Skip to main content

The 2023 Kia Sorento is more expensive than ever before. Thankfully, the midsize SUV is still more affordable than many of its rivals. The real question is, does the midsize SUV provide more value for the new model year? Which 2023 Sorento trims should you want, buy, and pass on?

2023 Kia Sorento SX Prestige AWD: Want

Front angle view of Sapphire Blue 2023 Kia Sorento midsize SUV.
Sapphire Blue 2023 Kia Sorento | Kia

The Kia Sorento is affordable, so even its upper trim levels don’t break the bank compared to today’s average new vehicle prices. The new 2023 Kia Sorento SX Prestige AWD is the trim to want because it packs in plenty of great standard features and all-wheel drive for under $45K. That’s a steal compared to some of the Sorento’s rivals as price bumps make midsize SUVs less and less affordable.

Even the Kia Telluride seems expensive for 2023. The Sorento isn’t the best Kia midsize SUV, but its upper trim levels work as great alternatives to the Telluride.

The 2023 Kia Sorento SX Prestige AWD starts at $44,685. It comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, leather seating trim, and a heated steering wheel. The midsize SUV also includes a surround-view monitor, a blind-spot view monitor, and a wireless phone charger.

The SX Prestige AWD offers advanced driver assistance features and all the creature comforts you should expect from a final trim at a price that’s tough to beat. The Telluride’s SX Prestige trim is nearly $52K. Kia’s Sorento model remains an affordable midsize option that deserves to be mentioned, just not in a top-five ranking.

2023 Kia Sorento EX: Buy

A green 2023 Kia Sorento X-Line is driving off-road.
The 2023 Kia Sorento | Kia

The 2023 Kia Sorento EX is the trim to buy because it balances affordability and comfort well. The EX also comes with decent tech upgrades.

The 2023 Sorento EX starts at $37,185. It comes standard with SynTex seating materials, heated front seats, and navigation-based smart cruise control. The midsize SUV also includes a smart key with push-button and remote start, a smart power liftgate, and a wireless phone charger.

Car and Driver recommends the EX trim over other trims because of the standard turbocharged engine. The Sorento comes with a four-cylinder engine that makes 191 horsepower. The 2023 Sorento EX features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 281 horses. Aside from the power boost, the Sorento EX offers decent creature comforts for its starting price, considering many 2023 midsize SUV base models are in the same price range.

Pass on lower Kia Sorento trims because of standard features

A green Kia Sorento is parked outdoors.
The Kia Sorento | Kia

The 2023 Kia Sorento comes in six different trim levels starting with the LX base model. The LX is too barebones for many consumers. The EX is superior to the S and X-Line trims. The 2023 Kia Sorento SX and SX Prestige are too pricey for many consumers since affordability is so important to the Sorento’s identity.

The Sorento EX trim is the perfect middle ground for the 2023 model year, and the SX Prestige is ideal for consumers who want the most advanced standard features. How will the 2023 Sorento fair against midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade and Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2023?

Related

2023 Kia Sorento PHEV Adds More Advanced Driver Assistance Systems