason most midsize cars don't try to squeeze in seven seats - the third row simply often isn't comfortable for adults. Still, there are plenty of shoppers who desire the occasional bump in practicality, especially if it comes at a much lower cost than a full-size model. In the Sorento, the base four-pot engine is a little underpowered if you are hauling seven, but the turbo, with 281 horsepower, makes the Sorento feel quite lively. There are also two different hybrid models and a host of trims across the range, giving buyers an almost unparalleled choice in the segment.

The Sorento was designed with the future in mind, so it has stylish good looks that won't fade easily. Despite sharing so many similarities with the larger Telluride, the Sorento is far from being a chunky three-row SUV. Instead, it leans more into its sedan heritage as a crossover. The grille on the front fascia is large but not overbearing. It's wide and incorporates the LED multi-reflector headlight clusters, with LED daytime running lights added on upper trims. Full LED headlights are standard from SX trims onwards.

The base Kia is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, which grow to 18s or 20s depending on model and trim. A rear roof spoiler gives it a slight air of sportiness that its larger sibling lacks, while all models except the LX can be fitted with a panoramic sunroof. Many of the trims are available with X-Line styling, which includes bespoke bumpers, wheels, and badging. Matte exterior trimming and a slightly higher ride height complete the image.

The new Kia Sorento is not a small vehicle and its dimensions reflect that; measuring a solid 189 inches in length - some trims such as the hybrid models are a little longer at 189.4 inches. The 110.8-inch wheelbase creates a surprisingly spacious cabin, which explains the seating for seven. The base model and hybrids have a height of 66.7 inches, while the rest of the models in the range in FWD configuration are 66.9 inches tall. With AWD, height increases to 70.3 inches. Ground clearance ranges from 6.85 inches on the regular hybrids to 8.2 inches on gas models with AWD. The width remains the same for all derivatives at 74.8 inches.

Curb weight varies depending on trim and drivetrain, starting at 3,715 pounds on the FWD LX and maxing out at 4,537 lbs on the AWD PHEV SX Prestige.

There are a daunting number of color options available to the Kia Sorento, with the gas and hybrid models each getting their own palette with unique names. The standard lineup comprises a total of nine colors. The LX can be dressed in Everlasting Silver, Ebony Black, Sparkling Silver, or Gravity Gray for free. Glacial White Pearl or Passion Red Tint Coat will cost you an extra $445. S trims get access to Sapphire Blue additionally for the same surcharge, while the EX and SX add Wolf Gray to the list, also at $445. X-Line trims lose out on the blue in exchange for Aruba Green for $445. However, this green only costs extra on the X-Line S.

Both the hybrid and plug-in models of the Kia Sorento share the same seven-color palette. This includes free options like Silky Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, Steel Gray, Platinum Graphite, and Gravity Blue, as well as $445 choices like Snow White Pearl and Runway Red.

The gasoline-powered Sorento is presented with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine available with or without a turbocharger. The basic setup is adequate if a little on the lazy side and only allows for a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. The turbo four-pot on the upper trims, with access to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, is far more engaging and capable. It can launch the hefty SUV from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.4 seconds in FWD guise, over two seconds faster than the base engine, which needs a tardy 9.5 seconds. It also increases towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. With AWD, the base engine can only get the Sorento to 62 mph in ten seconds. Turbocharged models have a top speed of 131 mph.

Both hybridized Sorentos use the same 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, but the power of the electric motors and the size of the battery pack they connect to differ. The HEV is naturally less potent, with a combined 227 hp and a 0-62 mph sprint time of 8.6 seconds. Here, the top speed is 120 mph. The PHEV gets 261 hp out of its setup, but its substantial increase in weight slows it down in terms of performance, with a 0-62 mph time of just 8.7 seconds. Neither hybrid is offered with a towing package, so they can only manage around 1,654 lbs on unbraked towing.

