This week we are taking a look at the 2022 Kia Sorento EX SUV, a very popular 3-row SUV that slots just under the Telluride, but larger than the Sportage.
The exterior look of the Sorento is beautiful all the way around. I love the tiger grill that has become a mainstay on newer Kias, a nice amount of chrome, it has bold lines, a sculpted hood, and a spoiler that covers the rear wiper, a feature usually found on way more expensive SUVs and a feature I like a lot, especially when going to a car wash.
My review vehicle is the EX, which falls in the middle of the entire Sorento lineup but is the entry level version of the hybrid series.
Looking under the hood, you find a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, an electric motor with a lithium-ion battery pack to deliver a healthy 227-horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles. All-wheel drive is available.
The big surprise came when I opened the door to enter the cabin. I was impressed with the first impressions of the interior. The seats are slightly bolstered, stitching is everywhere, and very nice aluminum adorns the door panels and continues through the dash.
Hit the pushbutton start and the amazing 12.3” digital driver gauge cluster comes to life, welcoming you with a colorful and configurable info center in the middle.
The center console is terrific with 3 USB ports and a wireless phone charger. There are two cupholders there and an extra cubby for your toll tag or phone if needed. This is also where you activate the Auto Hold and turn on the heated steering wheel. There are switches to turn on the heated seats as well, and a rotary dial shifter.
You can also activate the drive modes, and of course, sport mode is my favorite, but you will notice distinct differences between each mode.
High on the dash is a 10.25” screen to operate the Bose sound system, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, the terrific front and rear cameras, HD radio, and Bluetooth.
Also from there, hit the Quiet Mode, which cuts off the speakers to the rear if someone is sleeping. The screen is fast and easy to use.
Moving to the second-row captain chairs, room is good and the seats slide, recline, and they are heated. There are rear A/C vents, and Kia cleverly put USB ports in the back of the front seats.
Third row seat room is pretty limited, best suited for kids, but not comfortable for adults. If you need more room, step up to the Telluride.
Going to the cargo area, it’s also limited but there is some underneath storage. The third-row seats manually drop easily for a flat cargo area, and they are easy to put back up.
The Sorento EX comes nicely equipped with dual power seats, climate-controlled air conditioning, remote start, power windows and door locks, parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.
Safety-wise, it has blind spot monitoring, forward collision assist, cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and rear seat alert if anything or anyone is left in the back.
The big reason to buy the Sorento hybrid is the fuel economy. It is rated at an amazing 39 city and 35 highway. Total MSRP as you see it here is $37,820 and frankly, it’s amazing you can get this much SUV at that price that gets this kind of fuel economy.
Even more amazing than the fuel economy is the acceleration, interior quietness, and the level of equipment for the price. Driving characteristics are very good as well.
Kia killed it with this Sorento hybrid, it has been a runaway hit since it came out last year, just like the Telluride has been. It is an outstanding value and of course you get the 10-year/100,000 mile warranty with it.
If you want a Telluride, but you really don’t need all that 3rd row seat room, look at Sorento instead and pocket about $10,000.