5 Reasons Why the 2023 Kia Sorento Might Just Be Your Perfect SUV

The 2023 Kia Sorento is one of those SUVs that makes you think, "Hey, maybe I don’t need to sell my soul for a fancy car!" It’s packed with features, offers impressive versatility, and won’t drain your wallet at the gas pump. But before you jump in and buy one, let’s break down what makes the 2023 Sorento worth considering—and what might have you scratching your head in confusion.

What Makes the 2023 Kia Sorento Stand Out?

When you first glance at the 2023 Kia Sorento, it’s hard not to be impressed. From the sleek exterior design to the spacious and tech-loaded interior, it’s clear that Kia is playing in the big leagues with this SUV. Here’s a deeper dive into the good, the bad, and the “what were they thinking?” of the Sorento.

The Design

Let’s start with the obvious—the Sorento looks good. The 2023 model carries over the bold styling from the previous year but with some subtle updates. It’s not flashy but has a confident, almost "I know what I’m doing" vibe to it.

• Exterior: The front grille is sharp, the LED headlights are bright, and the lines are clean. The roofline slopes slightly giving it a sporty look, which is a plus for anyone who doesn’t want to feel like they’re driving a box on wheels.
• Interior: Step inside and you’re greeted with a mix of soft-touch materials, well-placed controls, and a design that feels more premium than you’d expect at this price point. The cabin is spacious, especially if you’re sitting in the front two rows. The third row? Well, let’s just say it’s perfect for anyone under 5 feet tall or someone you secretly don’t like.

Performance and Powertrain

The 2023 Sorento offers a range of engines because, of course, they had to complicate things.

• Base Engine: The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides a decent 191 horsepower. It’s fine for daily commuting and light weekend adventures. But if you’re expecting to zoom down the highway like you’re in a sports car—well, let’s manage those expectations.
• Turbocharged Option: Then there’s the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. This one gives you a more satisfying 281 horsepower and a bit of a kick when you press the gas pedal. It’s for those moments when you just need to overtake the slow driver in front of you.
• Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid: Because it’s 2023, there’s also a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid option. These are great for saving on gas and reducing your carbon footprint. Just remember to actually plug in the plug-in hybrid. Forgetting that part defeats the whole purpose.

Tech and Features

This is where the Sorento really shines—tech lovers will have a field day with this SUV.

• Infotainment System: The standard 8-inch touchscreen is responsive and intuitive. Opt for the larger 10.25-inch screen if you want to feel like you’re piloting a spaceship.
• Safety Features: Kia didn’t skimp on safety. The Sorento comes with standard features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add more advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view parking camera, which is like having a drone fly over your car to help you park.

Potential Drawbacks (Let’s Laugh Through the Pain)

No car is perfect—not even the 2023 Kia Sorento. Here are a few things that might make you raise an eyebrow or two:

• The Third Row: Yes, it has one. No, it’s not for full-sized humans. Unless your passengers are gymnasts or contortionists, you might hear some complaints.
• Cargo Space: With all seats up, cargo space is limited. Like, "I hope you didn’t buy too many groceries" limited. Fold down the third row, and things get better, but then you’re back to the whole "why is there a third row if I’m just going to fold it down?" conundrum.
• Engine Noise: The base engine can sound a bit whiny under stress, kind of like a toddler who didn’t get their nap. It’s not a dealbreaker but something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to sound.

FAQs About the 2023 Kia Sorento

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to help you decide if the Sorento is the right SUV for you.

1. What’s the fuel economy like?

• Answer: The 2023 Kia Sorento offers respectable fuel economy. The base engine gets around 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The hybrid version does even better with up to 39 MPG combined.

2. How many people can the Sorento seat?

• Answer: The Sorento seats up to seven people. Just remember, those in the third row should be either very small or very flexible.

3. Is the Sorento good for road trips?

• Answer: If you fold down the third row and pack wisely, the Sorento can be a great road trip vehicle. The comfortable seats and smooth ride make long drives a breeze.

4. How does the Sorento handle in snow?

• Answer: With available all-wheel drive, the Sorento can handle snowy conditions fairly well. It’s not a snowmobile, but it’ll get you through winter without much trouble.

5. What’s the warranty on the Sorento?

• Answer: Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is one of the best in the industry. It’s like having insurance for your car’s soul.

6. Can the Sorento tow?

• Answer: Yes! The turbocharged engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Perfect for that small boat you’ve been eyeing but not a yacht.

7. What’s the infotainment system like?

• Answer: The system is user-friendly with crisp graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you can easily connect your phone and jam out to your road trip playlist.

8. How reliable is the Sorento?

• Answer: Kia has a solid reputation for reliability. The Sorento should serve you well with regular maintenance. No car is perfect, but this one is pretty close.

9. What’s new for the 2023 model?

• Answer: Minor updates in design and a few tweaks to the available features. Nothing earth-shattering, but enough to keep things fresh.

10. Is the Sorento good for families?

• Answer: Absolutely! It’s spacious, safe, and has enough tech to keep everyone entertained. Just keep in mind the third row is better suited for kids.

11. How does the Sorento compare to the Hyundai Santa Fe?

• Answer: The Sorento and Santa Fe are quite similar as they share a platform. The Sorento offers more seating capacity with its third row, making it a better choice for larger families.

12. Does the Sorento have a lot of storage space?

• Answer: With the third row down, yes. With it up, not so much. But there are plenty of small storage spaces throughout the cabin for your odds and ends.

13. What trim should I buy?

• Answer: The EX trim offers the best balance of features and price. But if you want all the bells and whistles, go for the SX Prestige.

14. Is it worth upgrading to the turbocharged engine?

• Answer: If you like a bit more pep in your drive, definitely. The turbocharged engine makes the Sorento feel more lively and responsive.

15. How’s the ride quality?

• Answer: Smooth and comfortable. It’s not a luxury car, but you won’t feel every bump in the road either.

16. What’s the cost of ownership?

• Answer: Generally affordable. Kia vehicles are known for being budget-friendly in terms of maintenance and repairs.

17. Can I customize the Sorento?

• Answer: Yes! There are plenty of accessories and packages available to make your Sorento uniquely yours.

18. Is there a hybrid option?

• Answer: Yes, there’s both a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version of the Sorento. They’re great for saving on fuel costs.

19. What’s the best feature of the Sorento?

• Answer: The tech features are hard to beat, especially the infotainment system and safety aids.

20. Where can I buy the 2023 Kia Sorento?

• Answer: You can find the 2023 Kia Sorento at local dealerships like Avenue Motors, where owner Alex Collantes says, "The Sorento is a perfect balance of style, tech, and practicality. It’s a top pick for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile SUV."

Final Thoughts on the 2023 Kia Sorento

So, is the 2023 Kia Sorento the right SUV for you? If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s packed with features has a comfortable ride and won’t break the bank, then it might just be your perfect match. Sure, it’s got its quirks—like that cramped third row and slightly noisy base engine—but no car is flawless. At the end of the day, the Sorento delivers on what matters most: a safe reliable and enjoyable driving experience.

Before you make your final decision take a test drive, compare it with its competitors and see if it checks all your boxes. If it does, congratulations—you’ve found your new ride. If not, well, the search continues. But that’s half the fun, right?