Powering the entry-level gas Sorento is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops a modest 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to either the front or all four wheels. Though not underpowered, this engine just doesn't feel adequate in a three-row SUV. This is especially evident when you full load the Sorento with people and/or cargo. At the very least, the transmission is quite good. From the EX upwards, this power plant is replaced with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that develops are more potent 281 hp and 311 lb-ft. Managing the gear shifts is an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which sends power to the front wheels on normal models or all four wheels on X-Line variants. Despite the significant boost in figures, the turbo engine still doesn't make the Sorento feel particularly athletic. It's definitely preferable, though.

The Sorento HEV makes use of a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. Drawing power from a 1.5 kWh battery, it adds 59 hp and 195 lb-ft to the engine's 177 hp and 195 lb-ft. The combined figures are 227 hp and 258 lb-ft. The immediate extra torque helps the HEV feel about as sprightly as the base four-pot even with the extra weight. The PHEV has a larger 13.8 kWh battery, which empowers the motor with 90 hp and 224 lb-ft for a combined 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, the Sorento PHEV is excessively heavy, so the extra power doesn't do anything to make the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid feel quick. Both hybrids use a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Kia Sorento handles more like a sedan than a big SUV. Steering is tight and responsive, allowing it to maneuver nimbly around town. Punch the Sport mode switch and the chassis tightens up nicely to maintain its balance and poise when playing with corners. Other modes include Comfort, Eco, and Smart, with the latter combining many of the features from other modes. In fact, it allows the Sorento to adapt to your particular driving style. All-wheel-drive models gain an additional Snow mode.

The X-Line trims with AWD are quite a bit pricier, but the Sorento delivers a driving experience of a much more expensive vehicle. However, it's worth the extra investment to avoid the FWD models. They aren't bad, but the AWDs are better able to put down the greater power and torque of more potent models. The extra weight of the AWD setup necessitates the need for the turbocharged engine if you want to get the most out of driving the Sorento, though.

When it comes to comfort, the midsize Kia gives little to complain about. It is compliant and composed, with the suspension soaking up most bumps in the road. The surprisingly plush cabin doesn't hurt, either. If we were to niggle at something, it would be the lack of proper sound dampening. The engine is a torquey beast and the thrum when pushed to accelerate becomes rather tiresome.

With so many different powertrains, gas mileage figures differ widely across the range. The base four-pot with FWD setup returns figures of 24/29/26 mpg over the city/highway/combined cycles while adding AWD drops these down to 23/25/24 mpg. The turbo-four engine in FWD models returns 22/29/25 mpg, while X-Line models with AWD get 22/27/24 mpg.

The hybrids naturally take the cake in this category. The HEV is the most frugal of any Sorento when relying on the engine, managing a commendable 39/35/37 mpg in FWD guise and 36/33/35 mpg with AWD. The PHEV only gets 34 mpg combined, or 79 MPGe. However, the latter can run on electric power alone, albeit only for a short while. You get 32 miles of all-electric range, but that will still lead to great savings if you're only going to and from work between charges. The PHEV can be recharged in around 3 hours and 25 minutes on a 240V charger.

Gas and hybrid models get a 17.7-gallon gas tank, meaning that the most frugal - the HEV - can travel for 655 miles between refills. The PHEV's fuel tank is 12.4 gallons, which translates to around 420 miles based on the 34-mpg rating, but the total range is 460 miles including the PHEV's ability to run on electric power alone.

Kia excels at creating innovative and comfortable spaces inside its cars. Thus, it should shock no one to see how well laid-out the interior of the Sorento is. The lower trims may use cheaper materials, but it never feels that way. The leather reserved for the upper trims makes the cabin feel almost premium, though. Only the entry model retains the smaller eight-inch touchscreen, while all the rest gain the larger 10.25-inch unit which adds to the high-tech and upscale feel. A panoramic sunroof can be optioned on to make the cabin feel more spacious, which might help those in the third row feel less claustrophobic.

