Kia Sorento Hybrid 2023 has a starting price of $2,500 more than 2022 in “optimizing” the lineup
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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.
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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.
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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 more difference from the Sportage Hybrid introduced in 2023. Kia is also introducing the Sportage plug-in hybrid.