Kia started producing a new model. Telluride SUV took the position in the mid-size three-row segment. This move downgraded the 2022 Kia Sorento. Still, the vehicle is available with seven seats, but experts believe this model is going to be dropped soon, maybe even next year. This adds another dimension to the lineup, but the Korean company is currently focused on some other things. For example, a pickup truck seems to be close to the premiere. Also, the all-new Tucson is under the spotlight.
Well, the latest generation of the Sorento is still fresh. It debuted in 2020 and feedbacks are coming about the pros and cons. Kia’s SUV is reliable and it offers plenty of attractive features at the entry-level models. On the other hand, it lacks the reputation of US and Japanese companies. Buyers are still careful with the Korean manufacturer. However, the 2022 Kia Sorento will be another unit with extended warranty coverage. Two years extra over the competition is enough to lure many buyers.
Under the hood of the 2022 Sorento, we will see a hybrid configuration. For some while, fans dreamed about this option. Nevertheless, one of the serious blows was the dropping of a V6. On the other hand, a turbocharged four-cylinder can do the same amount of power.
Wide Choice of Powertrains
The base configuration on the SUV includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It can produce 190 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The front-wheel drive is there as well, and the configuration returns 27 mpg combined. This is a good result for a mid-size SUV. An all-wheel drive is rated at 23/25 mpg. More power comes from a 2.5-liter turbo-four engine. Well, 280 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque is something we expect from an SUV of this size. Extra power will make the 2022 Kia Sorento consume more fuel in the city drive (22 mpg), while on the open road the gas mileage stays put (29 mpg). Same drive options are available for the choice – FWD and AWD. The maximum towing capacity reaches 3,500 pounds.
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Besides the redesign, the most important update for the 2022 Kia Sorento is a hybrid drivetrain. Based on a small 1.6-liter displacement, this system can do a serious output. But, what is more significant, is the gas mileage that hits 39/35 mpg. There are no other SUVs in the class with such gas mileage. Toyota Highlander is a three-row model that will return 35 mpg and slightly more power. Besides that, most rivals are more focused on power.
The petrol engine of the hybrid setup is good for 180 horsepower. The battery is a 44-kW electric unit that makes the total going up to 227 ponies. Unfortunately, only front-wheel drive is available and the energy is being transferred through a six-speed auto transmission. A similar configuration is available with the plug-in hybrid system. This one increases power to 260 hp and adds 30 miles of electric range. Precise gas mileage numbers and driving impressions are yet to be completed.
2022 Kia Sorento Models
Depending on the trim level, you will be eligible to upgrade the powertrains. Two base versions, LX and S, are using a naturally aspirated four-cylinder unit. The S and EX can be found with a hybrid setup. From the EX starts the turbocharged offer. SX will offer three different variations, with the standard model and optional packages Prestige and S-Line.
The base trim is nicely loaded. Highlights are LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and wireless smartphone services. The infotainment screen is 8-incher and cloth upholstery is something you get with the base package. The S model adds larger wheels and blacked-out details on the exterior. Inside, SynTex seats and heated front row are taking the overall impression to the next level. The multimedia gets a larger screen. This package is different on the hybrid unit, with 17-inch wheels and chrome roof rails as the main changes. Also, the captain’s chairs are added to the second row.
The centerpiece of the EX is the turbo engine. More driver aid features are added, such as smart cruise control and parking brakes. Alongside hybrid come panoramic sunroof and black glossy spoilers. The 2022 Kia Sorento SX is the premium offer with the same sunroof, power-adjustable seats, 10-inch screen, navigation, and 20-inch wheels. Prestige package is available as an upgrade to add leather seats, ventilated front buckets, blind-spot monitor, 12-inch touchscreen display, and parking distance alert. That is not all, since the X-Line is going to offer drive modes, silver skid plates, and black roof rails.
2022 Kia Sorento Prices
The base MSRP is just under $30,000. Not bad having in mind the SUV is a seven-seater. You will pay significantly more if you opt for some other nameplate. On the other hand, a four-cylinder unit seems to be overpriced. The S package will cost you $2,500. A turbocharged engine is coming with the EX version and not under $35,000. SX adds $3,000 and optional Prestige package will cost you $2,600 and X-Line is a $2,000 upgrade. The price of the hybrid setup with S trim is $33,700 and $37,600 if you like the EX.
