Since its inception in 2002, the Kia Sorento has consistently made its mark within the competitive mid-size SUV landscape. Now entering its fourth generation, the 2022 Sorento continues to captivate both families and adventure enthusiasts with its versatile offerings. With an extensive array of features and enhancements, this latest iteration promises to deliver a compelling driving experience. In this review, we’ll explore the Sorento’s performance capabilities, innovative features, and potential drawbacks to determine if it truly lives up to the expectations set by its predecessors.
In terms of performance, the Kia Sorento offers a diverse range of powertrains to suit various driving preferences and needs. Drivers can opt for one of three engine options: Firstly, there’s the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, generating a respectable 181 horsepower, providing ample power for everyday driving scenarios. For those seeking a more spirited driving experience, the Sorento offers a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 281 horsepower, ideal for highway cruising and confident passing maneuvers. Additionally, for eco-conscious drivers, the Sorento is available with a hybrid powertrain that pairs an electric motor with a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing a combined 227 horsepower. Each engine is paired with a transmission tailored to its characteristics, with the 2.5L engines equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the hybrid utilizing a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Acceleration performance varies across the engine lineup, with the base engine providing sufficient pep for daily driving needs, while the turbocharged variant offers exhilarating acceleration for highway jaunts. The hybrid powertrain strikes a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, delivering adequate acceleration for most driving situations. Additionally, the Sorento boasts impressive towing capabilities, with the base model capable of towing up to 2,000 lbs, while the turbocharged variant can handle trailers weighing up to 5,000 lbs, providing versatility for hauling cargo or recreational equipment. Overall, the Sorento’s diverse powertrain options cater to a wide range of driving preferences, ensuring there’s a suitable configuration for every driver’s needs.
Fuel efficiency stands out as a notable strength of the Kia Sorento lineup. The base engine excels in this regard, achieving an impressive fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. This makes it an attractive option for drivers seeking a fuel-efficient vehicle for their daily commutes or city driving. Even with its higher power output, the turbocharged engine maintains respectable fuel efficiency figures, delivering 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, striking a balance between performance and fuel economy. However, the true standout in the Sorento’s lineup is its hybrid variant, which showcases exceptional fuel efficiency numbers of 39 mpg in the city and an impressive 54 mpg on the highway. This makes the hybrid Sorento an ideal choice for eco-conscious drivers looking to minimize their environmental footprint without sacrificing practicality or versatility. Overall, the Sorento’s strong fuel efficiency across its engine lineup underscores its appeal as a fuel-conscious option in the mid-size SUV segment.
When it comes to drive feel and handling, the Kia Sorento impresses with its blend of comfort and composure on the road. Thanks to its well-tuned suspension system, the Sorento delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, effectively absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface. In terms of handling, this mid-size SUV feels surprisingly nimble and responsive, confidently tackling corners with poise and stability. The steering provides adequate feedback, allowing drivers to feel connected to the road and maintain control with ease. However, some drivers may find the steering to be a bit too light, particularly those seeking a more engaging and sporty driving experience. Despite this minor drawback, the Sorento’s overall handling characteristics make it a capable and enjoyable vehicle to drive, whether navigating city streets or cruising along the highway.
Entering the interior of the Kia Sorento unveils a meticulously crafted and generously spacious cabin designed to elevate the driving experience. The attention to detail is evident in the choice of materials, which exude an upscale feel, enhancing the overall ambiance of the interior. The layout is intuitively designed, with controls and features placed within easy reach for the driver, ensuring a user-friendly experience.
Both driver and passengers are treated to exceptional comfort, with the front seats providing ample support for long journeys. Moreover, there’s abundant legroom and headroom throughout the cabin, ensuring a comfortable ride for occupants of all sizes. In the second row, passengers are greeted with an equally spacious environment, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable travel experience. However, while the third row offers additional seating capacity, it’s best suited for children or shorter adults due to limited legroom.
