2023 Kia Sorento interior

2023 Kia Sorento interior

2023 Kia Sorento interior

  • EX

    $36,590

  • SX Prestige

    $42,390

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid trim comparison will help you decide.

2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid review: Our expert's take

The Kia Sorento Hybrid was introduced in 2021 as part of the SUV’s redesign. While its larger size, capable powertrain and generous fuel economy left a positive impression on Cars.com editors, one of the SUV’s main drawbacks was the lack of a premium trim option, such as the one offered on the gas-only model. The 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid crosses that complaint off the list with the addition of the new range-topping SX-P trim. At the expense of affordability, however, Kia has dropped the hybrid’s base S trim, leaving the EX as the most affordable choice with a starting price of $37,885 (all prices include a $1,295 destination fee). Compared to 2022, the SUV’s cost of admission grows by $2,500.

Related: 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid Review: Big Vehicle With Small-Vehicle Fuel Economy

What’s New?

With the departure of the Sorento Hybrid S, the EX takes its place as the SUV’s base trim, gaining a standard eight-way power front passenger seat and a frameless rearview mirror. Meanwhile, the new SX-P trim is the most notable addition for 2023. It brings added creature comforts and premium materials to the interior, along with tech upgrades and standard all-wheel drive, a power tailgate, and a more robust safety and driver-assist suite.

Powertrain and MPG

2023 Kia Sorento interior

2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid | Manufacturer image

For 2023, the Sorento Hybrid’s powertrain carries over: A 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a 44-kilowatt electric motor and 1.5-kilowatt-hour battery pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission, making a combined 227 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard for the EX, while Kia’s AWD system with Drive Mode Select — which includes Comfort, Sport, Eco, Smart modes — is standard on the SX-P and available for the EX (the SX-P also adds a Snow mode). FWD models get a notable fuel economy advantage with an EPA-rated 39/35/37 mpg city/highway/combined; AWD drops the mpg rating to 34/36/33. In addition to the hybrid, the Sorento offers a gas-only and plug-in hybrid variant.

Tech and Safety

2023 Kia Sorento interior

2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid | Manufacturer image

Each model gets a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and push-button start with Smart Key and remote start. The SX-P adds a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a premium Bose audio system.

Also standard is the Kia DriveWise safety and driver-assist suite, which bundles features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver attention warning system, lane keep assist and automatic lane centering. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and Kia’s Safe Exit Assist also come standard on both trims. The SX-P tacks on a 360-degree camera and blind spot monitor.

Trims and Pricing

The 2023 Sorento Hybrid is on sale now. The EX starts at $37,885 with FWD (up $500 from 2022); AWD adds $1,800. In addition to the standard features above, the EX comes with heated front seats, Syntex faux-leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The SX-P starts at $43,685 and gets interior upgrades like perforated leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats.

Versus the Competition

The Sorento Hybrid’s biggest three-row rival is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and even with the price increase, the Sorento still comes in below: The 2022 Highlander Hybrid comes in five trims and starts at $40,890 for the base LE and $50,845 for the range-topping Platinum.

More From Cars.com:

  • What’s New for Kia in 2022?
  • The 2022 Kia Sorento Is a Three-Row Bargain at $30,665
  • 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid: Kia Launches First Mainstream 3-Row PHEV
  • How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2021 Kia Sorento?
  • Research the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid

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Consumer reviews

New car program benefits

Bumper-to-bumper

60 months/60,000 miles

Corrosion

60 months/100,000 miles

Powertrain

120 months/100,000 miles

Hybrid electric

120 months/100,000 miles

Roadside assistance

60 months/60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Maximum age/mileage

5 years or newer/less than 60,000 miles

Basic warranty terms

12 months/12,000 miles

Powertrain

10 years/100,000 miles

Dealer certification required 165-point inspection Roadside assistance Yes

View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

Visit the manufacturer's website

Are they making a 2023 Kia Sorento?

Kia's Sorento mid-size SUV enters the 2023 model year with minor updates to its standard safety tech and a reshuffling of standard equipment. Given Kia redesigned the Sorento for 2021, it's no surprise the relatively fresh design soldiers on unchanged while features and equipment get updated.

Is the Kia Sorento a luxury?

The Sorento may not boast the same comfort, class or size of the Telluride, but it does come with a lot of what we love about the latest generation of Kia vehicles. The interior is well-crafted and offers a touch of luxury at a reasonable price, while the driving experience is surprisingly sporty for a midsize SUV.

Will there be a 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid?

With a powerful turbocharged hybrid powertrain, available all-wheel drive, and an estimated 655 miles of driving range on a single tank, the Sorento Hybrid is ready to help you write your next adventure. 2023 Sorento Hybrid EX shown with optional features. Not all optional features are available on all trims.

Is Kia Sorento worth buying?

Yes, the Kia Sorento is a good midsize SUV . Following a total redesign for the 2021 model year, this crossover boasts an upscale interior with comfortable seating and a user-friendly infotainment system.