2023 KIA Sorento: Everything We Know So Far
2023 KIA Sorento – Kia’s recent Sorento refresh for the 2019 model year did not stop the South Korean car manufacturer from completely redesigning the next generation crossover.
Codenamed MQ4, the new Sorento will usher in a bold new design for three-line carriers even if camouflage includes many design changes.
2023 KIA Sorento
Like Telluride, the new Sorento has a boxy, protruding front end, and a spacious new grille makes the cup appear wider.
The headlights, which are now integrated into the grille, offer led “tiger eye” LED daytime running lights, which signify “an intense impression of the stripes around the tiger’s eye.”
With a slight push on the back of pillar A, Kia gave the Sorento a more windswept design. We can see Telluride’s influence in strong character lines, vertical taillamps, and model names spelled in bold at the rear end of the SUV.
But that’s not all Kia had planned. We expect the next generation for 2023 to present new powertrains, including hybrid variants and plug-in hybrids.
KIA Sorento Engine
Currently, Kia offers a 3.3-liter V6 and 2.4-liter inline-four in the 2019 model that produces 290 and 185 horsepower, respectively. The new powertrain will improve its fuel efficiency while delivering customers towards a hybrid and electric future.
Midsize SUVs sit on a new platform that is lighter and stronger. The new platform allows Kia to stretch the crossover wheelbase by nearly 1.4 inches, allowing more interior space.
The overall weight dropped slightly by 119 pounds, and the average tensile strength has increased by 4 percent. Thanks to this new architecture, Kia can accommodate hybrid powertrains and plug-in hybrids.
KIA Sorento plug-in Hybrid
The Sorento plug-in hybrid won’t be available until next year. But traditional hybrids are available at launch. It has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a 59 hp electric motor, working together to produce a combined peak figure of 227 hp.
Kia says the Sorento hybrid is the most powerful in its class and estimates the model will manage fuel economy figures from the city of 39 mpg, highways of 35 mpg, and a combined 37 mpg.
It’s hard to determine what style changes are going to happen. While the front is camouflaged, we can sport some design changes.
The entire front end of the Sorento has a new design, including a hood, headlights, grille, and lower front fascia.
The front end looks to borrow some cues from the larger Kia Telluride with a Sorento touch from the side.
Changes to the rear design are more difficult to exercise because they are highly camouflaged, although they also borrow cues from Telluride.
2023 KIA Sorento Interior
With any new generation, expect the interior to receive an equally large increase. I look forward to new materials, features, and technologies.
Each time Kia launches a production version of the next-generation Sorento, expect it to face stiff competition from across the board.
Crossovers continue to sell even as overall sales decline in new cars, making finding sales success that much more difficult.
The Sorento gets a bit of a date in its design, limited by its aging platform. The new generation will help give a modern look in the eyes of consumers.
Previously, the Sorento offered the option of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.3-liter V-6. By 2021, they have been replaced by two different four-cylinder options, each displacing 2.5 liters.
The first makes 191 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque, which routes to the drive wheel using an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy is estimated at 27 mpg combined—up to two mpg from the old base engine. The second turbocharged unit delivers 281 hp of torque and 311 lb-ft and relies on an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
At 25 mpg combined, the plant is three mpg more efficient than the previous V-6. Towing capacity maximizes 3,500 pounds on this model. Both new engines are available with front-drive or all wheels.
The Sorento plug-in hybrid will be able to travel 30 miles on pure electricity, per Kia. It utilizes a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a 90-hp electric motor, which captures a combined peak output of 261 horses. All-wheel-drive is standard, as is the six-speed automatic.
Kia is offering a new X-Line trim for Sorento shoppers in search of something a little rougher. The advantages of this variant can increase ground clearance by an inch and improve the crossover approach and departure angle to help further it travel from beaten lanes.
2023 KIA Sorento Models
The Sorento X-Line also has an all-wheel-drive system with a central locking differential, downhill-descent control, 20-inch X-Line-specific wheels, and beefier roof racks.
The X-Line kit is available on high-end SX-Prestige trim. Other available Sorento 2023 trim levels include LX, S, EX, and SX.
Sorento’s new interior looks fantastic. Besides having a rotary shifter, there is also a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Buyers can also get chewy leather upholstery, as well as metal inlays or open-pore wood accents. Kia noted the new Sorento offers more legroom and cargo space than ever before. Configurations of six and seven seats are available.
2023 KIA Sorento Safety
Standard safety features include an advanced collision warning system, lane-keep assistance, lane departure warnings, and rear occupant alerts.
In addition, blind-view monitors help drivers switch lanes more easily by providing a video view of adjacent lanes in the instrument cluster.
2023 KIA Sorento Release Date and Price
The Kia Sorento 2023 is expected to go on sale by the end of 2022. Prices have not yet been announced, but we expect the SUV to start above the current model’s base price of $28,110.
