From behind the wheel, the first thing you notice is how flat the 2022 Kia Sorento holds its composure on a snaking canyon road. This is a three-row crossover, but it doesn't drive like a minivan substitute. The steering has actual weight, the brakes bite predictably, and the turbocharged four-cylinder hustles the curb weight with surprising urgency. I spent a week with a 2022 Kia Sorento SX Prestige X-Line, driving it on the freeway, in stop-and-go Los Angeles traffic, and on a mountain loop that would make most SUV owners flinch. After those miles, the verdict is easy: the 2022 Kia Sorento is a strong all-rounder with some notable compromises. It replaced the previous generation with a fresh platform, a redesigned cabin, and an available hybrid powertrain. It slots between the Kia Sportage and the larger Telluride, meaning it squares off against the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Chevrolet Blazer. The X-Line trim adds rugged styling and a slightly taller stance, but the core driving experience carries over across the range.
Driving Impressions Around Town
On surface streets in Los Angeles, the 2022 Kia Sorento feels lighter than its 3,800-pound curb weight suggests. Around town, the ride is firm enough to keep body motions controlled, though the base-style 17-inch wheels and all-season tires absorb expansion joints well. The steering is more direct than the class average, and the turning circle makes U-turns easier than you'd expect. The eight-speed automatic shuffles gears smoothly, only occasionally caught hunting when you make a sudden throttle input. What's missing is the laid-back isolation you get from a Toyota Highlander. You feel more road texture here, but enthusiasts will likely prefer that.
Engine and Transmission Choices
The standard engine is a normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 191 horsepower. That base unit pairs with an eight-speed automatic and returns an estimated 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. The more compelling pick is the turbocharged 2.5-liter, which produces 281 horsepower and comes with a wet dual-clutch automatic. That engine nearly matches the old V-6 in authority and actually beats it on fuel economy, at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The hybrid variant, which uses a 1.6-liter turbo and an electric motor, is the efficiency champion with an estimated 37 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is available on every powertrain.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Room
Inside, the 2022 Kia Sorento cabin feels well-built for the price point. The SX Prestige trim gets quilted leather seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a Bose stereo. The second row offers decent legroom for adults, and the third row is emergency-only, as is typical in this class. A family can fit three in the middle row and one or two kids in the back, but adults will find their heads brushing the headliner. Cargo space behind the third row is 12.6 cubic feet, which fits a couple of carry-on bags. Fold the third row down and that space grows to 45 cubic feet, competitive with the Ford Edge. The rear door opening is wide, though the load floor sits a bit high.
Safety, Tech, and Driver Aids
Every 2022 Kia Sorento comes with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go is optional on lower trims and standard from the SX upward. I found the lane-centering system to be smooth on the highway, with no annoying ping-ponging between the lines. The blind-spot camera that projects into the instrument cluster is a thoughtful touch. One gripe: the touchscreen can be slow to wake after a cold start, and the wireless phone charger in my test unit overheated a phone on a long drive. Those are minor annoyances in an otherwise polished package.
How It Compares to Rivals
Compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe, the 2022 Kia Sorento offers a sharper driving experience and a slightly bigger third row, but the Santa Fe's warranty is identical and its ride is a touch quieter. Versus the Ford Edge, the Sorento is about equal on power and cargo room, but Kia's second row slides fore-and-aft, which helps flexibility. The Honda Passport is roomier and more refined, but it costs more and lacks a third-row option. If you need occasional seven-passenger capacity, the Sorento is the better buy than a Passport, and it's cheaper than a Telluride without sacrificing much daytime utility.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2022 Kia Sorento comes in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, plus the X-Line appearance package on certain versions. The base LX starts around $29,390 with front-wheel drive, and the range-topping SX Prestige X-Line lands near $40,000. A loaded hybrid SX Prestige stickers close to $43,000. That puts the Sorento on the higher end of the midsize two-row-plus segment, but the standard equipment list is generous: LED headlights, a keyless entry, and an 8-inch touchscreen on the base car. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available on most trims, though one quirk is that the larger 10.25-inch nav screen drops wireless phone mirroring.
Should You Buy One in 2025?
If you want a used three-row crossover that doesn't drive like a penalty box, the 2022 Kia Sorento remains a strong pick in 2025. Prices on the used market start around $24,000 for base front-drive models and stretch into the mid-$30,000s for loaded hybrid or turbo versions. That's compelling against a mid-$30,000 base price for a new compact SUV. The Sorento is not perfect: the third row is tight, the dual-clutch can be hesitant at low speeds, and resale values are middling. But as a used SUV with a long warranty remaining (10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage for original owners; shorter for subsequent owners), it rewards those who do their homework. The smart play is to find a certified pre-owned turbo model and skip the base engine. That's the one that makes driving a three-row SUV genuinely enjoyable.