Today the midsize SUV market is one of the most competitive and one of the vehicles that really stands out in this segment is the Kia Sorento, a very good option offered by the Korean automaker. This week Torque news is reviewing the top X-Line SX-Prestige AWD trim of the 2022 Sorento SUV.
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The 2022 Kia Sorento has eight trim levels: LX, S, X-Line S AWD, EX, X-Line EX AWD, SX, SX Prestige, and X-Line SX Prestige AWD. If you are looking at the differences between some of these trims the Sorento Prestige comes with a lot more than its SX counterpart. The 2022 Sorento X-Line S-Prestige AWD is a premium trim, which will give you optimal comfort levels, including heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The premium sound system and memory seats only add to the joys of this ride.
When it comes to the exterior differences between these trims, the X-Line SX-Prestige AWD looks very similar to the standard SX trim in the 2022 Kia Sorento, with the only notable difference being power-folding side mirrors. Unlike the SX, however, the SX-Prestige is available with the X-Line package. Adding this will mean getting all-wheel drive standard, along with much better and increased ground clearance.
The main additions to the top X-Line SX-Prestige AWD Trim include the 20-inch Gray Alloy Wheels, Torque-vectoring AWD w/ Center-Locking Differential, High-Utility Roof Rails, X-Line Front and Rear Bumpers, Dedicated X-Line Grille, Matte exterior Trim and as I mentioned 1-inch increased ride height, which gives this Sorento off-roading characteristic. The starting price of the 2022 Kia Sorento X-Line SX-Prestige AWD is $43,190 MSRP, while the base LX trim starts with only $29,590 MSRP. KIA is a brand that has always shown a good cost-benefit ratio in its products.
Engines and Fuel Economy of The 2022 Sorento
The most important thing is under the hood. This 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine develops 277 hp and 311 lb-ft, well above the 191 hp and 182 lb-ft that it offered as the only option in 2021 Sorento - and which is still maintained in 2022 for the most accessible basic trim levels.
The engine perfectly meets what could be required of any V6. There's virtually no turbo input lag and acceleration is linear to some extent, with no sudden kick at full throttle. Its response satisfies passing and allows you to easily maintain a good pace on the highway, without having to force it. The eight-speed automatic transmission also contributes to this , which reserves the high gears for driving at high speed at low-medium revolutions on the highway.
The fuel economy of the 2022 Kia Sorento X-Line SX-Prestige AWD is 24 MPG with 22/27 city/highway. The 2022 Sorento is also available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, which help maximize fuel efficiency.
Exterior of the 2022 Sorento
In this fourth generation of the Sorento, Kia has achieved a much more refined exterior, with an aggressive touch, which generally shows a vehicle with a more sporty look, if we can even name an SUV as sporty.
But in the 2022 model year not much has changed, except the new KIA logo and that the X-Line SX-Prestige AWD trim comes with a dedicated X-Lline Grille.
Interior of the 2022 Sorento
There are lots of equipment in this six-passenger cabin. The KIA Sorento of the 2022 inherits all the equipment of from the 2021 version. Highlights include a panoramic roof, power-adjustable front seats with heated and ventilated function, infotainment with 10.25" screen, wireless phone charger, 12-speaker Bose sound system, and power-opening tailgate.
If you are familiar with the Sorento model in its SX variant, you will notice that there are no changes to the interior in terms of materials and finishes. However, there is an important improvement that, although it is not palpable as such, is one of the most important for the model.
We are talking about KIA DriveWise, the series of driving assistants from the eastern house that makes its arrival in the SXL version to reduce risks on the road. This system is made up of elements such as lane keeping, blind spot alert, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection and cross traffic alerts.
Similarly, I would also like to highlight the Bose sound system with 12 speakers that, during our review test-drive of the 2022 Sorento, pleasantly livened up the road with outstanding equalization without the need to move the dynamic ranges from the center console. In fact, in the recent years I have been very pleasantly impressed with Hyundai/Kia vehicle sound systems, the clarity of the sound and interior technology in general.
As expected, we find the basic elements for this segment in this vehicle. Those are things such as connectivity to Android Auto and Apple Carplay, a 100 percent digital cluster with different designs, a handful of driving modes and high-quality materials for all continuous contact panels. In general, the interior of the 2022 Kia Sorento and the equipment leave very little room for criticism.
Regarding the space: I drove my family of five in this vehicle. I should say that the 2022 Kia Sorento is a very good SUV for a mid-size family. In the second row of the seats two adults can travel comfortably thanks to the "captain" type seats, enjoying generous dimensions in the space for the legs and shoulders. In the last row of seats, the space is slightly more contained, but without a doubt, infants of no more than 1.6 meters in height will be able to travel comfortably.
My 9-year old daughter didn't have any complaints traveling in the 3rd row. In case you are interested in the 2022 Sorento, please check the third row space for yourself after you read this review and before making your purchasing decision.
Driving
Accelerating suddenly with the 2.5 Liter turbocharged engine, you get a very good response, although a little after the start you notice a small delay, almost imperceptible, but when you pick up the speed it increases steadily and quickly, without interruptions, all thanks to the help of the double clutch transmission that works very well with this engine.
The new 2022 Sorento's ride is very solid and grips the pavement well. Its direction is great and with a very good response when it is required with any maneuver it seeks. In general when driving this vehicle one does not feel heavy as is the case in some other SUVs, it is an agile vehicle.
In curves, accelerating more than normal, it grips very well thanks to its four-wheel drive. Its interior is quieter than the previous generation and on the road it offers a smooth ride.
As for the suspension, it is very well tuned and absorbs bumps very well, even on rough roads, without smooth pavement.
On the road, the Korean reveals his status as a traveler with excellent comfort and extensive soundproofing. The wide seats in the front give the impression of traveling in armchairs, and the numerous physical controls make it easier to use the car.
Keep in mind, that KIA Sorento is playing in a very competitive segment. Take that into account at the time of the purchase decision and not only for its exterior design, but also for other elements, important today, such as the technology that's integrated inside the vehicle.
Are you a Sorento owner? Which trim do you like better? Or, perhaps you like the new hybrid trim? Let us know please your thoughts in the comments section below.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
Reference: El Universal, Motorspassion, Geek's Room.
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