2022 Kia Sorento

Combined system output of the 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder plus 44-kW electric motor and 1.49-kWh battery on the volume S/EX Hybrid trims.

Combined torque figure quoted across Kia press and third-party spec sources for the 2022 Sorento Hybrid.

Instrumented test result on the volume Hybrid powertrain.

Reviewers describe the hybrid powertrain as smooth and well-sorted with strong, punchy delivery off the line and for highway passing; gas/electric handoffs are largely seamless for a non-EV-only hybrid.

Kia paired the Sorento Hybrid with a true 6-speed automatic rather than a CVT, giving it more conventional, decisive shifts than rubber-band-feeling hybrid rivals, though reviewers note occasional low-speed hesitation as the system blends electric and gas power.

Manufacturer-rated maximum tow figure for the Sorento Hybrid, well below the 3,500 lbs available on the turbo-gas 2.5T Sorento.

AWD was newly added to the Sorento Hybrid for model year 2022 (previously FWD-only) and is offered as an option on both the S and EX Hybrid trims, but FWD remains standard and there is no low-range or dedicated terrain-select hardware on the Hybrid line.

Unibody crossover with modest 6.9 in ground clearance and no skid plates, locking differential, or dedicated off-road trim on the Hybrid line — pavement-oriented, unlike the gas-only X-Line variants.

The 2022 Sorento lineup spans four distinct powertrains — naturally aspirated 2.5L gas, turbo 2.5T gas, the 1.6T hybrid scored here, and the newly introduced 1.6T plug-in hybrid — covering mainstream, performance, and electrified buyers in one nameplate.

EPA combined rating for the volume FWD Hybrid trim; AWD (newly available for 2022) is rated slightly lower.

EPA city rating for the volume FWD Hybrid trim.

EPA highway rating for the volume FWD Hybrid trim; like most hybrids the highway figure trails the city figure since regenerative braking gains are smaller at steady highway speed.

EPA-derived range from the FWD Hybrid's combined MPG and fuel tank capacity — among the longest in the class thanks to the hybrid's efficiency.

EPA estimated annual fuel cost at 15,000 mi/yr and standard fuel-price assumptions for the volume FWD Hybrid trim.

Runs on regular unleaded gasoline with no premium requirement, keeping the hybrid's already-low fuel cost simple and cheap to sustain.

NHTSA's 4-star overall rating covers the Sorento lineup including the hybrid, with a 5-star side result and 4-star frontal/rollover.

Every IIHS crashworthiness test (small overlap front both sides, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraints) came back Good, and front crash prevention rated Superior for both the standard and optional systems — genuine TSP-caliber crash performance. But the 2022 Kia Sorento's Top Safety Pick award applies only to trims with the LED-projector headlights (SX/SX-Prestige); the Hybrid is sold only as S and EX, which carry the Poor-rated LED-reflector headlights, so this specific configuration does not actually earn the award.

Forward collision warning, AEB with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and lane-following centering are all standard on both Hybrid trims (S and EX) — a genuinely broad core suite for the segment. Adaptive cruise control, though, is gated to the EX trim and unavailable on the base S, which is the one core item this vehicle locks to the upper of its two trims.

IIHS rated the standard system's vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention Superior (avoided collisions at both 12 and 25 mph) and its daytime pedestrian detection Advanced; the optional system reaches Superior on pedestrian detection as well. No nighttime pedestrian figure was published, which keeps this just shy of the top band.

Blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on both Hybrid trims, which beats most segment rivals that gate BSM to upper trims — but coverage is alert-only on this configuration; the camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor and any braking intervention are upper-trim features not confirmed standard on either Hybrid trim.

Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and Lane Following Assist (centering) are standard on both trims, but this generation's LFA is generally reviewed as functional rather than confidence-inspiring — usable centering with some ping-pong and intervention rather than best-in-class smoothness.

Navigation-based smart cruise control with stop-and-go is only available on the EX trim, the top of the Hybrid's two-trim range, and is absent entirely from the base S — the opposite of comprehensive availability. Reviews of Kia's ACC from this era describe it as capable but with rough edges rather than refined.

