Kia Sorento Hybrid 2023 has a starting price of $2,500 more than 2022 in “optimizing” the lineup
The 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid enters the new model with what Kia calls an “optimized” trim line, effectively giving the crossover SUV a price increase of around $2,500.
That “optimization” includes discontinuing the base Sorento Hybrid S version, which starts at $35,345 (with destination) for 2022. That makes the front-wheel drive EX the base model on actual for 2023 and it starts at $37,886 with destination.
2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
That price is $2,541 more than the 2022 Sorento Hybrid S, as well as a $1,141 increase over the 2022 EX front-wheel drive model. The addition of all-wheel drive to the EX adds $1,800 to the price for 2023.
Kia is also adding a new top-of-the-line SX-P trim level for 2023, starting at $43,685 with destination. It adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, perforated leather seats, a Bose sound system, and more driver aids.
The Sorento Hybrid is mechanically unchanged, still using a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-stroke engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission with a single electric motor. Output is 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-rated fuel economy rating of 37 mpg combined (39 mpg city, 35 mpg highway) with the powertrain. front-wheel drive and 36 mpg combined (33 mpg city, 34 mpg highway) with AWD.
2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
This is actually the third model year of the Sorento Hybrid. Initially for 2021, it is front-wheel drive only and we find it a pleasant driving model outperforms the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in many respects — though we’re surprised it doesn’t try to match the magic of the wildly successful Kia Telluride.
The 2022 model year brings all-wheel drive plus a plug-in hybrid version with an EPA-rated 32 mile electric range.
Changes in price and model can help provide a little bit more difference from Sportage Hybrid introduced in 2023. Kia is also introducing the Sportage plug-in hybrid.