2023 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Kia Sorento is available in eight trims: LX, S, X-Line S, EX, SX, X-Line EX, SX Prestige, and X-Line SX Prestige. Its exterior strikes a balance between modern and rugged. The boxy appearance highlights the ruggedness, especially when you consider those X-Line models with roof rails and skid plates. Available upgrades include a panoramic sunroof and LED daytime running lights. Wheel sizes range from 17-inch alloy wheels to 20-inch ones, depending on the trim.

Under the hood of the 2023 Kia Sorento, you'll find one of two engine options. The LX and S trims have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission to send power to the wheels. The EX and SX trims have a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that cranks out 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine uses an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available.

You'll have a hard time finding a vehicle in its class that achieves better gas mileage. Expect to get an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with the base engine and front-wheel drive, while all-wheel-drive models with this same engine get 23 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Those with the turbocharged engine and front-wheel drive achieve 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, and all-wheel-drive models get 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Its maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.

Once you enter the cabin of the 2023 Kia Sorento, you'll notice an upscale interior with an abundance of standard technology features. Available upgrades include leather upholstery, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. To keep everyone connected, the SUV comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display and an available 10.3-inch version. Both offer crisp graphics and quick responses. It also has standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD radio, and six USB ports, but you can opt for satellite radio, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and two more USB ports.

Kia decided to shuffle a few of the safety features for the 2023 Sorento, including adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist all found on the base trim. Other standard features include lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, a rear-seat alert, and forward-automatic emergency braking. The SUV also has four complete sets of easy-to-use LATCH connectors with two each located in the second and third rows. You can also add a few extra driver-assistance features such as front and rear parking sensors, front and rear parking sensors, cyclist detection, and highway driving assist.