In terms of practicality, the Sorento excels with its generous cargo space, especially when the second-row seats are folded down. This versatility allows for easy transportation of larger items or luggage, making the Sorento well-suited for family outings or weekend getaways. Overall, the interior of the Kia Sorento combines comfort, functionality, and premium touches to create a welcoming and accommodating environment for both drivers and passengers alike.
The 2022 Kia Sorento makes a striking statement with its bold and contemporary exterior design. At the forefront is its commanding presence, highlighted by a prominent grille that takes center stage on the front fascia. Flanked by sleek LED headlights, the Sorento exudes an aura of confidence and sophistication on the road.
The muscular lines and sculpted contours of the exterior create a sense of dynamism and strength, while subtle design elements add a touch of elegance to the overall appearance. From its sleek profile to its meticulously crafted details, every aspect of the Sorento’s exterior design reflects a careful balance between style and functionality. Whether cruising through city streets or embarking on outdoor adventures, the 2022 Sorento is sure to captivate onlookers with its bold and modern aesthetic. With its head-turning presence and attention to detail, the Sorento reaffirms its position as a standout choice in the mid-size SUV segment.
When it comes to maintenance and running costs, the Kia Sorento stands out for its affordability and accessibility. Kia’s reputation for competitive maintenance costs is upheld by the Sorento, with scheduled maintenance being relatively inexpensive compared to some of its counterparts. Additionally, parts for routine maintenance and repairs are readily available, contributing to lower overall maintenance expenses for owners.
However, it’s worth noting that insurance costs for the Sorento may be slightly higher compared to some Japanese rivals. While Kia vehicles generally offer competitive insurance rates, factors such as the vehicle’s size, performance capabilities, and safety features can influence insurance premiums. Despite this potential drawback, the overall affordability and reliability of the Sorento make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and dependable mid-size SUV.
The Kia Sorento is equipped with an extensive array of technology features designed to enhance the driving experience and keep occupants connected and entertained on the road. At the heart of its tech offerings is a large touchscreen infotainment system, seamlessly integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for seamless smartphone integration. This allows drivers to access their favorite apps, make hands-free calls, and navigate with ease using familiar interfaces.
Additionally, the Sorento offers a premium sound system, delivering immersive audio quality to elevate the in-car entertainment experience. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, providing added safety and peace of mind on every journey. From adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking, the Sorento is equipped with the latest in driver-assistance technology to help mitigate risks and enhance overall safety.
While the larger touchscreen infotainment system is a standout feature, some users may find it to be occasionally finicky to use. However, overall, the technology package offered by the Sorento is undeniably impressive, providing a seamless and intuitive interface for drivers and passengers alike. With its combination of convenience, entertainment, and safety features, the Sorento ensures a connected and enjoyable driving experience for all occupants.
Despite its many strengths, the Kia Sorento does have its drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. One notable downside is the cramped third-row seating, which may not provide enough legroom for adult passengers, limiting its practicality for larger families or groups. Additionally, while the larger touchscreen infotainment system is a standout feature, it can be frustrating to use at times, potentially impacting the overall user experience.
Furthermore, the fuel economy for the turbocharged model could be better, especially when compared to some competitors in the segment. This may result in higher fuel costs over time for drivers who opt for the more powerful engine option. Moreover, some of the higher-end features, such as advanced driver-assistance technologies or premium interior amenities, are only available in the top trims, which can significantly increase the price tag of the vehicle.
Overall, while the Kia Sorento offers a lot of value for the price, it’s essential for buyers to weigh these drawbacks against its many strengths to determine if it aligns with their needs and preferences.
The 2022 Kia Sorento is a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment. It offers a comfortable and spacious interior, a range of fuel-efficient powertrains, and a wealth of technology features. However, the cramped third row, occasional tech glitches, and potentially higher insurance costs might deter some buyers. Ultimately, the Sorento is a well-rounded SUV that deserves a close look if you’re seeking a capable and feature-rich family vehicle.
