The 2023 Kia Sorento near Santa Fe NM is a Terrific Choice for Families on the Go!

For a minivan alternative, you can’t go wrong with the family-friendly 2023 Kia Sorento near Santa Fe NM. It may seem like an unassuming near-compact SUV, but it’s quite a unique little crossover. Although it’s classed with other midsize 3-row SUVs, it’s smaller and more affordable than its rivals like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and even its sibling, the Kia Telluride. It’s unique also for having third-row seating as standard, unlike similar-sized counterparts such as the Chevy Blazer, Nissan Murano, and Ford Edge, which come only with two rows. 

Highlights of the Sorento

Along with the additional row of seating, the Sorento has state-of-the-art infotainment and safety features, an upscale interior, and an industry-leading (10-year/100,000-mile) powertrain warranty. It’s a very attractive SUV, with sophisticated styling, as well.  And did we mention the affordable price tag?

The rugged X-Line appearance package dresses up the all-wheel-drive models, which offer good all-weather traction and an extra inch of ground clearance. However, despite looking the part, the X-Line version isn’t as serious an off-roader as the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler; but do you really need it to be? 

2023 Kia Sorento near Santa Fe NM: Power and Performance 

If you don’t need to be the quickest off the line, the naturally aspirated 191-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that’s under the hood of the LX and S models will suit you just fine. Otherwise, you can get a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four that delivers up to 281-hp with an 8-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic transmission) on all remaining models (X-Line, EX, X-Line EX, SX, SX Prestige, X-Line SX Prestige). You can select all-wheel drive for any trim level, but front-wheel drive comes standard.

Fuel economy on FWD models looks like 24/29/26 MPG for city/highway/combined, with AWD models dipping just a bit with 23/25/24. With a nicely sized 17.7-gallon fuel tank, you won’t have to stop to refill as often as you think.

A 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain pushing 227 hp option is offered in the Sorento Hybrid S and Sorento Hybrid EX trims, and a plug-in hybrid version with 261-hp is provided on the Sorento PHEV SX and SX Prestige. You’ll get 37 MPG with the hybrid and a whopping 79 MPGe on the plug-in. 

Notable Features

Like all Kia vehicles, the 2023 Sorento comes standard with impressive features and amenities. To name just a few, you’ll get wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, multiple USB charging ports, Drive Mode Select, LED headlights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. An 8-inch touchscreen and a Rear-View Monitor with Dynamic Parking Guidance, One Touch Slide & Fold second-row seats, and remote keyless entry also come standard, even on the base LX trim. And there are many driver-assist features with Kia’s Drive Wise Driver-Assist Technology. What’s more, you’ll get even more amenities with each step up the trim levels!

Conclusion

If you like a smaller-sized SUV but sometimes need to haul more than five people, the 2023 Kia Sorento near Santa Fe NM should be at the top of your list. There are only a few not-so-big SUVs currently available that offer third-row seating. Lining up between the compact five-passenger Kia Sportage and the larger Telluride, the Sorento is the perfect size that can accommodate up to seven passengers when needed. Come check it out today at Fiesta Kia, 7400 Lomas Blvd NE in Albuquerque, NM.