Kia's Highway Driving Assist on the EX trim is a Level 2 system that steers, brakes and accelerates but still requires hands on the wheel — there is no hands-free highway mode offered on the 2022 Sorento Hybrid at all.

IIHS rates the LED-reflector headlights fitted to the LX, S and EX trims Poor — and S/EX are the Hybrid's only two trims, so every Sorento Hybrid on sale carries the Poor-rated headlight, with the Good-rated LED-projector unit reserved for gas-only SX/SX-Prestige trims. Automatic high-beams are standard, which keeps this off the very bottom of the band.

Reviewers note the thick D-pillars and third-row headrests create real rear blind zones, typical for a three-row mid-size SUV, partially offset by an available Blind-Spot View Monitor and surround-view camera package elsewhere in the Sorento range — average visibility with known blind zones rather than excellent sightlines.

IIHS rates the Sorento's LATCH system Acceptable, its second-highest tier — four complete sets of lower anchors and tethers cover both rear rows, but the lower anchors sit deep in the seat bight, requiring some digging to connect. A workable but not effortless install.

2022 Sorento Hybrid is offered only in S (7-passenger bench) and EX (6-passenger captain's chairs) trims; EX is the volume hybrid trim.

Manufacturer interior dimension, consistent across Sorento Hybrid trims.

Manufacturer interior dimension.

Applies — seating capacity is 6, at least 4. Second-row measurement from manufacturer data.

Applies — seating capacity is 6, at least 4. Second-row measurement from manufacturer data; among the roomiest in the mid-size SUV segment.

Third row (36.8 in headroom, 29.6 in legroom) is workable for young kids on short trips but Consumer Reports and other outlets call it unusable for adults or teens.

Applies — SUV. Cargo behind the 2nd row (3rd row folded) per manufacturer figures.

Applies — SUV. Maximum cargo with 2nd and 3rd rows folded flat.

Center console, door bins, wireless charging tray and underfloor storage are competitive for the segment but nothing distinctive like a giga-console or in-cabin trunk.

10-way power front seats with heating/ventilation and heated 2nd-row captain's chairs are praised as comfortable for daily and moderate long-haul use.

Reviewers consistently found the Hybrid's ride softer and more compliant than the standard turbo Sorento, absorbing broken pavement well at the cost of some body control in corners.

Consumer Reports specifically recommends the hybrid over the gas Sorento for being quieter at speed, aided by EV-mode operation in traffic.

Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, with heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and heated 2nd-row captain's chairs available on EX; ventilated front seats optional. No dedicated 3rd-row/rear climate zone.

Entry point for the 2022 Sorento Hybrid lineup, well below the segment ceiling.

EX AWD is the volume configuration for family buyers wanting all-weather capability and the fuller feature set; regular hybrid range runs $34,090–$38,390 pre-destination.

CarEdge's fleet-wide Sorento estimate is $2,736/5yr; adjusted slightly upward for the hybrid's added electrified-drivetrain components since hybrid-specific data wasn't isolated.

Sources disagree (43%–52% retention range across iSeeCars/KBB methodologies); took the higher end since hybrid variants of mainstream SUVs have generally held value better amid fuel-cost-conscious used-car demand.

Kia's basic warranty sits at the top of the segment band.

Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is class-leading and covers the hybrid drivetrain.

Kia includes solid 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance standard, but unlike some rivals (Genesis, Toyota, Hyundai) does not bundle complimentary scheduled maintenance as a manufacturer-standard perk for mainstream Kia in 2022 — any free service visits seen in the market are dealer-level promotions, not a nationwide Kia program.

$38,420 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (52% retained, or about $19,978) leaves about $18,442 in depreciation. Add the projected $3,150 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $21,592 in total.

The 2022 Sorento Hybrid pairs a new-for-2022 hybrid powertrain with a generally solid non-hybrid Sorento base; predicted reliability is average-to-mixed once hybrid-specific components are counted rather than top-tier.

Kia ranked #1 among ALL automotive brands (not just mass-market) in J.D. Power's 2022 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, its first year leading the overall ranking, and held the top mass-market spot again in 2023 — a multi-year top-tier standing.

