The 2022 Kia Sorento is unique in a crowded field of SUVs. It’s on the small side of the midsize SUV class but comes standard with 3-row seating. There aren’t many crossovers available in this size and price range with three rows of seats, making the Sorento a good value for people who don’t need a ton of space. If you do want a 3-row SUV with minivan-like space, consider the bigger Kia Telluride.
On top of its practicality, the Sorento impresses with its sleek styling, modern technology, and upscale interior. If you’re looking for an SUV with excellent fuel economy, the Sorento is available as a hybrid returning up to 37 combined mpg. There’s also a Sorento plug-in hybrid achieving up to 32 miles of all-electric range.
There’s a nice variety in the model range of the Kia Sorento. The trims we will focus on are the LX, S, EX, and SX models. There’s also a luxurious SX Prestige model with perforated leather seating, Bose premium audio, and more premium features. However, the four trims below it offer a better value for most drivers.
For drivers looking for something on the rugged side, the AWD variants of the S, EX, and SX Prestige trims include the X-Line package. On top of torque vectoring AWD, X-Line adds a rugged appearance package, a center locking differential, and an extra inch of ground clearance to add a little more off-road capability and the style to match.
The Sorento Hybrid is available in S and EX trims, while the plug-in hybrid model is available in SX or SX Premium trims.
Let’s take a closer look at the Kia Sorento lineup and see which model is right for you.
2022 Kia Sorento LX (Starts at $29,490)
The base LX trim is a strong value for families looking for an affordable 3-row crossover. 3-row seating comes standard with seating for up to seven. However, when all of the seats are in place, cargo space is pretty limited. That said, cargo space is pretty spacious with the third-row seats folded down. Also, the third row is cramped for adults but acceptably roomy for kids.
The base engine is a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter inline-4 making 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Towing tops out at 2,000 lbs.
The standard infotainment system is an 8-inch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Those are must-have connectivity features for smartphone users who want easy access to their contacts, music, maps, and more.
Four drive modes make the driving experience of the Sorento customizable. There are Sport, Comfort, Eco, and Smart modes that change the personality of this SUV on the fly based on your desires. If you want efficient cruising on the highway and sporty handling around town, then you’ll love these drive modes.
There’s a generous list of standard safety features that come with the Sorento LX. The Drive Wise safety tech suite comes with forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, rear-seat occupant alert, driver attention warning, automatic high beams, intelligent speed-limited assist, and a backup camera.
Other nice standard features you get with the LX model include 17-inch alloy wheels, 6 USB ports, and the basics you would expect like cruise control, air conditioning, and power windows.
After the destination charge of $1,175, the starting price of the Kia Sorento LX comes to $30,665. With a 60-month loan at 3% interest with no money down and no trade-in, the monthly payment would be $551. See 2022 Kia Sorento LX models for sale
2022 Kia Sorento LX includes:
- 3-row seating — Standard 3-row seating has room for up to seven people.
- Four drive modes — Change the personality of the Sorento with Sport, Comfort, Eco, and Smart modes.
- 8-inch infotainment system — This user-friendly screen is loaded with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Drive Wise safety tech — Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, driver attention warning, and more.
2022 Kia Sorento S (Starts at $32,290)
The Sorento S adds to the styling of the Sorento while also adding some excellent interior features. For most drivers, the S model is arguably the best value in the Sorento lineup.
The aesthetics are upgraded with 18-inch alloy wheels and lots of gloss black exterior trim. The tasteful gloss black makes the Sorento look sportier and more premium while keeping the price low.
On the inside, you’ll be treated to Syntex synthetic leather seating. These seats are durable and comfortable, and they make a pretty good impression of leather. You also get heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. Dual-zone automatic climate control further adds to the comfort of this interior.
Infotainment tech is upgraded with a 10.25-inch screen loaded with navigation and SiriusXM. Other added tech features include push-button start, remote start, and 8 USB ports. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob add to the premium feel.
Extra safety tech features you get on the S model include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, rear parking sensors, and power child locks.
Additional options are limited to a Pano Roof Package, which adds a panoramic moonroof and LED interior lighting.
Using the same math we’ve outlined above, the Sorento S would have a monthly payment of $601. That’s assuming a 60-month loan at 3% interest with no trade-in or down payment. See 2022 Kia Sorento S models for sale
2022 Kia Sorento S includes:
- 10.25-inch infotainment system — This is a nice upgrade over the base infotainment system and adds navigation.
- Syntex seating — These faux leather seats and comfortable and durable.
- 8 USB ports — Everyone’s devices will stay charged thanks to an abundance of USB ports.
- Gloss black trim — The Sorento S is a stylish crossover with tasteful gloss black accents.
2022 Kia Sorento EX (Starts at $35,390)
The EX trim adds some excellent premium features plus an upgrade in performance. The standard engine in the Sorento EX is a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That’s a significant boost compared to the base engine, and it can tow up to 3,500 lbs when equipped with the available Trailer Package.
The EX trim is where second-row captain’s chairs become standard. This reduces the seating capacity to six but greatly improves comfort for the second-row passengers and makes the third row more easily accessible.
The interior feels a little nicer thanks to simulated open-pore woodgrain in the dash and door trim. Added exterior features include a Smart Power Tailgate. This is a height-adjustable power liftgate that can open automatically if it detects you’re behind the SUV with the key fob in your pocket. You also get front LED fog lights.
Some beneficial driver assistance and safety tech features are introduced in the EX trim. You get the Highway Driving Assist system which — as its name implies — makes highway driving safer and more convenient by using features like navigation-based smart cruise control with curve control. This trim also adds enhanced forward collision warning with cyclist detection and junction turning.
Like the S model, a Pano Roof Package is available for the EX trim.
With a 60-month loan at 3% interest, the payment for a Sorento EX would be $657 before you add any options. See 2022 Kia Sorento EX models for sale
2022 Kia Sorento EX includes:
- 2nd-row captain’s chairs — These give the interior of the Sorento a more premium feel.
- Wireless charging — Charge your phone without fussing with cords.
- Highway Driving Assist — This semi-autonomous driving system incorporates various driver assistance features to make highway driving a breeze.
- Turbocharged engine — This gutsy 281-horsepower engine moves the Sorento with purpose and tows up to 3,500 lbs.
2022 Kia Sorento SX (Starts at $38,190)
Near the top of the model range is the Sorento SX. This trim makes the Sorento feel more luxurious but without the price tag of a luxury SUV.
The appearance gets an upgrade with 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels, and full LED exterior lighting. The panoramic moonroof also comes standard along with LED interior lighting.
On the inside, the front-seat passenger is treated to a power-adjustable seat. The interior looks and feels nicer, thanks to what Kia calls “Ion plating” on the inside door handle. There are also brushed metal-look inlays in the dash and doors plus premium door trims with gathered vinyl and contrast stitching.
There aren’t many practical upgrades in the SX trim, but it’s a practical crossover with a premium look and feel, making it a good, budget-friendly alternative to a luxury SUV.
The monthly payment for the Sorento SX would be $707 with a 60-month loan at 3% interest. See 2022 Kia Sorento SX models for sale
2022 Kia Sorento SX includes:
- Panoramic moonroof — This full-length moonroof makes the interior feel more open and airy.
- LED lighting — The SX trim gets full LED lighting inside and out.
- 20-inch wheels — These gloss black alloy wheels add a lot to the style of this SUV.
- Premium interior trim — The interior gets a more upscale feel thanks to brushed metal-look inlays and premium door trim with contrast stitching.
