2023 Kia Sorento - Innovative Sports Family SUV

Highs A smaller but more fuel-efficient Telluride with more powertrain options, spacious second-row, pleasant ride.
Lows Third row is for kids only, front-wheel-drive models are prone to torque steer, limited towing capacity.
Verdict The Sorento offers a lot for a little. It also features a comfortable and spacious interior, as well as a variety of powertrain options.
Overview
The mid-size crossover and SUV segment is swollen with entries, but the three-row Kia Sorento is one worth considering. With seating for up to seven passengers, the Sorento offers the utility of the larger V-6-powered Telluride, with better fuel economy and multiple powertrain configurations. The front-drive SUV comes standard with a 191-hp inline-four with an eight-speed automatic transmission; however, we think buyers ought to consider adding all-wheel drive and upgrading to the Sorento's 281-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Kia also offers the Sorento with a 227-hp hybrid powertrain that returns an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined and a 261-hp plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup with an estimated 32 miles of battery-electric driving range. The Sorento offers plentiful passenger space for its size, and even includes available niceties such as heated and cooled front and second-row seating.
What's New for 2023?
The Sorento pulls into 2023 without any major changes to its massive lineup. All models now come standard with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert while the S trim now comes with a wireless smartphone charging pad. The mid-range EX trim gets an eight-way power-adjustable passenger's seat and a frameless rearview mirror; the upscale SX now comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, power-folding exterior mirrors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Kia has discontinued the Sorento Hybrid S base model and added a fully loaded Hybrid SX-P trim with standard all-wheel drive, 17-inch wheels, leather seating, and captain's chairs for the second row. The Hybrid EX gets a little love too, with an eight-way power front-passenger seat and a frameless rearview mirror. For 2023, the Sorento PHEV comes strictly in SX-Prestige trim. The PHEV SX-Prestige has all the fixings, including retractable rear-door sunshades, a 115-volt inverter, and an estimated 32 miles of electric driving range.