Written by Marco Carvajal
2022 Kia Sorento X-Line SX Prestige AWD
I am test-driving the 2022 Kia Sorento X-Line SX Prestige AWD, a very good value SUV offering a third-row seat, that has become one of the most popular in the US.
The Kia Sorento is a mid-size crossover made by the prestigious Korean automaker Kia Motors. We can see Sorento cars everywhere, it is a very popular choice due it to its nice style, good size, and great value pricing that makes it very attractive.
The Sorento is located in the middle Kia lineup, between the more compact Sportage and the full-size Mohave.
The name Sorento is inspired by the coastal town of Sorrento, an Italian resort town in southwestern Italy, facing the Bay of Naples.
For the US market, the Sorento is assembled at Kia’s factory in West Point, Georgia, and is one of the few SUVs in its class to offer a third-row seat.
The Sorento X-Line offers a more elegant and sophisticated appearance. Its cabin is very spacious and there are new convenience and safety technologies.
The Sorento competes directly with the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander.
The 2022 Sorento outperforms its predecessor in every way and is so radically improved that it can even challenge luxury SUVs when comparing value and features. The Sorento is a great blend of luxury, practicality, and available performance, looks and feels like a great value purchase.
Evolution of the Sorento
Since 2016, the third generation Kia Sorento has been offered in five trim levels in the U.S.: L represents a new and basic model. For 2016, it offers an I4 2.4L GDI engine with 190 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is also available.
The Sorento SUV was presented at the Chicago Auto Show in the winter of 2002, today 20 years later the Sorento has become of the most popular Kia vehicles in the U.S.
The Sorento LX was previously the base model and is currently the 2nd tier. It is based on the L model and also offers a 3.3L V6 Lambda engine with 290 hp. with., and is available with front or all-wheel drive.
The EX Sorento is a mid-range model and also offers a standard 2.0L turbocharged I4 engine that produces 240 horsepower, and a larger and more powerful V6 engine is also available.
The SX is the 4th trim level and is one of the top of the line models, including a V6 engine standard.
The Limited Sorento (previously known as the SX Limited) is the top trim. The trim offers an I4 engine standard and the V6 engine is optional like on the EX and SX models.
The Kia Sorento was restyled for 2021, with more interior space and all-new powertrain options, including a traditional and plug-in hybrid.
For 2022, the stylish X-Line Appearance Package, which was only available as an option for the top model SX Prestige model, now is available for other trims too.
New in the 2022 Kia Sorento
For 2022, the Sorento includes a new Kia badge and a modernized ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. The 2022 Sorento also includes the ability to add the X-Line package beyond the most expensive trim levels to S and EX.
All four-wheel-drive models S and EX are now X-Line. This means that only the base LX and sporty SX can be equipped with AWD, but not the X-Line as AWD is standard in all X-Line trims.
Additional Sorento upgrades include a large 10.25-inch touchscreen now standard on all models except the LX trim.
The top SX Prestige received standard heated second-row captain’s chairs and additional adjustments for the driver’s seat.
X-Line Sorento models look different with more options, high-gloss black finish, raised roof rails and a few other design differences, and extra 8.3 inches of ground clearance.
The X-Line adds all-wheel drive, restyled bumpers and silver exterior trim, raised roof rails, and dark gray painted wheels.
Trims and Pricing for the 2022 Kia Sorento
Kia offers good pricing on this mid-size SUV and this is part of the key to the successful sales of the Sorento. The price range starts with a low price of around 29K for the base model LX and the top of the line X-Lines SX Prestige sells for $43K. The top of the lane is cheaper than many other three-row SUVs.
- LX
$29,590 starting MSRP - S
$32,390 starting MSRP - X-LINE S AWD
$34,390 starting MSRP - EX
$35,490 starting MSRP - X-LINE EX AWD
$39,190 starting MSRP - SX
$38,290 starting MSRP - SX PRESTIGE
$41,190 starting MSRP - X-LINE SX PRESTIGE AWD
$43,190 starting MSRP
Engine
The Kia Sorento LX model gets a 2.5-liter, 191-horsepower, 181-pound-feet of torque four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Sorento EX model gets a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Performance driving the Sorento is good, road and wind noise levels are very low, and most drivers will find it a powerful and confident ride. This X line model is really good offering a bolt stylish design and great performance with its all-wheel drive power.
Interior
This new Sorento bears a strong family resemblance to the Kia Telluride on the inside with quality materials.
The Bose optional audio system produces premium sound inside the Sorento, with great quality at all volume levels.
The driver’s seat has many position selections and is very comfortable. Second and third-row passengers will enjoy the added comfort, due to the flattened floor space in the center of the second row.
The third row has good space for adults with seats, with less height, producing more space on top of the third row.
The Sorento doesn’t have much cargo capacity behind the third row of seats. But with the third row folded then cargo space increases, offering between 38.5 and 45.0 cubic feet depending on how you adjust the second-row seats.
Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags for the first two rows, active front head restraints, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and more.
The luxury X-Line adds a 360-degree camera system and blind-spot camera.
2022 Kia Sorento X-Line SX Prestige AWD Highlights
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) w/ Center Locking Differential and increased ride height
- 2.5L turbocharged engine w/ 281 horsepower & 311 lb.-ft. of torque
- Panoramic Sunroof w/ Power Sunshade
- Smart Power Liftgate, High-Utility Roof Rails
- 20-inch Alloy Wheels, X-Line Gray Finish
- X-Line Front and Rear Bumpers
- 2nd Row Captain’s Chairs w/ Seating up to 6
- Heated & Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated 2nd Row Seats, Heated Steering Wheel
- 10.25-inch Touchscreen Navigation with Kia Connect
- Bose Premium Audio System
- Surround View Monitor
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
- Smart Key w/ Push Button & Remote Start
- Wireless Phone Charger
- Parking Distance Warning- Forward & Reverse
- Enhanced Auto Emergency Braking Technology w/Cyclist Detection & Junction Turning
- Blind Spot Detection Technology
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Avoidance
- Lane Keeping & Lane Following Assist
- Safe Exit Assist
- Rear Occupant Alert w/ Ultrasonic Sensors
- Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control–Curve