The seats inside the cabin can be set out in a 2+3+2 or a 2+2+2 configuration. This means that a maximum of seven people can be housed inside, unlike larger three-row SUVs that can accommodate up to eight. While squeezing three rows of seats into a midsize vehicle is innovative, and many buyers will welcome the added practicality, the fact remains that there just isn't all that much space for those in the back. The second row is about as spacious as you'd expect, however, supplying a comfy 41.7 inches of legroom, but the rear-most seats only give 29.6 inches. This makes them suitable for only small children at best.

Headroom is pretty good in every row, luckily, topping out at 40.3 inches up front and dropping to 36.8 inches in the back. Getting in and out is easy, as it should be for any SUV, but accessing the third row can be tricky without the captain's chairs installed.

As a mainstream product, the Kia Sorento uses affordable materials for the construction of the cabin - but this doesn't mean cheap. In fact, most of the hard plastics are kept out of view. The base LX is the only trim that gets cloth upholstery as standard, and the only color option is Black. Luckily, the choices and quality improve drastically moving upwards. From the S to the SX, including their X-Line variants, SynTex leatherette covers the seats. You get a choice between Black or Gray.

Embossed leather is standard on both Prestige trims. Color options differ, with the SX Prestige having access to Black or Gray. The X-Line SX Prestige gets Black as standard or Rust at a $200 surcharge. Exclusive to the PHEV in SX Prestige spec, you have the choice between Gray or Navy perforated leather.

Only the base LX makes do with a polyurethane steering wheel and soft PVC shift knob; all other models have a leather wrapping for these major controls.

As you'd expect when cramming additional seats into a body style not traditionally equipped to deal with such, the Sorento suffers from a lack of standard cargo capacity. If you insist on lugging six or more people about, you'll have to make do with a meager 12.6 cubic feet. However, if you treat it like a five-seater instead and fold the third row down, you get access to a much more impressive 45 cubic feet. True, there are some other midsize SUVs out there that can beat this figure, but they don't offer the added versatility of two additional seats in a pinch. Fold the second-row seats down, too, and the open floor plan supplies 75.5 cubes. The middle ground is the sweet spot here, with enough room for your monthly groceries and then some, as well as luggage for a four- or five-person vacation.

In-cabin storage for smaller items is good, with the first two rows getting access to sizeable door pockets. Those in the back also get seatback pockets, while those up front get the glove compartment and armrest cubby. The front cupholders are situated within the console, while the back-seat cupholders can only be accessed if the center armrest is folded down. Sadly, third-row occupants don't get such luxuries.

Modern Kia cars are laden with features, and even the base LX has plenty to offer. Remote keyless entry, manual air conditioning, a 4.2-inch driver information display, and a rearview camera are included. The driver has a six-way manually-adjustable seat and the front-seat passenger a four-way manual seat. The safety suite is comprehensive, too, comprising forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, a driver attention system, and rear occupant alert with a sensor.

From the S, push-button start, a ten-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park distance warning, and safe exit assist. The EX is upgraded with a power tailgate, second-row captain's chairs, smart cruise control with stop/go, cyclist detection, highway driving assist, rear parking sensors, and junction assist. The passenger seat gains eight-way power adjustability from the SX and a panoramic sunroof is added. At the top of the range, the SX Prestige gets heated and ventilated front seats, a 14-way power driver's seat with memory, a ten-way power passenger seat, heated second-row captain's chairs, a heated steering wheel, a 12.3-inch driver-info display, front parking sensors, rear collision avoidance, a surround-view monitor, and a blind-view monitor.

Hybrid models are better-equipped as standard with features like heated front seats and a ten-way power driver's seat being standard from the start.

Only the LX is still saddled with the smaller eight-inch touchscreen but it does get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system. The larger 10.25 screen is standard on all the remaining trims, but its smartphone connectivity is not wireless. Navigation, SiriusXM, and UVO telematics are added, while a wireless phone charger is included from the EX upwards. The premium 12-speaker Bose sound system is only standard from the SX Prestige trim. All models have additional auxiliary, USB, and iPod connection points.

