In a world of rising prices and lesser quality products due to cost-cutting and shrink-inflation, consumers are searching for how to get the most out of their hardworking dollars. The 2023 Kia Sorento LX is a midsize SUV that stands apart from its peers in part to its combination of capabilities, features, and reasonable cost.
The LX is the entry-level model in the Kia Sorento lineup and has a starting MSRP of $30,090, however, it exceeds expectations by offering more than a bare-bone cost-effective SUV. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into what makes the base model Sorento LX stand out. Including performance, eco-friendliness, exterior and interior highlights, and safety features, to provide you with an in-depth look at what this budget-friendly three-row crossover SUV brings to the table and does going cheap actually mean cutting corners. Let's find out.
Performance And Capability
The 2023 Kia Sorento LX is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission that gives smooth and quick switches between gears. Regardless, if you need more power, the top trim level accompanies a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that puts out 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Nevertheless, you would need to spend an extra $13,000.
The Sorento LX is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which carries an upcharge of $1,800. The optional all-wheel-drive version gives you dynamic force vectoring with a center-locking differential, meaning the two axles can lock while doing similar measures of work. This force vectoring framework gives traction and added control to which tires require it, particularly on slippery and dangerous surfaces.
Also, the Sorento LX's suspension system incorporates McPherson struts in the front and independent and multi-link in the back, while the brakes are ventilated disks measuring 12.8 inches front and 12.2 inches back. These performance features make the 2023 Kia Sorento LX a superb choice for people who are pursuing a solid and enjoyable driving experience.
Efficiency is one more solid mark of the 2023 Kia Sorento LX. As per the sticker, the all-wheel-drive version offers 24 MPG, while the front-wheel-drive model gives you an EPA-rated 26 MPG. Those numbers are noteworthy for a three-row mid-size SUV, making the Sorento LX an extraordinary choice if you're searching for an eco-friendly vehicle that doesn't barter performance for the sake of price. This makes the Kia Sorento LX, not only the most affordable SUV in its class but also one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUVs. As for towing, the Sorento can haul 2,000 pounds.
Exterior And Interior Highlights
There's nothing low-rent about the way the Sorento LX looks. Despite being the base model, the 2023 Kia Sorento LX lends a modern design that is consistent throughout the Sorento lineup. The front end features a bold and striking grille bordered by sharp sleek LED headlights that give the SUV a strong presence on the street. The rear of the Sorento LX is designed with a rich and clean look, elegantly constructed sitting on top 17-inch alloy wheels. An updated look carries a familiar vehicle into tomorrow with a modern but subtly futuristic look. You can choose from five paint colors, with Glacial White Perl and Passion Red costing $445.
But let's talk about the Sorento's main feature, its three-row seating layout. The base Sorento LX offers a seven-seat layout with comfortable all-black fabric seats. You get 41.7 inches of legroom and 39.1 inches of headroom. The second-row bench is ideally suited for families with kids. The second-row seats can be slid front and backward to give more legroom. Meanwhile, access to the third row is just as easy, and anyone six-foot or under should be comfortable on short trips. With all three rows in place, you get 12.6 cubic feet of space. With the second and third rows down, you can open up 75.5 cubic feet of space.
Upfront, the Sorento LX likewise has two sets of screens: an information screen and a multimedia screen to keep you connected and entertained on lengthy trips. The Sorento LX comes standard with a few convenient highlights, like a backup camera, a six-speaker sound system, and an 8.0-inch infotainment system abundant with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A Rear-seat entertainment package is available for an additional ($1,500). While there's no panoramic roof on offer, you can also choose from a suite of optional extras.
It also conveniently includes Bluetooth and wireless charging Safety features are also abundant in the Sorento LX, including standard front collision detection and automatic emergency braking. As well as blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, all included with Kia Drive wise driver assist technology.
The Sorento Represents Tremendous Value
One of the main benefits of the Kia Sorento LX 2023 is its reasonable cost. With a starting cost of just over $30,000, the Sorento LX is the cheapest midsize crossover SUV with three-row seating in 2023, making it an extraordinary choice for families who need the extra space and flexibility, without burning through every last dollar. Additionally, the affordability of the Sorento LX surpasses its cost. It's upheld by Kia's industry-driving guarantees, including a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, giving added peace of mind.
On the off chance that you're searching for additional features, higher trim levels are accessible, for example, the Sorento S and Sorento X, which accompany further developed comfort highlights, a bigger infotainment screen, and interior and exterior upgrades. You can choose from eight trims in total on the Sorento, with the top-spec model coming in at $43,690 for the X-Line SX Prestige AWD model. Now that is steep, and the value proposition of the Sorento doesn't hold as well, as it does on the base model.
Summing Up The 2023 Kia Sorento LX
In general, the 2023 Kia Sorento LX is an extraordinary choice for those searching for a fair mid-size SUV. It offers great performance, efficiency, interior and exterior highlights, and a reasonable cost, making it a compelling buy for the price. Whether you really want an SUV for your everyday drive, your family drive, or your outdoor excursions, the Sorento LX can handle it with ease. As ever, being a KIA, this is an SUV that is generously equipped and then some. The only other model that offers three-row seating for less and undercuts the Sorento is the gas-powered Mitsubishi Outlander, coming in at MSRP $27,895 for the base ES 2.5 2WD model.
Sure, it's not feature-packed, but for the money, it's got the essentials. Besides, with its solid build and warranty, you can sit back and relax with money well spent. So in the event that you're searching for another SUV and need a dependable, reasonable, and exceptional choice, the 2023 Kia Sorento LX is most certainly worth considering.