The 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid/PHEV carries multiple safety-significant recalls specific to this generation, including an exploding front seat-belt pretensioner (metal fragment injury risk) and a tow-hitch harness module fire risk from moisture ingress, plus a rearview-camera mounting defect — more than the 'typical, nothing systemic' band.

The 1.6L T-GDI Smartstream engine itself shows low NHTSA complaint density and no major red flags, but the paired hybrid system (inverter, auxiliary water pump) is new for this generation with limited high-mileage track record, so it sits in the 'newer powertrain, no red flags yet' band rather than proven.

Reviewers describe the cabin as rock-solid with impressive attention to detail even in lower trims, with soft-touch and glossy plastics, leather, and simulated wood trim on upper trims that punch above the mainstream price point.

Assembly is generally competitive but reviewers note Kia didn't advance fit-and-finish for this generation, and scattered owner complaints on build quality and transmission/battery behavior keep it out of the top band.

Kia maintains a large, well-established nationwide US dealer network with adequate coverage in most markets and mid-pack service-satisfaction standing, consistent with the brand's mainstream volume position.

RepairPal rates the Sorento 4.0/5 for reliability with lower-than-average annual maintenance cost and low repair frequency/severity, and mainstream Kia parts are widely available and reasonably priced.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation is standard across both Sorento Hybrid trims for 2022 (unlike the gas lineup's base 8-inch unit on LX).

Kia's UVO-based interface is generally praised as quick and logically laid out with retained physical climate controls, though menu depth for some settings draws minor criticism.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard equipment across the Sorento lineup, including the Hybrid's base S trim.

Built-in UVO navigation and voice recognition are functional but not class-leading; most owners still default to phone-projected navigation via CarPlay/Android Auto.

A Bose premium audio system is available on the EX hybrid trim, an upgrade over the standard system; reviewers rate sound quality as solid for the segment.

Hybrid trims (S/EX) get only the 4.2-inch color TFT LCD multi-info display within analog gauges; the full 12.3-inch configurable digital cluster is reserved for SX/SX-Prestige, which was not offered on the 2022 Hybrid.

Kia Connect/Access delivers over-the-air infotainment and map updates with push notification, but 2022-model-year Sorento does not receive whole-vehicle software OTA updates the way newer EVs do.

The Kia Access app covers core remote functions (start, lock/unlock, climate preconditioning, vehicle status) but requires an ongoing UVO/Kia Connect subscription after the initial trial and lacks a digital key on the 2022 Sorento.

EX hybrid trim includes a wireless charging pad plus multiple USB ports (front console has 3), but ports are USB-A rather than USB-C and 3rd-row power is limited.

Proximity smart key with push-button start and key-fob remote start are standard from the S trim up, plus app-based remote start; no phone-as-key digital key for MY2022.

Rear camera with parking guidance and rear parking sensors are standard, but the 360-degree Surround View/Blind-Spot View Monitor is reserved for SX/SX-Prestige, unavailable on the 2022 Hybrid's S/EX trims.

No head-up display is offered on any 2022 Kia Sorento trim, hybrid or gas.

Roomy, easily-accessed 2nd-row LATCH anchors and wide door openings make loading kids straightforward, but the captain's-chairs 2nd row caps installed car seats at two rather than three across.

IIHS named the 2022-23 Sorento a Top Safety Pick, but only with the optional/upper-trim LED headlights, and NHTSA's overall rating is a middling 4 stars rather than 5; Highway Driving Assist and forward collision w/ pedestrian detection are available from EX rather than standard on the base trim.

First and second rows are comfortable and quiet for multi-hour trips with heated 2nd-row captain's chairs, but the cramped third row and reduced 38.4 cu ft of cargo with all seats up limit it for a full family plus gear on longer trips.

Light, accurate steering and smooth low-speed hybrid operation (EV launch, smooth stop-start blending) make it relaxed in traffic, with reviewers noting only mild transmission hesitation.

35 mpg EPA combined is well above the mid-size SUV segment average, meaningfully lowering per-mile fuel cost versus most 3-row competitors.

