Family SUV shoppers have plenty of choices, and most of them cost more while offering less. The kia sorento 2022 flips that equation. Three powertrains, available third row seating, and an interior that feels a class above its price make it one of the smartest family SUVs on the used market right now. Here is why it deserves a real spot on your shortlist.
A Redesign That Changed the Game
The fourth generation Sorento is a genuinely different vehicle from the one it replaced, and the upgrade shows everywhere.
Chiseled lines, an aggressive tiger nose front fascia, standard LED headlamps, and a confident wide stance give it real presence on the road. It looks planted and modern rather than soft and anonymous like a lot of family SUVs in this class. Wolf Grey arrived as a sharp new color option for 2022 that suits the redesigned body especially well.
Three new X-Line trims also joined the lineup for 2022, bringing rugged exterior styling, more capable all wheel drive tuning, and added premium features. The X-Line S, X-Line EX, and X-Line SX Prestige give buyers an off road inspired look without sacrificing comfort or technology. For drivers around Mentor Ohio who want a family SUV that can handle rough weather and the occasional unpaved road, these trims add genuine capability. It is a meaningful step up from the previous generation in both style and substance.
Three Engines for Three Kinds of Buyers
This is where the Sorento separates itself from most rivals. You actually get a real choice instead of one compromise engine.
The base 2.5 liter four cylinder makes 191 horsepower and pairs with an 8 speed automatic. It is smooth and efficient for everyday driving, returning a respectable 26 MPG combined. For buyers who mostly commute and run errands, it does the job without any fuss and keeps fuel costs reasonable.
The turbocharged 2.5 liter four cylinder steps things up to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque with an 8 speed wet dual clutch automatic. This engine makes the Sorento feel genuinely capable, handling highway merging and passing with real confidence, and towing up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. That covers most family recreational needs like a small camper or a boat. The 1.6 liter turbocharged hybrid delivers up to 39 city MPG while still producing 261 combined horsepower, which is a strong choice for buyers who want to cut fuel costs without giving up power or capability.
Third Row Space Done Right
One of the most common questions buyers ask is whether the Sorento really works as a three row SUV. The answer is yes, and the execution beats most rivals in this size class.
You get standard seating for seven across three rows, with a 50/50 split third row for flexibility. The second row offers 41.7 inches of legroom, which is genuinely comfortable for adults rather than just kids. Cargo space runs from 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, to 45 cubic feet behind the second row, up to a maximum of 75.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat.
For families in the Mentor Ohio area who need to move more than five people but do not want to jump to a full size SUV, the Sorento hits a practical sweet spot. The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot charge significantly more to reach the same kind of space and flexibility, which makes the Sorento a genuine value in a crowded segment.
A Premium Feel and Serious Safety
Most buyers expect a value brand interior at this price. The 2022 Sorento delivers something much closer to luxury.
Bright satin finishes, available metal or open pore wood inlays, and optional quilted leather upholstery give the cabin a premium feel that surprises people. The available Bose 12 speaker audio system is impressive for the price. A 10.25 inch touchscreen with navigation comes standard on S trims and above, and the optional 12.3 inch full digital instrument cluster puts all your driving information directly in your sightline. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep everyone connected on longer trips.
Safety is comprehensive across the lineup. Every 2022 Sorento includes driver attention warning, lane keeping assist, forward collision mitigation, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control, a 360 degree camera system, and a clever blind spot camera that shows live video in the instrument cluster when you signal a turn. Combined with the 10 year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty that transfers to used buyers, the 2022 Sorento makes one of the strongest value cases in the entire family SUV market. The team at Ken Ganley Kia Mentor can show you the Sorento lineup and help you find the right configuration for your family and budget.