Kia Ranks As Top Contender Among Every Auto Brand in J.D. Power 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study

The J.D. Power 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study now ranks Kia as the overall leader among each mainstream and luxury brand, with the Sorento we are so excited about here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis snagging the top spot in the Upper Midsize SUV category. This study examines numerous problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles and determines their feasibility and rank by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles. Here a lower score means higher quality, and this is a back-to-back achievement we enjoyed on top of 2021’s winning placement. 

This is just one more benchmark that solidifies Kia’s constant commitment to the durability, quality, and finished craftsmanship of our award-winning vehicle line, and speaks volumes regarding the world-class ownership experience every customer can now expect. 29,487 surveys were completed to regulate and distribute this important data, and the areas in question were component replacement, software updates, vehicle appeal, and deterioration. 

There are so many reasons why the 2022 Sorento dominated the market and review scores like this: it looks classy and rugged inside and out, is pleasant and a blast to drive, and always comfortable to ride in under any road conditions. A plug-in model joins the Sorento lineup for the 2022 model year, and combines a turbocharged 4-cylinder and 6-speed automatic transmission with an electric motor for a total system output reaching 261 horsepower. 

You’ll be enjoying all-wheel drive as standard, and the EX trim level is where the Car and Driver staff found their immediate sweet spot. Here you encounter the nicer amenities such as leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, remote start, and 18-wheels along with black exterior accents. The EX trim also now comes with the very unique X-Line appearance package that included a 1.0-inch higher ride height, 20-inch wheels, a bridge-style roof frack, and other exclusive details. 

The engine choices for the Sorento begin with a 191-hp 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, and a 281-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 4 cylinder as its entry-level partner. When equipped with the towing package, the Sorento can pull up to 3500 pounds, and the base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is estimated to nail down around 29 mpg on the highway. The dashboard can be outfitted with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, paired with the 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and we’d have to recommend the 12-speaker Bose sound system for those who are looking for the ultimate in ear-pleasing rich audio during the drive.

Driver-assistance technology that is wholeheartedly leading the segment has been one of Kia’s strengths during the past two uncertain years, and the Sorento provides a selection of features that provide a watchful eye with current technology’s helping hand. The 2022 Sorento’s key safety features include standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.