A 38-ft turning diameter is mid-pack for the segment, and standard rear camera plus parking sensors help in tight spots, though there is no 360-degree camera on Hybrid trims to aid further.

The hybrid's 2,000-lb tow rating is far below the gas turbo Sorento's 3,500 lbs and well under what most mid-size SUVs offer, sharply limiting real towing/hauling utility.

The Sorento Hybrid's turbo-4/hybrid powertrain is new for this generation with no long-term fleet-duty track record, and the vehicle is marketed as a family crossover rather than a work-duty platform.

Standard roof rack rails allow basic accessory mounting, but there are no onboard power outlets, dedicated tie-downs, or upfit ecosystem aimed at jobsite use.

35 mpg combined gives strong range between fuel stops, the ride is comfortable and notably quiet for the segment, and Highway Driving Assist (EX+) reduces driver fatigue on long stints.

Optional AWD with a lock/traction mode and 7.3-8.2 in of ground clearance give it reasonable light-duty off-pavement ability, aided by standard roof rails for gear, though it is not built for serious off-roading.

50/50 split-folding 3rd row and 2nd-row captain's chairs that fold flat, combined with 75.5 cu ft of max cargo and standard roof rails, handle typical gear well, though the captain's-chairs layout is less flexible than a bench for oddly-shaped loads.

Reviewers note the Hybrid's softer suspension tune (versus the gas turbo Sorento) trades away cornering composure for ride comfort, with one review calling cornering "quite poor" despite feeling firm over sharp bumps.

Steering is light and accurate enough for easy low-speed maneuvering but reviewers consistently describe it as numb, with little road feedback.

A measured 115-ft stopping distance is rated good for the segment, but the regenerative brake blending is inconsistent — smooth at times, overly grabby at others.

The 1.6L turbo-hybrid system launches with strong, smooth electric-assisted response and uses a conventional 6-speed automatic (not a CVT), though the transmission exhibits some hesitation in everyday driving.

Consumer Reports specifically found the hybrid quieter than the standard turbo Sorento, with the electric motor smoothing out engine noise in stop-and-go and cruising conditions.

Manufacturer-published turning diameter for the 2022 Sorento Hybrid.

A commanding SUV seating position, 10-way power driver's seat, and a logically laid-out dash with retained physical climate controls give good adjustability and sightlines for most drivers.

The Hybrid prioritizes comfort and efficiency over engagement; reviewers frame it as a competent, appliance-like family hauler rather than something enthusiasts seek out.

Even the entry Hybrid S trim carries a standard third row, full active-safety suite (forward collision, lane-keep, blind-spot), and an 8-inch touchscreen — content rivals often reserve for higher trims.

37 MPG combined (FWD), standard 3-row seating, and a punchy hybrid powertrain for a starting price well under $36K undercuts most 3-row hybrid competitors (Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Ford Explorer Hybrid) on content-per-dollar.

The regular Hybrid lineup is narrow — just S and EX, with AWD as the only real configuration choice — versus the gas Sorento's five-trim spread; buyers wanting more choice must step into the separate PHEV lineup (SX/SX Prestige).

87,147 U.S. units in 2022 makes the Sorento Kia's best-selling SUV and a solid mid-pack finisher in the mid-size 3-row segment, well behind class leaders like the Highlander but ahead of many rivals.

Kia's image had risen sharply by 2022 on the strength of the Telluride and EV6, but the brand still reads as mainstream value rather than aspirational — solidly neutral-to-positive rather than a halo brand.

Unlike Toyota/Honda hybrids that often sold at or above MSRP during 2022's supply constraints, Kia dealers commonly offered incentives and financing on Sorento Hybrid, giving buyers real negotiating room.

2022 is the second model year of the fourth generation (launched for MY2021), still current platform tech with no imminent redesign — the facelift didn't arrive until MY2024.

Well-reviewed but not a segment-topping standout: KBB ranked it #2 Best Hybrid SUV of 2022 and it was a finalist (not winner) for Best Hybrid/Electric SUV for Families, with generally positive but not first-place instrumented-test results.