2023 Kia Sorento X-Line SX-Prestige AWD review by Ben Lewis
We recently tested the Kia Telluride, and it reminded us of why it’s been such a huge success – it’s a great looking, great-performing, full-size 3-row SUV. But its amazing popularity may have shadowed another great 3-row Kia SUV, the Sorento.
So, let’s pull the Sorento into the sunlight and take a look!
Handsome and Rugged
The Sorento has its own look apart from the Telluride, and in X-Line trim, looks just as rugged.
The front starts things off with an aggressive stance, with Kia’s familiar “Tiger Nose” full-width grille, surrounding the tasteful KIA scripted logo. “Eyeline” daytime running lamps and LED headlights keep things crisp. A unique X-Line front bumper with a large lower opening matches the mesh-style grille, for a trail-worthy vibe.
The profile adds to the capable look. The X-Line features a 1-inch greater ground clearance, and you can see the Sorento stands tall in the saddle. Exclusive matte-black lower body cladding flows into blacked out wheel well trim, a perfect frame for the unique-to-X-Line 20-inch matte-gray finished aluminum wheel that is especially tasteful. Those in the know will also notice the high-utility roof rails for additional cargo.
The rear feels familiar with Telluride-like tall LED taillights, and a concave-rear hatch. One thing has gone missing – our previous test vehicle had SORENTO spelled out in big letters – we kind off liked that, but it’s been replaced by a more subtle badge on the rear. Making up for that, the X-Line has a unique rear bumper that’s blacked out and rugged looking. Adding to the capable impression was our tester’s Wolf Gray paint. In that popular creamy cement genre, it’s handsome and modern.
Upscale and Luxurious
The exterior may say rugged, but the interior says fine design. Open the door and youʻre greeted on out tester by a rich terracotta colored leather that Kia calls rust. (Really?) Contrasting with open pore wood graphics trim and piano black interior bits, it looks rich and upscale.
The front seats are heated and cooled, and supportive and comfy. Those in the 2nd row enjoy limo-like space with heated captainʻs chairs. The third row is for kidʻs only, but at least access is easy and they flop down easily to create a flat load floor. Thatʻs probably the Sorentoʻs best configuration, giving loads of cargo space and luxury accomodations for four. Still, nice to have the option.
Another fun feature, when you walk up to the rear of the Sorento, it senses the key fob in your pocket, gives you four warning beeps and then automatically opens the hatch. Handy when your hands are full, and easier than trying to swing your leg underneath the bumper (especially when itʻs slick out) like some other SUVs.
Thereʻs little room for options with the fully-loaded SX Prestige. Thereʻs a handsome digital dash display with an oversize 10.25-inch touchscreen tablet in the center console. (Those wanting the newer wrap-around style Kia display should look at the recently-announced 2024 Sorento model). Navi, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Sirius XM are all along for the ride, as well as wireless charging and front and rear USB ports. A powerful Bose audio system fills the big cabin with plenty of high-quality sound.
One big change we noticed is Kia has moved away from the circular gear selector knob to a more conventional shift knob – and weʻre much happier with the traditional feel and easy selection – the circular knob always had you looking away from the road to dial in the gear. The rest of the interior shows good design, with easy to find switchgear, logically marked and easy to use. Reminds us of the Telluride, and we like it as much here as we did in the big brother.
Make an X-Line for Adventure
Driving the Sorento is enjoyable, too.
While there are three choices of engines for the Sorento, our tester had the most powerful one, a 2.5-liter, turbo 4-cylinder pumping out an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque. Itʻs a smooth engine that always has plenty of power on tap. Teamed up with a very quick shifting, 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, you jump off the line in Sport mode, and passing is effortless. We used to complain about so many manufacturers replacing V6 engines with smaller turbo 4ʻs, but no worries here – it just plain hauls!
While you may not be planning to go to the drag strip, youʻll probably encounter some weather or unpaved conditions, and here the Sorento X-Line is ready to go, wtih standard Torque vectoring all-wheel drive and a center-locking differential. Add in the one-inch taller ground clearance and you feel like thereʻs little that can keep you from getting where youʻre going.
An added benefit of that extra ground clearance – the Sorento has a lovely, supple on-road ride. Itʻs an easy drive for the daily commute or long road trips. We also loved the 360-degree around view monitor that makes parking a snap.
Most people will use their Sorento as a family vehicle, and Kia like its sibling Hyundai, offer a comprehensive package of safety equipment. Ours was no exception with an armʻs long list of driver assistance, including Auto Braking with Junction Turning Detection (the latest thing!), Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance, Parking Collision Avoidance, Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Assist and more.
We also found the Sorentoʻs Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go a real pleasure in stop & go traffic. You feel well looked after in the Sorento.
How much for the Keys to a Kia?
The Sorento lineup starts with the LX at just $30,390. For a handsome, well-equipped 3-row SUV with a full load of safety equipment, thatʻs a bargain. And donʻt forget Kia includes a 10-year, 100,000 Mile powertrain warranty. Nice!
Our X-Line SX-Prestige AWD is the top of the line, and starts at $43,690. Our tester also had Wolf Gray paint ($445), X-Line Rust interior ($200), and carpeted mats and cargo covers ($530). Add in $1,325 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $46,190.
Stylish competitors would include the all-new Mazda CX-90 , itʻs a luxurious and more powerful choice, but at $54,325, itʻs a significant step up in price. The all-new Toyota Grand Highlander is a large, spacious vehicle, but priced at $55,190 itʻs also pricey.
At those prices, youʻd want to look at the Sorentoʻs sibling Telluride, which is a larger vehicle with an adult-sized 3rd row and rugged vibe. At $54,540 it lines up better price-wise with Mazda and Toyota – and we think itʻs best in class. All considered, the Sorento strikes us as great value. And the X-Line gives some added swagger, too.
Pro-tip: The 2024 Sorento just came out, and with a freshened look and new digital display, itʻs even more attractive.
Rugged, comfortable, and excellent value for money, the 2023 Kia Sorento is a top choice in a 3-row SUV!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.