DecodedCars2023 Kia Sorento
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 2.5l SUV, 2.5l Turbo SUV, Hybrid SUV
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 177–281 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed dual-clutch, 8-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 6–7
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 37 combined · 39 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 189 in
- Curb weight
- 3,825–4,120 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 37 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2023 small SUV (27.4 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 281 hp, versus about 190 hp for similar 2023 models.
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 38 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Kia Sorento is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,825 lb (2.5l SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 37 MPG combined (39 city / 35 highway), 35% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $1,800 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 165 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Sorento — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Sorento →
Trims, performance & features
Engine281 hp2.5L turbo 4-cyl
Engine191 hp2.5L 4-cyl
Engine177 hp1.6L turbo 4-cyl hybrid
Transmission8-speed dual-clutch · 8-speed automatic · 6-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating6–7 seats · 3 rows
Trims
SX/SX PrestigeSEXSX-P
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingOptional
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: West Point, Georgia · Hwasung, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Sorento configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5l SUV | 189 in | 74.8 in | 66.9 in | 110.6 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,825 lb | 55/45 |
| 2.5l Turbo SUV | 189 in | 74.8 in | 66.9 in | 110.6 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,940 lb | 57/43 |
| Hybrid SUV | 189 in | 74.8 in | 66.9 in | 110.6 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 4,120 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 39 / 35 / 37 | +35% | $1,800 | 242 |
| Sorento Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 36 / 33 / 34 | +36% | $1,950 | 262 |
| Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 / 33 / 34 | +36% | $1,950 | 105 |
| Sorento FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | -5% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Sorento FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -9% | $2,700 | 360 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 25 / 24 | -4% | $2,800 | 366 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | -4% | $2,800 | 377 |
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $5,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.4 MPG2023 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
| 2023 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Sorento (this car) | 37 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 15 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (4)
Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor · Sep 25, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V649000 · 39,536 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
- Risk
- A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Aug 31, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V610000 · 144,979 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Aug 15, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V579000 · 50,517 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sorento vehicles. The air bag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- A detached air bag warning label will not warn occupants about the risks of air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the driver and front passenger sun visors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC277.
Trailer Hitches · Sep 19, 2022 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · 70,887 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Risk
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Not every 2023 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
165Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
19,700 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 48 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 48 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 28 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 19,700 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Kia Sorento. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sorento years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sorento | 37 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2025 Sorento | 36 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 136 |
| 2024 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 51 |
| 2022 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 228 |
| 2021 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 276 |
| 2020 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 140 |
| 2019 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 434 |
| 2018 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 255 |
| 2017 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 808 |
| 2016 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 1,261 |
| 2015 Sorento | 23 | 184.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 743 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →