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The Motor1.com team has been dutifully on the move since last September when they spied the refreshed Kia Sorento for the first time, and recently posted on their blog about another group of photos they just collected. This time the promising prototype was secretly spotted with Michigan tags and was also covered in full-body camouflage. It was noted that the front fascia bore vertical headlights more clearly than before, with what appeared to be four separate square projector lenses.
There also appeared to be a new grill design and some potential adjustments to the shape of the bumper. As we mulled over the photos online here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis, we remembered just how awesome publications such as Edmunds.com rendered the 2023 model, as its mix of available performance, quality, and practicality has thoroughly impressed drivers and review professionals alike. The current model is available with four powertrains, with the first star of the show gracing the stage as the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine cranking out 191 horsepower.
Next up is a turbocharged version of that engine producing 281 horsepower, with the two electrified versions expected to carry over into next year's model year with minimal modifications. The 1.6-liter turbo provides 227 and 261 horsepower collectively with plug-in hybrid and hybrid variants. Since the prototype was still cloaked so heavily in camouflage, this team does not expect a full official debut of the revised Sorrento until summer, and a plausible market launch before the end of 2023.
With an impressive number of standard and optional features along with plentiful second and third-row legroom, the 2023 Kia Sorento available right now at Jim Butler is one of only a handful of small SUVs on the market that offers a third row. Situated right between the smaller 5 passenger Sportage and the larger three-row Telluride, the Sorento can quite easily squeeze in up to seven passengers if needed. This rental comes equipped with an impressive arrangement of standard features, including wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane-keeping assist, and multiple USB charging ports.
The optional turbocharged engine is downright impressive for a smaller-sized SUV, and the sprint up to 60 mph takes just 6.7 seconds. This is nearly three seconds faster than the competing Volkswagen Tiguan, and even a tick faster than the V6-powered Honda Passport. The brand-new HP dual-clutch automatic transmission is capable of very smooth shifts whether you are reluctantly enduring crawling traffic or full-throttle merging. The front seats offer an excellent range of adjustment, heating, and ventilation, with very firm and comfortable captain’s chairs in the second row.
During many expert drive tests, the Sorento was confident, stable, and consistently well-controlled. Passengers will enjoy more legroom in the second row than in competing dedicated two-row SUVs such as the Honda CR-V. The surround-view camera system is one of the best offerings out there to provide help navigating through very tight situations, and no one on board will be lacking device power with eight USB ports along with a wireless charger. With the third row of seating drops, the Sorento offers between 38.5 and 45 cubic feet, depending on how forward the second-row seats are situated.
The Sorento's towing capacity is 3500 pounds, with the turbocharged engine able to tow around 2,000 lbs. The turbocharged Sorento also does not need premium gasoline and returns an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. This enthralling yet practical driving experience has been compared to “a lighter version of the Telluride” and remains impressive and versatile in a very crowded segment. John Vincent of U.S News’ car reporting team had the greatest praise an auto reviewer can give a vehicle, as he eventually bought one for himself after thoroughly enjoying his experience!