Kia seems incapable of making an unpopular car, with consumer reviews of the Kia Sorento from J.D. Power returning a score of 81 out of 100. However, the lowest score in the survey was quality and reliability, at 77 out of 100. That said, the current year model has only one recall against it for an oil supply pipe to the turbocharger that may leak, but not all Sorento models are affected by this. Separately, hybrid and PHEV models were recalled for seat belt pretensioners that could explode. Some 2021 models were recalled for a fuel leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.

The automaker offers one of the best warranties on the market. Bumper-to-bumper coverage is good for five years/60,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty is valid for a whopping ten years/100,000 miles. Hybrid components benefit from an eight-year/80,000-mile warranty. Roadside assistance is offered for the first five years/60,000 miles.

The NHTSA review of the 2022 Kia Sorento instills a decent amount of confidence, with the midsize SUV scoring four out of five stars overall. The frontal crash and rollover tests are where it scored less than perfectly, while side cash tests earned full marks.

The IIHS is more impressed by the Kia Sorento, rating it Good in every category, with only the lower-tier headlights rating Poor. It earns a Top Safety Pick award for 2022 when equipped with the LED projector lamps from the upper trims.

As any good family SUV should, the Sorento comes equipped with a fair number of standard safety features. Seven airbags are standard, including a driver's knee bag, and other features and driver aids include a rearview camera, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, a driver attention system, high beam assist, and a rear occupant alert.

This is upgraded as you move through the trims, adding such assists as cyclist detection on the forward collision avoidance system, a blind-spot view monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, smart cruise control, highway driving assist, front park distance warning, and reverse parking collision avoidance. A surround-view monitor comes standard on SX Prestige trims.

Kia's Telluride is one the most popular vehicles in the USA, but its size and price can be off-putting to many. This is why the automaker designed the smaller Sorento, hoping to entice shoppers with the same desirable offering in smaller packaging. For the most part, it succeeded. Naturally, being smaller means that the Sorento cannot deliver quite the same levels of practicality, but its versatility sets it firmly apart from its direct competitors. It has a usable, if not comfortable, third row of seats. It functions better as a five-seater, though, with more cargo space to make daily errands possible.

A variety of capable engines make sure it never feels underpowered, while the hybrids ensure excellent fuel economy returns. Along with this, it has sporty and modern styling, as well as a comfortable cabin. The infotainment features are nice, especially above the entry-level model, but it's the safety tech that will ultimately get many to sign on the dotted line. The Kia Sorento tries to be something for everyone, and it largely succeeds. There is little to complain about and nothing to dislike.

Being smaller than your traditional three-row SUV, the Sorento boasts a more appealing price tag. The LX in FWD guise comes in below the $30k mark at $29,590. The S adds a lot while only increasing the price to $32,390. If you like the unique styling of the X-Line, you can have it on the S trim at $34,390. The EX and its X-Line variant are $35,490 and $39,190, respectively. The SX goes on sale for $38,290. At the top of the range is the SX Prestige, asking for $41,190, while the X-Line SX-P tops out at $43,190. The LX and SX can be upgraded with AWD for an extra $1,800.

There are two HEV Sorento models - the $34,090 S and the $36,090 EX. If you can afford it, the plug-in hybrid will save you some money in fuel over the years, but this powertrain is restricted to the more expensive SX and SX Prestige trims. The former will cost you $45,190, while the latter costs $48,090. The Kia Sorento's price tags mentioned here exclude destination fees of $1,215. On a positive note, the PHEVs qualify for a federal tax credit of $6,587, bringing them closer in price to top-spec versions of the gas-only Sorento.

There are a number of trims available across the Sorento lineup. These include the LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. There are also X-Line variants of the S, EX, and SX Prestige. The base powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 191 hp and 182 lb-ft to the front wheels, although AWD is available to the LX. The EX trims and upwards use a 281-hp and 311-lb-ft turbocharged four-cylinder, with AWD as an option on the SX. Each X-Line gets AWD as standard. The S and EX can be had with a hybrid powertrain that is good for 227 hp and 258 lb-ft. Meanwhile, the SX and SX Prestige get the option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain with outputs of 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is standard on all hybrids, but they make do with a six-speed automatic.

