2023 Kia Sorento Interior and Cargo

As a mainstream product, the Kia Sorento uses affordable materials for the construction of the cabin - but this doesn't mean cheap. In fact, most of the hard plastics are kept out of view. The base LX is the only trim that gets cloth upholstery as standard, and the only color option is Black. Luckily, the choices and quality improve drastically moving upwards. From the S to the SX, including their X-Line variants, SynTex leatherette covers the seats. You get a choice between Black or Gray.

Embossed leather is standard on both Prestige trims. Color options differ, with the SX Prestige having access to Black or Gray. The X-Line SX Prestige gets Black as standard or Rust at a $200 surcharge. Exclusive to the PHEV in SX Prestige spec, you have the choice between Gray or Navy perforated leather.

Only the base LX makes do with a polyurethane steering wheel and soft PVC shift knob; all other models have a leather wrapping for these major controls.

As you'd expect when cramming additional seats into a body style not traditionally equipped to deal with such, the Sorento suffers from a lack of standard cargo capacity. If you insist on lugging six or more people about, you'll have to make do with a meager 12.6 cubic feet. However, if you treat it like a five-seater instead and fold the third row down, you get access to a much more impressive 45 cubic feet. True, there are some other midsize SUVs out there that can beat this figure, but they don't offer the added versatility of two additional seats in a pinch. Fold the second-row seats down, too, and the open floor plan supplies 75.5 cubes. The middle ground is the sweet spot here, with enough room for your monthly groceries and then some, as well as luggage for a four- or five-person vacation.

In-cabin storage for smaller items is good, with the first two rows getting access to sizeable door pockets. Those in the back also get seatback pockets, while those up front get the glove compartment and armrest cubby. The front cupholders are situated within the console, while the back-seat cupholders can only be accessed if the center armrest is folded down. Sadly, third-row occupants don't get such luxuries.

Modern Kia cars are laden with features, and even the base LX has plenty to offer. Remote keyless entry, manual air conditioning, a 4.2-inch driver information display, and a rearview camera are included. The driver has a six-way manually-adjustable seat and the front-seat passenger a four-way manual seat. The safety suite is comprehensive, too, comprising forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, a driver attention system, and rear occupant alert with a sensor. Blind-spot collision avoidance and safe exit assist are newly standard on this trim.

Further up in the range, the Sorento becomes considerably more comfortable with features like second-row captain's chairs, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, and a heated rear seat. Upper models also boast the most advanced safety equipment, including a surround-view camera system, smart cruise control, rear collision avoidance, and cyclist detection.

Hybrid models are better-equipped as standard with features like heated front seats and a ten-way power driver's seat being standard from the start.

Only the LX is still saddled with the smaller eight-inch touchscreen but it does get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system. The larger 10.25 screen is standard on all the remaining trims, but its smartphone connectivity is not wireless. Navigation, SiriusXM, and UVO telematics are added, while a wireless phone charger is included from the S upwards. The premium 12-speaker Bose sound system is only standard from the SX Prestige trim. All models have additional auxiliary, USB, and iPod connection points.