2022 Kia Sorento review

Color options

Exterior colors:

• Ebony Black 

• Everlasting Silver

• Glacial White Pearl

• Gravity Gray

• Passion Red (LX, S, EX, SX)

• Sapphire Blue (SX)

• Sparkling Silver

• Wolf Gray (EX, SX, SX Prestige)

Interior colors:

• Black Cloth (LX)

• Black Leather (SX Prestige)

• Black Syntex (S, EX, SX)

• Gray Leather (SX Prestige)

• Gray Syntex (S, EX, SX)

Interior details

The 2022 Kia Sorento has some high-end materials inside and out, with a smart design across all five trims. A plush interior isn't limited to the higher trims, though even the base model features fine materials throughout, and the styling for the others is nothing short of elegant. Additionally, the cabin is well protected from outside noise.

The third-row seats fold down to unlock 45 cu-ft of cargo space, but with those seats up, there's only 12.6 cu-ft in the trunk. There's a good amount of space for passengers though, with 40.3-inches of headroom and 41.4 inches of legroom in the front. In the second row, there are 39.1 inches of headroom and a generous 41.7 inches of legroom.

Child seat details

The 2022 Kia Sorento can fit four child seats inside. There are four complete sets of LATCH connectors: two for the second-row outboard seats and two for the third row. This means it's suitable for a variety of different styles of seats including front- and rear-facing seats as well as booster seats.

Performance

There are two engines available with the 2022 Kia Sorento: the standard engine is a 2.5L four-cylinder with 191 hp and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This is enough for most people's needs, but for an exciting boost, the EX, SX, and SX Prestige have an optional 2.5L four-cylinder turbocharged version available, achieving 281 hp.

Both engines offer very good fuel economy, the base one managing an EPA-estimated 26 combined mpg, while the turbocharged version has an EPA-estimated 25 combined mpg.

This vehicle can also tow up to 2,000 lbs with the base engine when fully equipped, while the turbocharged engine boosts this to 3,500 lbs when fully equipped.

Year Comparison

2009-2014 Kia Sorento (second generation)

The second generation of the Kia Sorento featured a uni-structure body and had improved aerodynamics over the first-gen model. The general look of the midsize SUV was made more appealing with Americanized styling, too. The interior also became more stylish and the vehicle was available with a panoramic glass roof.

2014-2020 Kia Sorento (third generation)

For the third-generation Kia Sorento, the exterior was restyled once again to look more aggressive. It was also made longer and wider, with slimmed-down wrap-around LED tail lights. In 2015, a strengthened bodyshell structure was introduced, and the interior was further sound-proofed. 

For 2017, the cabin of the Kia Sorento was upgraded with luxury materials, and the control panel was laid out in a more simple, intuitive way. Later, in 2018, Kia got rid of the six-speed automatic gearbox in favor of a newly-developed, eight-speed one.

2020-present Kia Sorento (fourth generation)

The more recent Kia Sorentos have a lot to offer in terms of features, comfort, and quality. 2020 saw the midsize SUV bring in a refreshed styling on the outside and a slightly different trim lineup, while 2021 ushered in a full redesign and a more powerful base powertrain. The fuel economy was also improved, and in 2022, standalone AWD trims were introduced.