2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid Gets New Range-Topping Trim And A $2,500 Price Hike

Kia has introduced the 2023 Sorento Hybrid and it’s unfortunately $2,500 more than its predecessor.

That’s a significant jump and the price increase is largely due to the elimination of the entry-level S trim, which started at $34,090. Now, the base model is the Sorento Hybrid EX and it begins at $36,590. That makes it $700 more expensive than last year’s EX.

To help soften the blow, the 2023 Sorento Hybrid EX now features additional equipment including an eight-way power passenger seat and a frameless rearview mirror. Buyers will also find SynTex artificial leather seats, a 4.3-inch display in the instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Driven: Kia’s Redesigned Sorento Combines Space With Extra Pace

Other highlights include a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, and a split-folding third-row. They’re joined by an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and a wireless smartphone charger.

Putting the interior aside, the Sorento Hybrid EX has a stylish exterior with LED headlights, a GT-Line front bumper, and a black mesh grille. Buyers will also find an acoustic windshield and 17-inch alloy wheels.

On the safety front, there’s Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Following Assist. They’re joined by Safe Exit Assist, High Beam Assist, and Rear Occupant Alert.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg as other standard safety features include Highway Driving Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning as well as Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection. Rounding out the highlights are Parking Distance Warning and Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go.

The other big news for 2023 is the addition of a range-topping SX-P trim, which begins at $42,390. It features a lightly revised exterior with larger 19-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Bigger changes occur in the cabin as buyers will find perforated leather front seats with heating and ventilation as well as 14-way power adjustment on the driver’s side and 10-way power adjustment on the passenger’s side. Other niceties include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a heated steering wheel, HomeLink, and a Bose premium audio system.

The range-topper also comes with a handful of extra safety features including a Surround View Monitor, a Blind Spot View Monitor, and Rear Parking Collision Avoidance.

Regardless of which trim is selected, both models have a hybridized powertrain that consists of a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 1.0 kWh battery pack. This setup gives the crossover a combined output of 227 hp (169 kW / 230 PS) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive is available on the EX and standard on the range-topping SX-P.