With the arrival of the Telluride three-row SUV, Kia downgraded Sorento. It is still a seven-seater, but the company might cut the capacity. This is about to be the biggest change for the 2023 YM. Well, the plug-in hybrid is also on the way and it is planned for mid-2022. So, the 2023 Kia Sorento will get a few significant updates after the facelift of the current edition. The Korean company has big plans and this SUV is still part of the future lineup.
With the arrival of a plug-in system, that will be the fourth option for US buyers. In some other markets, the SUV is also using diesel powerplants. We are still under the impression the regular hybrid has brought. A mid-size SUV can get you up to 39 mpg in the city. It is even better than the new Toyota Highlander can do (35 mpg). Kia is not waiting for others to deliver the PHEV but takes action.
Styling changes on the 2023 Kia Sorento will be minor. Even the update of paintjobs is under the question mark. A trim level could be added. As we said, the three-row version is about to be cut in favor of the new Telluride.
2023 Kia Sorento Specs
The latest generation of the Sorento SUV is bigger than before. Although most mid-size models are using a V6 engine, Kia engineers opted for a pair of four-cylinder drivetrains. It all supports rumors that the 2023 Kia Sorento might cut a three-row version, make the SUV lighter, and improve efficiency.
The base engine is a 2.5-liter inline-four, and it is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The system is good for 191 horsepower. The SUV is pretty big, causing a higher consumption. Combined, the new Sorento can return 26 mpg. Front-wheel drive is a better choice if the gas mileage is important to you. An all-wheel drive drops it to 24 mpg.
The same engine can be turbocharged, leading to competitive outputs. Fans are expecting to see a mid-size SUV with 280 hp, rather than sub-200. The torque also jumps from 181 to 311 lb-ft. Another reason why this upgrade makes sense is a reasonable gas mileage. Compared to the naturally-aspirated engine, the turbocharged drivetrain consumes more fuel only in the city (22 compared to 24 mpg), while the highway mileage is the same. Interesting fact – highway rating is even better, 28 compared to 25 mpg with the FWD.
Hybrid and PHEV: Gas Mileage Numbers
A new breed of drivetrains is spreading. More and more large SUVs are using hybrid drivetrains. Toyota Highlander was the only three-row vehicle with such a setup for some while, until other carmakers started catching up. The 2023 Kia Sorento hybrid is going to be competitive as well. A 1.6-liter four-pot petrol mill is the base, upgraded with an electric motor. The total output of the system is 228 horsepower and you can gain up to 39 mpg in the city cruising. Hybrids are not the best for highway runs, since the gas mileage is dropping.
The plug-in hybrid is going to improve this segment and make the Sorento a good choice for longer trips. The vehicle is already available for several markets, including the UK. If the same configuration heads across the ocean, expect 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque under the hood. The range riding the vehicle only with an electric battery is 35 miles, which is more than enough for this kind of SUV. Of course, certain changes are going to make the PHEV system better and we can see it available in the same trim levels as the regular hybrid (S and EX).
Packages
A wide choice of engines is not the only strong side of the 2023 Kia Sorento. The company is preparing new packages, although there are plenty of options available already. The LX stays the base configuration and it brings 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard all across the lineup. The 2023 Kia Sorento S increases the size of wheels (18-inch), glossy black details on mirrors and spoilers, and numerous interior upgrades. SynTex seats are replacing cloth upholstery. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather. Navigation is added to the infotainment system, as well as a larger 10-inch display. The Sorento S seems to be a great value for about $2,000
The main upgrade for the EX is a turbocharged engine. Captain’s chairs replace the second row. Smart cruise control and electronic parking brake are the highlights. The SX is the most expensive version, bringing 20-inch wheels, power seats, and a panoramic sunroof. It can be upgraded with the Prestige package. This one comes with leather seats, ventilated front row, a 12-inch infotainment screen, and a 360-degree camera. The ultimate addon is the X-Line with AWD, drive modes, and a few unique styling upgrades.
2023 Kia Sorento Price
Pricing of the new 2023 Kia Sorento will start at $30,000. Each trim level adds $2,000 to $3,000 compared to a package it upgrades. The MSRP of the 2023 Sorento PHEV won’t be under $40,000.