Standard equipment on the base LX includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED multi-reflection headlights, and power-adjustable heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Cloth upholstery covers the seats and the driver's seat is manually adjustable in six directions. Inclusive features comprise remote keyless entry, manual air conditioning, a rearview camera, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision avoidance, a driver attention system, and a 4.2-inch driver information display. The eight-inch touchscreen is paired with a six-speaker sound system and programmed with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth functionality.

The S enjoys larger 18-inch alloys and leatherette upholstery. New standard features at this level include dual-zone climate control, a ten-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist. The infotainment touchscreen is larger at 10.25 inches and gains navigation and SiriusXM, but it loses wireless smartphone integration. The X-Line variant gets unique bumpers and wheels, a bridge-type roof rack, matte exterior trimming, and X-Line badging,

A power tailgate is added from the EX upwards, along with second-row captain's chairs, smart cruise control, and additional safety features like cyclist detection, highway assist, rear parking sensors, and junction assist. A wireless charging device is included. The HEV EX version differs slightly in that it gets front and rear parking sensors.

SX trims get an eight-way power passenger seat and a panoramic sunroof, along with 20-inch alloy wheels and LED taillights.

Topping things off, the SX Prestige and the X-Line version of it enjoy heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, front parking sensors, rear collision avoidance, a blind-view monitor, a surround-view monitor, and a 12.3-inch driver-information display. The 12-speaker Bose sound system is standard here.

With so many models to choose from, you'll be hard-pressed to find a Sorento that doesn't suit your needs perfectly. For this reason, the available options are very limited. From the S, you can add a sunroof for $1,300, while the lower trims can specify an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a universal garage remote for $350. A tow hitch is available for $475, while the rear-seat entertainment system will cost you $1,500 and is available to the entire range.

One of the most appealing things about the one-size-fits-all Sorento is its lower starting price compared to the larger Telluride. For this reason, we'd try to stick to one of the lower trim levels, otherwise, you may as well just get the bigger Kia. The S is a great place to start, since it adds a stack of features over the base LX. However, it doesn't get access to the turbocharged engine, which is something we just can't live without. For that reason, we pick the EX as the sweet spot in the range. The fact that it is also available with the more frugal HEV powertrain gives buyers even more choice, and it gets all the most desirable goodies. The PHEV only makes sense if you intend on making lots of short trips, as the huge price tag and middling gasoline fuel economy don't justify it otherwise.

In a comparison of these two siblings, what it all comes down to is whether or not you need a full-time three-row SUV. The Telluride is specifically designed for this purpose, so its 3rd row is extremely spacious and easy to live with. Meanwhile, the Sorento is more of a crunch-time 7-seater. The rear-most seats are technically useable, but they aren't comfortable. Also, it supplies subpar cargo capacity when these seats aren't folded down. However, it is smaller and more enjoyable to drive, and it doesn't have the polarizing chunky aesthetic of the Telluride. Naturally, the smaller Kia wins the fuel economy war, and both are on par when it comes to tech and safety. So, if you regularly need to move an entire basketball team, it's obvious which SUV wins, but if you only need the extra seating now and then, you may be better off with the Sorento.

As a corporate cousin to the Sorento, the Hyundai Santa Fe shares many of its underpinnings. However, it focuses on competing with other midsize SUVs without the third row of seats. This has some disadvantages in terms of practicality, but it does mean that the second row is very spacious and that there is plenty of standard cargo capacity. Their tech is almost identical, and so too is their pricing. Therefore, it can be rather difficult to pick a clear winner. That said, we do feel that the Santa Fe feels a bit lighter on its feet when driving, and the cabin is slightly more upscale. If we were just comparing five-seaters, it would be the clear winner. But, for buyers who occasionally need to move a few extra people, it's hard to ignore the versatility that the Sorento brings to the table.