Trims and Powertrains
Kia presents the 2023 Sorento in a larger than usual lineup of eight trim levels. They are LX, S, X-Line S AWD, EX, X-Line EX AWD, SX, SX Prestige AWD, and X-Line SX Prestige AWD. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower powers the LX and S, while the higher trims (including the X-Line variants) get a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 281 horsepower. The LX, S, EX, and SX have front-wheel drive (FWD) by default, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional; AWD is standard on the other trims. An eight-speed automatic transmission appears in all versions of the 2023 Sorento (the trims with the turbo engine get a dual-clutch gearbox).
The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the base-engine Sorento with FWD is 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway; this changes to 23 city/25 highway with AWD. Sorentos with the turbo engine are rated to achieve 22 mpg around town and 29 mpg on the open road (FWD) or 22 city/27 highway (AWD). This model’s towing capacity is 2,000 pounds without the Trailer Package and or 3,500 pounds with it.
Standard Features and Options
The LX has a seven-person seating configuration (with the standard middle-row bench seat). Some highlights of its standard equipment are LED headlights with auto on/off, manual air conditioning, remote keyless entry, heated power side mirrors, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, a 4.2-inch driver information display, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Stepping up to the S trim will add dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, proximity keyless entry, remote start, push-button start, a ten-way power driver’s seat with lumbar controls, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The X-Line S AWD brings exterior appearance upgrades and 18-inch gloss-black wheels (in addition to all-wheel drive).
Six-passenger seating (with second-row captain’s chairs) is the standard cabin configuration for the Sorento EX. This trim also gets a power liftgate, LED fog lights, durable SynTex upholstery, an eight-way power front passenger seat, a trailer package, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and simulated open-pore woodgrain inlays. The X-Line EX AWD adds a panoramic sunroof, extra exterior treatments, and all-wheel drive. The SX builds off the EX with a panoramic sunroof, all-LED exterior lighting (including projector-type headlights), a 12.3-inch driver information display, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated power side mirrors with a power-folding feature. A panoramic sunroof is optional on the S and EX (FWD only).
The 2023 Sorento reaches luxury status with the SX Prestige AWD. This trim gets perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, a heated steering wheel, a 14-way power driver’s seat, a 10-way power front passenger seat, retractable rear-door sunshades, and aluminum sport pedals. The X-Line SX Prestige AWD adds exterior upgrades (like the other X-Line trims) and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Advanced Driver Aids
Kia Drive Wise is standard on every 2023 Sorento. It provides forward collision-avoidance assist (with pedestrian and vehicle detection), blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, intelligent speed limit assist, driver attention warning (with leading vehicle departure alert), ultrasonic rear occupant alert, safe exit assist, automatic high beams, and a rearview monitor with dynamic parking guidance.
The S and higher trims get rear parking sensors, while the EX and above come with adaptive cruise control, highway driving assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist with cyclist detection and junction turning. Additional driver aids for the SX Prestige and X-Line SX Prestige include a surround-view monitor, a blind-spot view monitor, rear parking collision-avoidance assist, and front and rear parking sensors.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Infotainment for the LX happens via an 8-inch touchscreen system; the higher trims upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen. All trims have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (wireless with the LX, as only the smaller screen supports that technology), Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. The S and above add navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, voice recognition, additional USB ports, wireless device charging, and access to Kia Connect services. Most Sorento trims have a six-speaker audio system, but the SX Prestige and X-Line SX Prestige get a Bose arrangement with a dozen speakers.
