2022 Kia Sorento
Last year, we gave you our view of the new generation Kia Sorento. While we thought highly of it, we based our observations on the hybrid version.
However, we were curious about the non-hybrid version. In particular, the one Kia seems to tout in their marketing – the rugged X-Line. This version gives the Sorento a go-anywhere look that seems to be attracting customers to a slew of SUVs equipped with knobbier tires, more plastic cladding, and a rugged stance.
Just like you, we wondered if a non-hybrid Kia Sorento was a better choice than one with an electric motor. Better still, does the X-Trail upgrade make it even better?
We remarked how the latest Kia design language turned the Sorento into a sharp looking and aspirational SUV. With the addition of Kia’s new logo all around for 2022, it still does. The front end is compelling, with its three-dimensional shape, multiple LED bulb headlamps with driving lamps, and aggressive lower fascia.
Flowing from there is a handsome silhouette with great details, such as the satin chrome trim on the front fenders and the c-pillar. Out back, there are a pair of twin vertical lamps finishing off the overall look of the Sorento.
For our X-Trail SX Prestige tester, it came with a set of 20-inch gray finished alloy wheels and a set of plastic cladding for protection all around. In all, the Sorento is a handsome package that is worth looking at every time you approach it.
Based on our previous turn in the 2021 Sorento Hybrid, we love the retro-ish vents from the 1960s. It is details such as this, which makes the cabin of the Sorento rather cool. The SX Prestige offers up a fully digital instrument cluster that is easily customizable and feature the Blind-Spot View Monitor that pops up on each dial. Buttons and controls are easy to use with superb logic from the steering wheel across the instrument panel onto the center console. A full 10.25-inch infotainment screen sits on top of the center stack with wireless charging.
Our Sorento tester came with three rows of seating. The second-row captain’s chairs offers an open space between the two outboard seats. Front seat comfort is fine with some support. The second row seats offer equal comfort and support and can be adjusted for rake and recline. Access to the third row is through a button on top of the second row seatbacks that tilt and slide. The third row is mainly to fit small children, with available child seat anchors.
The rear cargo space starts with 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 75.5 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded down.
Powering our Sorento X-Line SX Prestige tester is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque on tap. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to all four wheels.
In short, this turbocharged engine lets the Sorento fly. Acceleration was instant, and cruising was superb. For fuel economy, we observed an average of 21.4 MPG.
In this more rugged model, there is a quality ride experienced in this Sorento. Even with an increase in ride height in the back by an inch, we felt that the handling package was on the soft side. While there is some lean and roll in the corners and under evasive maneuvers, it is well managed.
On-center feel for the steering system is good with a solid turning radius overall. However, we felt that the brake pedal was a bit on the soft side. There was some minute hesitation at normal stops, but it also exhibited solid panic and wet surface braking performance.
The 2022 Kia Sorento lineup starts from $29,590 for an LX model with a 2.5-liter non-turbocharged engine and front-wheel-drive. The lineup includes four power sources, including a new Plug-In Hybrid, and a total of seven trim levels combined. Our X-Line SX Prestige tester came with a sticker price of $45,120.
The Sorento is a reflection of where the SUV segment has evolved into. Yet, it is also an outlier as one of the few three-row models that is smaller than mid-size-to-large SUVs. Still, it is up against a lot of two-row competitors, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Cherokee, Toyota Venza, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Murano, and Mazda CX-50. The only direct competitor the Sorento has is the GMC Acadia, another three-row model in its size class.
If you want a versatile SUV that wants to go everywhere comfortably, the 2022 Kia Sorento may just be the right choice for you. You might even like one with the ruggedized look of the X-Line.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
