The Sorento has grown into a modern sport utility with emphasis on the utility. It’s one of the more copacetic family three-row drives we’ve driven this year.

The three row crossover-SUV is a pretty big category now, with a lot of great contenders. The Kia Sorento isn’t the newest design and it doesn’t boast the latest technology features when compared to some. But it’s one of the few that not only ticks all of the boxes, but also does so at a value price and with one of the strongest warranties in today’s market.

The base model gets some added features this year, which boosts value in a good way. It’s not the fastest-paced vehicle you can drive, but most won’t notice that thanks to the roomy interior and good daily drive qualities that the Sorento offers.

It’s worth shopping the Sorento if you’re looking for an occasional-use three row as a daily driver. But it’s worth noting that its cousin at Hyundai has a compelling argument worth checking in on.

The Ford Explorer is designed to match a different buyer from those shopping the Sorento. While the two are competitive, the Explorer has a more truck-like presence and a beefier SUV persona in terms of look and appeal. The Sorento, however, actually sports better fuel economy and a roomier interior.

The Sorento and Santa Fe share many things in common, including similar powertrains and overall design. The Santa Fe is set up to be a little more upscale than the Sorento, with a nicer interior overall. But it’s priced to match that more upscale design.

Compared to the Tiguan, the Sorento is downright luxurious. Its interior is more welcoming versus the austere design of the Volkswagen. The two are otherwise similar in size and capability.

The 2023 Sorento has a starting price of about $31,500 plus delivery. Most buyers will more likely be purchasing in the $37,000 range after adding accessories or trim levels.

The table below shows the most common trim levels and how much they will run you.

The 2023 Sorento carries over from the 2021 and 2022 model years, when this generation of the crossover debuted. The changes this year are slight, and mostly focus on the base LX model, which now has more standard features.

Added as standard features in the 2023 model year for the Sorento LX is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane-keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic warning.

The 2023 Sorento has several options, depending on your needs. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel or all-wheel drive are available. This drivetrain powers the first two trim levels of the Sorento. After that, it’s a turbocharged version of that 2.5.

The turbo 2.5L offers 281 horsepower and uses a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic for quicker shifts. This is a much stronger engine and a peppier drive, but the upgrade costs may be prohibitive for some. Especially considering some of the other options available.

Those are a hybrid and plug-in hybrid model, both of which offer better fuel economy and similar performance to the turbocharged engine and at about the same price. We especially like the MPG jump and cost-effectiveness of the hybrid model.

Whatever the choice, the Sorento has a smooth ride quality and smart maneuverability that are nicely paired.

The 2023 Kia Sorento does well in safety ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives it four stars out of five and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given it a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2023 Sorento missed getting the “Plus” added onto the Top Safety Pick with the IIHS due to its base model’s headlamps not passing muster. It otherwise scored high on every other test. Including the upgraded small overlap front test that has caused problems for some models.

There are mixed returns for reliability scores for the 2023 Sorento. The lowest considers it to be average while the highest says well above average. We tend to think the Sorento will be above average, leaning in favor of some scores and Kia’s excellent warranty.

Consumer Reports gives the 2023 Kia Sorento an average expectation for reliability while J.D. Power

There aren’t many a la carte options for the 2023 Kia Sorento at the base level. This is why we recommend spending a few extra to get the Sorento S model instead. This has several package and individual add-on options available.

A la carte options for the 2023 Sorento S include keyless entry and start, the larger infotainment screen, a wireless charging pad, and rear parking sensors. The X-Line package option adds all-wheel drive, exterior trim, higher roof rails, and gray wheels.

Kia has one of the industry’s best warranties. These warranties are on the vehicle and follow it from buyer-to-buyer, provided all information associated (maintenance history, etc) are available. An important thing to know when looking at a used buy.

• Basic: 5 years / 60k miles
• PowerTrain: 10 years / 100k miles
• Perforation (Rust): 5 years / 100k miles
• If buying used look at our best extended warranties

Used models in this generation of the Sorento are becoming available on the market. It’s worth cross-shopping them with new models, as the excellent Kia warranty follows the vehicle instead of the buyer. For this reason, we recommend looking at certified used vehicles rather than off-the-street buys.

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