There is some great news for SUV fans, the 2023 KIA Sorento is about to be released. Although the South Korean manufacturer redid their flagship SUV quite recently, they are at it once again. The reasoning behind this decision is not known. But it probably has something to do with the previous Sorento going out of style, its technology being ancient, interior design being out of date. All of those things when put together don’t really scream top selling SUV. So, in order to get their crown back, KIA decided it is time to refresh one of their best selling vehicles ever.
The KIA Sorento is a midsize crossover with 3-row seats. This means there should be plenty of room and cargo space inside. It has some fierce competition in that category, and it will have to do a lot if they want to be a top dog. We don’t just want to see improvements with style and design. Sometimes people like to raise the question of performance and functionality. This means that KIA has to upgrade their powertrain, perhaps some good new hybrid technology or even an all electric vehicle. Also improving fuel economy is a big plus as usual.
Let’s dive deeper and see what is coming new with the 2023 KIA Sorento.
What Will Be New in the 2023 KIA Sorento?
KIA Sorento is not one of those cheaply designed SUVs that are just big and moveable. No, they like to build their vehicles the right way. After you take a look in the cabin you can see just how everything is well placed, to save space and to be functional. Also the new gorgeous style and layout are out of this world. As we already mentioned KIA uses top quality materials so this means Sorento is going to last, and you won’t see wear and tear after several years.
Starting with seats, they are not racing seats but they have new cushioning which make rides more comfortable. It will be interesting to see if they are heated and ventilated since this also improves comfort. You can opt for leather, suede and fabric for materials used for lining those seats. No contrast stitching as of now, but one can only hope. Instrument panel is lined with leather, plush materials and some chromium to add luxury. It does look luxurious. There is a central infotainment system, 12.3 inch one and 10.3 inch. In this case, bigger is better so everyone can join in on the fun. Remember this SUV has 3 rows of seats. When folded you get some serious cargo space. With all the rows up there is space for only 2 perhaps 3 big suitcases.
Storage capacity goes up to 75 cubic feet. Also the second row can be swapped for captains chairs which is a nice addition. There are knobs and buttons in the front which means not all is digital and minimalistic. There are some buttons on the steering wheel which feels very comfortable compared to the previous Sorento. This way you don’t have to take your attention away from the road if you wish to change something. The dashboard is all digital which is a nice step towards the future. It will be fun to see if we get a panoramic roof and what other amenities we get with the standard addition. We forgot to mention there is a plethora of trims available so there will be something for everyone.
2023 KIA Sorento Exterior
On the outside, the overall design is the same with some minor tweaks. The body dimensions are the same but the body design was a bit corrected. It has a nice crossover between a contemporary look and that old style SUV ruggedness. Its sturdy build and high quality technology are a good way to attract drivers. There are some angles and lines that improve ergonomics and aerodynamics of the vehicle. The 2023 KIA Sorento comes with a better fuel economy due to this and the wind drag is excellent.
Wheels are huge 19 inch alloys and they are using lightweight materials. This saves some weight on a not so big SUV. This in return improves power to weight ratio which was already good to begin with. New headlight design on the front, with both linear parts which are thin, and regular led lights. They are both the latest technology, so the visibility and safety aspect is not disregarded. Windows look larger than before and allow for greater viewing area.
There is a lightweight mesh on the front to let air under the hood. The mesh is big so intake improves air circulation and negates all overheating problems. The ride height is the same as before. The bumpers look more aggressive which is a nice addition. There are rails on the roof which allows for extra cargo space.
Engine Specs
As far as powertrains go, you can take your pick. There is both front and all wheel drive available. First up we have a 2.5 liter inline four engine with 191 horsepower. We can opt for a 2.5 liter four cylinder which produces 281 horsepower. They both arrive with eight speed automatic transmission.
Six speed transmission is available on the hybrid model. The hybrid system consists of a 1.6 liter four cylinder gas powered engine and a 44 kW electric motor. These two put together 227 horsepower which is more than enough for a medium sized Sorento.
There is also the plug in hybrid which produces 261 horsepower and has a 66 kW electric motor. Mileage varies greatly depending on engine and environment. But regular Sorento gets 24 mpg in the city and 29 on the open road. Hybrid has a range of 79 mpg. On an electric motor alone it can get 32 miles.
How Much Will Cost the 2023 Kia Sorento?
There are many trim levels to pick from. LX trim starts at $30845 which is a basic trim. EX trim is one of the more popular ones with a turbo four engine and its 281 horsepower. Included in the LX you have a lot of extra gadgets like heated seats, leather upholstery, cameras all around the SUV, some exterior black accents included.
But with the Xline that costs $40,000 you’ll get one inch higher ride height, 20 inch wheels, and other exterior details. EX trim is $36,745. Other trims include, SX Plug-in Hybrid, SX Prestige Plug-in Hybrid, SX, X-line S, S trim . We can expect to see the all new 2023 KIA Sorento on the road late 2022 or early 2023.