2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Notable features

• Mid-size SUV with up to seven seats in three rows
• Standard four-cylinder with optional turbo version
• Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions
• Front- or all-wheel drive
• Automatic emergency braking

What Is the 2023 Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento is a three-row mid-size SUV with seating for up to seven, though space in the third row is cozy at best. Powering the base Sorento is a 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission; optional is a 281-hp, turbocharged version of the four-cylinder that’s paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Want to stretch your fuel mileage further? The Sorento can be had as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, with the latter providing 32 miles of electric-only range. The plug-in hybrid comes only with all-wheel drive, but other Sorentos can have front- or all-wheel drive. Rivals include the Honda Passport, Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander.

According to Cars.com’s cargo measurements, the Sorento has 23.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 10.5 cubic feet behind the third.

What’s New on the 2023 Kia Sorento?
The Sorento enters the 2023 model year with no major updates. Blind spot warning, safe exit assist and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard, with additional changes limited to feature shuffling among trims and powertrains.  

What Features in the 2023 Kia Sorento Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

• 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity
• Six USB ports
• Second- and third-row bench seats
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind spot warning system
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure steering assist
• Automatic high-beam headlights

Available features include:

• Power liftgate
• Panoramic moonroof
• Leather seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated second-row captain’s chairs
• Heated steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system
• Bose premium stereo
• Wireless device charging
• 360-degree camera system
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability

Should I Buy the 2023 Kia Sorento?
The Sorento has a long list of standard safety and tech features, and while its third row is best left to kids, the added flexibility is handy. The Sorento’s ride is firmer than a number of other mid-size SUVs’, but not punishingly so. There are many powertrain choices, and the fuel-sipping hybrid and plug-in hybrid models have added eco-themed credentials. The Sorento plug-in hybrid is pricey, however, and only comes in the range-topping SX-Prestige trim.