The Kia Sorento was redesigned for the 2021 model year. It’s a small, three-row option for those needing a smaller, but still family-versatile crossover. For this year, the Sorento gets a new appearance package called X-Line and some standard features additions. It’s otherwise the same excellent Sorento we reviewed last year.
The new design for the 2022 Kia Sorento is much like the larger Telluride it shares the lot with. Where the Telluride is large and somewhat boxy, though, the Sorento is a little more sporty in appearance. Also added for 2022 is a plug-in hybrid option for the Sorento, bringing more fuel efficiency for those who want a PHEV option that gives electric driving around town and long-distance driving with gasoline.
The 2022 Sorento has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as its base option and a turbocharged version of that engine as an upgrade. The power difference between the two is substantial at 191 horsepower for the standard engine and 281 with the turbocharged upgrade. Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the standard engine and slightly worse for the turbo, but our testing gave 27 mpg on the highway with the turbocharged upgrade, so we see little loss getting that more powerful engine. And it doesn’t have a premium fuel requirement, which is unusual with today’s turbo engines.
Probably the best part about the 2022 Kia Sorento, though, is its roominess. The front seats are large, comfortable, and easy to adjust for any sized driver or front passenger. The second row of seating is also quite accommodating with good outboard positions and ergonomics and a not-terrible center seating position for when someone must be added. Legroom is particularly plentiful there. In the third row, things are tighter, but many adults will find it good enough for short trips and kids will be happy with the extra drink holders and relatively roomy accommodations compared to other three-rows in this size class.
Technology in the new Sorento is also nicely done. Every model 2022 Sorento except the base comes with a beautiful 10.25-inch touchscreen with crisp graphics and an easy-to-understand menu system. This is one of the better infotainment systems we’ve used recently and it’s clear that Kia put some effort into revamping that system to better suit its customers.
New this year is the X-Line appearance package, which was previously only available on the top-most SX Prestige model. IT’s now available in two other trim points, giving a nice grayed-out look and improved sportiness for the Sorento crossover.
In every way, the 2022 Kia Sorento is a great choice for those needing a two-row that can occasionally ad a third row of seating when needed. Cargo space is good, comfort is great, and the Sorento is, overall, very ergonomic.
