The Kia Sorento Hybrid was introduced in 2021 as part of the SUV’s redesign. While its larger size, capable powertrain and generous fuel economy left a positive impression on Cars.com editors, one of the SUV’s main drawbacks was the lack of a premium trim option, such as the one offered on the gas-only model. The 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid crosses that complaint off the list with the addition of the new range-topping SX-P trim. At the expense of affordability, however, Kia has dropped the hybrid’s base S trim, leaving the EX as the most affordable choice with a starting price of $37,885 (all prices include a $1,295 destination fee). Compared to 2022, the SUV’s cost of admission grows by $2,500.
Related: 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid Review: Big Vehicle With Small-Vehicle Fuel Economy
What’s New?
With the departure of the Sorento Hybrid S, the EX takes its place as the SUV’s base trim, gaining a standard eight-way power front passenger seat and a frameless rearview mirror. Meanwhile, the new SX-P trim is the most notable addition for 2023. It brings added creature comforts and premium materials to the interior, along with tech upgrades and standard all-wheel drive, a power tailgate, and a more robust safety and driver-assist suite.
Powertrain and MPG
For 2023, the Sorento Hybrid’s powertrain carries over: A 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a 44-kilowatt electric motor and 1.5-kilowatt-hour battery pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission, making a combined 227 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard for the EX, while Kia’s AWD system with Drive Mode Select — which includes Comfort, Sport, Eco, Smart modes — is standard on the SX-P and available for the EX (the SX-P also adds a Snow mode). FWD models get a notable fuel economy advantage with an EPA-rated 39/35/37 mpg city/highway/combined; AWD drops the mpg rating to 34/36/33. In addition to the hybrid, the Sorento offers a gas-only and plug-in hybrid variant.
Tech and Safety
Each model gets a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and push-button start with Smart Key and remote start. The SX-P adds a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a premium Bose audio system.
Also standard is the Kia DriveWise safety and driver-assist suite, which bundles features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver attention warning system, lane keep assist and automatic lane centering. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and Kia’s Safe Exit Assist also come standard on both trims. The SX-P tacks on a 360-degree camera and blind spot monitor.
Trims and Pricing
The 2023 Sorento Hybrid is on sale now. The EX starts at $37,885 with FWD (up $500 from 2022); AWD adds $1,800. In addition to the standard features above, the EX comes with heated front seats, Syntex faux-leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The SX-P starts at $43,685 and gets interior upgrades like perforated leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats.
Versus the Competition
The Sorento Hybrid’s biggest three-row rival is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and even with the price increase, the Sorento still comes in below: The 2022 Highlander Hybrid comes in five trims and starts at $40,890 for the base LE and $50,845 for the range-topping Platinum.
More From Cars.com:
- What’s New for Kia in 2022?
- The 2022 Kia Sorento Is a Three-Row Bargain at $30,665
- 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid: Kia Launches First Mainstream 3-Row PHEV
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2021 Kia Sorento?
- Research the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
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