As the 2023 Kia Sorento HEV lineup arrives on dealer lots across the United States, Kia introduces one new Sorento HEV trim, deletes one level, and upgrades another. First, Kia deleted the Sorento Hybrid S trim, making the Sorento Hybrid EX its base trim but showing it some love with a couple of upgrades. Then, Kia added the new Sorento Hybrid SX-P trim includes many of Kia’s premium features as standard equipment. 

2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid SX-P features

While the Kia Sorento HEV lineup of hybrid SUVs may not rank high on any list of luxury SUVs, the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid SX-P offers luxury SUV features at a bargain price. With a starting price of $42,390, the 2023 Sorento Hybrid SX-P features standard all-wheel drive with a center locking differential for enhanced traction in slippery conditions, four drive modes including Smart, Eco, Sport, and Snow, and rides on 17-inch alloy wheels. 

Inside the Sorento Hybrid’s cabin, the SX-P trim boasts a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, perforated leather seats, a premium Bose sound system, and reclining captain’s chairs in the second row. In addition, a full suite of driver-assist safety features includes navigation smart cruise control, forward collision avoidance assistance, surround view monitor, front and rear parking distance warning, and blind view monitor.

These advanced features are in addition to the other safety driver assistance features on the EX trim. Other premium features that come standard on the SX-P trim include LED fog lamps and a “Smart Power Tailgate” that allows you to customize the liftgate opening height and speed at which it opens.

The new base trim Kia Sorento Hybrid EX

The base trim 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX comes in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive as it has in previous years. However, for 2023 Kia includes the formerly optional “8-way power front passenger seat and a frameless rearview mirror.” The starting price for a 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX equipped with front-wheel drive is $36,590, and the all-wheel drive option adds $1,800, increasing the price to $38,390.

Is the SX-P trim worth buying?

The 2023 Kia Sorento HEV is worth buying regardless of your chosen trim level. If you live and travel in areas that never experience winter weather, a front-wheel drive Sorento Hybrid EX will serve you well and save a few thousand dollars. If you need or prefer all-wheel drive, then the choice between the EX and SX-P trims comes down to whether the SX-P’s improvements in driver assist, comfort, and convenience features are worth the $4,000 price bump. The SX-P trim has some features not found on the EX, such as:

• Power-folding side mirrors
• Projection headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• LED tail lights
• Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Larger 12.3-inch digital instrument display
• 12-speaker Bose premium audio
• 115-volt power plug in 
• One-touch automatic front passenger window
• Genuine leather seat trim
• 14-way power adjustable driver’s seat
• 4-way power lumbar adjustment
• 2-way power thigh extension
• 10-way power adjustable passenger seat with 2-way power lumbar adjustment
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated 2nd-row seats
• Chrome interior door handles
• Simulated brushed metal interior accent trim
• Blind spot view monitor
• Surround view monitor
• Parking collision-avoidance assistance in reverse

The $4,000 upgrade to the SX-P trim represents an approximate 10% increase for some relatively significant upgrades. While those upgrades may not be essential for those with a short daily commute, they will make a substantial difference on a road trip that takes several hours or multiple days.