By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 3, 2022) The Sorento, that was all new last year has come a long way since it was first introduced some two decades ago as Kia’s first entry into the midsize SUV segment. The Sorento carries over for 2022 with minor changes to our tested X-Line Prestige that gains heated second-row captain’s chairs and a larger 10.25 touch screen now standard.

The fourth-generation 2022 Sorento is a practical three-row SUV that has a sharp-looking bold design with sculpted surfaces and detailing featuring Kia’s newest grille design and new signature lighting. Technophobes will be delighted with Sorento’s advanced technology and active safety features that’s more than ever before.

Sorento has replaced the previous V6 engine with a 281-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that came standard with our tested up market X-Line Prestige trim level. There’s plenty of power and is considerably quicker than the previous V6. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to the all-wheel drive system with a drive mode select feature.

Inside, our Sorento has an extremely attractive design and layout, with premium materials, and exceptional build quality. Seats were perforated tobacco colored quilted leather that were both heated and ventilated with contrast colored piping. It comes equipped with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that operates the standard plugin Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 12-speaker Bose sound system.

The upper dashboard is padded with some minor French stitching. There are large pieces of taupe colored matte-wood trim on the dash and door panel that goes well with the interior color. Silver-rimmed plastic trims the air vents and there’s glossy piano black on the center stack that looks good but easily shows dust, dirt and fingerprints.

Seats are roomy, comfortable with ample adjustments to fit most driver’s needs. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes for adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs slide fore and aft and recline are spacious with good leg and headroom.  The Third-row seat is extremely tight for adults with minimal head, foot and knee room.

Our Sorento handled responsively with minimum body roll on curves and corners, but sporty driving isn’t part of the package. We were disappointed with Sorento’s ride quality where road imperfections and excessive wind noise enters the cabin more pronounced and didn’t cushion larger bumps and potholes leaving us with unsettled and jostling motions that noticeably tossed occupants from side to side.

Overall, the new Sorento is an attractive three-row mid-size SUV that’s loaded with standard and optional equipment and safety features, excellent power and one of the best basic and powertrain warranties in the business. Just be sure to keep adults out of the third row.



Vital Stats
Base Price: $43,090
Price as Tested: $45,120
Engine/Transmission: 281-hp 2.5-Liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive
EPA Fuel Economy: 22/27/24 MPG – City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 7

Crash Test Safety Ratings: The Sorento received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s frontal-crash rating of 5-star and Side-crash Overall rating of 5-star. It received a 2022 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Where Built: West Point, Georgia

Competes With:
Buick Enclave
Chevrolet Traverse
Dodge Durango
Ford Explorer
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Nissan Pathfinder
Toyota Highlander
Volkswagen Atlas

Highs:
Handsome new design looks classy
Peppy engine
Loaded with technology and safety assist features

Lows:
Unsettled ride quality
Child-sized only third row
Poor cargo space behind third row