By After the 2021 redesign, as well as the recent introduction of the plug-in hybrid version, we are pretty sure that the current generation of Kia’s three-row crossover will remain unchanged for some time. Most likely, the 2023 Kia Sorento will be a typical carryover model, which means it will remain largely unchanged. Still, minor updates are always possible, so we won’t exclude the possibility to see things like new standard features, new color options and similar things.
Still, these minor updates won’t change the vehicle’s overall nature. We are about to see a familiar design, which brings a lot of benefits. We like the wide powertrain offer, as well as one of the nicest cabin designs in the segment. The ride is pretty comfortable and the Sorento is easy to drive, while the biggest complaints go to the third-row space and the cargo area behind it.
Since there are no bigger changes to come, we expect that the 2023 Kia Sorento will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2023 Kia Sorento Design
The 2023 Kia Sorento will represent the third production year of the current generation and therefore, we don’t expect to see significant changes. We are about a familiar design, based on the N3 platform. As you may presume, most of the parts are shared with Hyundai Santa Fe, but the suspension setup is trimmed in a little bit different way. It offers a little bit sharper ride, though the comfort is still a pretty high level. The Sorento is smooth and easy to drive, despite relatively big dimensions.
Visually, the new design approach has brought a pretty conventional design. Unlike some other models from the lineup, such as the new Sportage, the Sorento relies on classic design solutions. We don’t expect any changes for the next year, though there is always a chance to see minor updates, such as new color options.
Interior
This is arguably one of the strongest points of the current-generation Sorento. As you’ve probably noticed, the latest generation of Kia models brings some pretty impressive things in terms of interior quality and this mid-size crossover is no exception. First of all, the dashboard looks great. It looks elegant but rugged at the same time. More importantly, materials are very fine, while the build quality is at a pretty high level. Finally, there is a generous offer of tech features, which includes things like the digital instrument cluster, massive infotainment screen etc. All this makes Sorento’s cabin one of the nicest in the class.
When it comes to interior space, the first two rows are very comfortable. On the other hand, the third row is tight, which is expected, considering the wheelbase and overall dimensions. The cargo volume behind the third row is pretty modest. You may count on 12.6 cubic feet of space, which isn’t particularly useful. However, things are much better when you fold these seats down, as you get 45 cubic feet of space. Fold the second row down and you get 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is on par with some much bigger models in the class.
Features
The next year’s model might come with a couple of new things on the list of standard equipment but we have no doubt that most of the things are about to remain the same. Therefore, all models should come standard with goodies like n 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo, HD Radio, and six USB ports.
Higher trim levels offer much more regarding tech features. You can get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touch screen, satellite radio, navigation, voice recognition, additional second-row USB ports, a rear-seat entertainment system, wireless device charging, a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo etc. Among options, you can also find goodies like proximity keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a universal garage door opener.
2023 Kia Sorento Engines
Things under the hood won’t change either. So, the offer will start with a good-old 2.5-liter inline-four, which features a max output of 191 horsepower. It’s enough for daily commuting but we would strongly recommend the optional turbo-four, which puts out around 281 horsepower. Also, the optional turbo-four comes with a dual-clutch transmission, while the base engine comes with a classic automatic gearbox.
The hybrid version combines a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine with a 44-kWh electric motor, for a total output of 227 horsepower. If you pick a plug-in hybrid version, you will get the same gasoline engine but a more powerful 66.9-kW electric motor, which ensures the combined output of 261 horsepower. This version also provides 32 miles of the all-electric range.
2023 Kia Sorento Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Kia Sorento will hit the market in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 31.000 dollars.
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