The Kia Sorento has been a very important part of Kia’s lineup for many years at this point. The latest generation has taken technology and style to a new level. It’s also known for value, which is something Kia is doubling down on for 2023 with even more standard features across the trim levels. What’s is new for the 2023 Kia Sorento? Keep reading to find out!

What’s New for 2023

  • Blind Spot Monitoring becomes standard
  • S Trim adds wireless phone charger
  • EX Trim adds 8-way power passenger seat and frameless mirror as standard
  • SX Trim adds 12.3-inch digital gauges, power-folding mirrors and rain-sensing wipers as standard
  • SX Prestige Trim is now AWD only

Trim Structure

LX -> S -> X-Line S -> EX -> X-Line EX -> SX -> SX Prestige -> X-Line SX Prestige

Sorento Front
Sorento Side
Sorento Rear
Sorento Interior

 

 

 

 

Exterior Design and Features

 

 

The 2023 Kia Sorento doesn’t undergo any exterior changes this year, which is alright because this car is already easy on the eyes. The focal point of this vehicle is the signature Tiger nose grille, which will be finished in different looks depending on which trim you opt for. Each trim will also have a slightly different lower fascia, with the top trims being sportier and the X-Line trims having a more rugged look. The ground clearance on this Sorento will be 6.9 inches as standard but jumps to an impressive 8.2 inches on the off-road focused X-Line trims. LED low beams will be standard on all Sorento trims, however; LED Projector high beams will only be on the X-Line EX trim and above. LED fog lights will be on the EX and up.

Heading to the side of the Sorento, you will find each trim level with a different set of wheels for 2023, ranging from various 17–20-inch alloy options. The braking specs are as follows:

Brakes: Front: 12.8-inch vented disk | Rear: 12.0-inch vented disk

Up to the mirrors, you will find power adjusting, heated, and blind spot monitoring on all trims with power folding on the SX and above. The side retains the same angular Sorento styling, measuring in at 189-inches long. The trim around the wheel arches will be gloss black on standard trims, and matte black on the X-Lines, which also have beefier roof rails.

Heading to the rear, LED taillights will be standard on the X-Line EX and up. The only differences between trims on the Sorento will be the more rugged styling on the X-Line lower fascia. No Sorento will offer exposed exhaust outlets. Towing is rated at 3,500lbs if you equip the towing package.

Additionally, the Sorento will be equipped with Kia’s long-lasting 5-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Sorento for 2023 will come standard with most of Kia’s basic safety systems, including:

  • Forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Lane keeping assist
  • Auto high beam headlights

Going for the EX trim and above will add in:

  • Adaptive cruise with stop and go and Advanced forward collision avoidance and cyclist detection
  • Highway Drive Assist

Finally, the SX Prestige will come fully loaded and include Rear Auto Braking. Next, we’ll head to the interior, where Kia has continued to throw in some more updates.

Sorento Interior

Interior Details and Features

To get inside the 2023 Kia Sorento, smart entry, remote start, and push button start will be standard on all but the LX trim. However, Keyless entry will be standard. When it comes to interior materials, there is a full range of cloth, leatherette, and real leather options dependent of trim level. The seats will be manual adjusting for the LX, 10-way power on the S and above, and a range topping 14-way power with 4-way lumbar, thigh extension, and memory for the SX Prestige.

Specs: Legroom: 41.4-inches | Headroom: 40.3-inches

Most Sorento models will have 4.2-inch digital display with analogue gauges, however; Kia is expanding availability of the fully digital 12.3-inch display by adding it as standard to the SX and above. Sitting in front of the gauges will be a leather wrapped steering wheel on the S and above and heated on the SX-Prestige only. The Sorento will come with a standard shifter, and rain-sensing wipers will now be standard on the SX model and above.

Additionally, technology will be plentiful within the Kia Sorento’s cabin, starting out with standard dual-zone automatic climate, heated seats, and wireless charging offered on all trims but the LX. Ventilated seats will be reserved for the top SX Prestige trim. Most Sorento trims should expect to have a six-speaker sound system, while the top SX Prestige will have a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system.

At the center of the Sorento’s cabin is a large 12.3-inch digital display on all trims except for the base LX. A backup camera is standard, with rear parking sensors on the S and above, and a 360 Camera on the SX Prestige. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be wired on all but the Base model’s 8-inch display, with navigation on the larger display. An auto-dimming mirror is newly standard on the EX and above. A panoramic moonroof is also included on the X-Line EX and above.

Sorento Rear

Rear Spaces

The rear seats will continue to capitalize on the Sorento’s design, with the specs as follows:

Legroom: 41.7-inches

Headroom: 39.1-inches

Captain’s Chairs will be offered on the EX trim and up, with heating only on the SX-Prestige. However, all trims will have the luxury of rear vents. For the standard third row, passengers will be pleased with the following specs:

Legroom: 29.6-inches

Headroom: 36.8-inches

The tailgate will be smart and power opening on the EX and up, with 12.6 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, 38.5-45 cubic feet behind the 2nd row, and 75.5 cubic feet as a maximum.

Sorento Side

Powertrain & Driving Impressions

Kia has no changes here in the engine department for the Sorento. There are two gas-only powertrain options for 2023, with specs as follows:

  • LX/S:
    • 5L I-4: 191 hp | 181 lb.ft
    • Paired with an 8-speed automatic
  • EX+:
      1. 5L Turbo I-4: 281 hp | 311 lb.ft
      2. Paired with an 8-speed dual clutch (wet clutch, segment exclusive)

The SX Prestige is newly standard with AWD for 2023, with AWD being optional for all other trims. The majority of Sorentos will consume fuel at 24/29/26 MPG for the FWD and 23/25/24 MPG for AWD.

Behind the wheel of the Sorento, we found the driving dynamics to be very sporty for the Turbo model we sampled, making it feel much smaller than it actually is. We advise you get the AWD model for any Turbo transmission to gain access to the engine’s full capability. To get an in-depth perspective on our full driving impressions and more, watch our full review down below!

    Pricing

    Prices have slightly risen with this Sorento. All prices are for FWD unless stated otherwise:

    LX: $29,990

    S: $32,490

    X-Line S: $34,490

    EX: $35,890

    X-Line EX: $39,590

    SX: $38,790

    SX Prestige AWD: $43,390

    X-Line SX Prestige: $43,590

    Overall, this 2023 Kia Sorento continues to impress when it comes to practicality and value, offering quite a few features for its price point. The Sorento continues to build upon an already attractive vehicle, and more standard features on the interior and more rugged trim levels will be sure to give this car even more buyers than it already had before. Compared to the competition, the Kia Sorento sure seems like a winner to us!