Makes›Kia›Sorento›2022

2022 Kia Sorento

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.

Kia Sorento
Pictured: 2024 Kia Sorento X-Line SX Prestige (facelift), front 12.20.24. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
2.5l SUV, 2.5l Turbo SUV, Hybrid SUV
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
177–281 hp
Transmission
6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
6–7
Fuel
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
37 combined · 39 city / 35 hwy
Length
189 in
Curb weight
3,825–4,120 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
9 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 37 MPG combined — 40% better than the average 2022 small SUV (26.5 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2022 Kia Sorento is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 189 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,825 lb (2.5l SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 37 MPG combined (39 city / 35 highway), 40% better than the 2022 small SUV average of 26.5 MPG, for an estimated $1,800 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 227 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2022

  • New plug-in hybrid version

Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Sorento →

Trims, performance & features

Engine281 hp2.5L turbo 4-cyl
Engine191 hp2.5L 4-cyl
Engine177 hp1.6L turbo 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
Transmission6-speed automatic · 8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating6–7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

SX/SX-PSSX-PrestigeEX

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Hwasung, South Korea

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 Sorento configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2.5l SUV189 in74.8 in66.9 in110.6 in65 / 65.4 in3,825 lb55/45
2.5l Turbo SUV189 in74.8 in66.9 in110.6 in65 / 65.4 in3,940 lb57/43
Hybrid SUV189 in74.8 in66.9 in110.6 in65 / 65.4 in4,120 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sorento Hybrid FWD Hybrid1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive39 / 35 / 37+40%$1,800242
Sorento Hybrid AWD Hybrid1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive36 / 33 / 35+43%$1,900257
Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive35 / 33 / 34+39%$1,950105
Sorento FWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 29 / 26-2%$2,600342
Sorento FWD2.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25-6%$2,700360
Sorento AWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive23 / 25 / 24-2%$2,800366
Sorento AWD2.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive22 / 27 / 24-2%$2,800377
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $5,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.5 MPG2022 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2022 Kia Sorento SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.9%
2022 Kia Sorento SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2022 Kia Sorento SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2022 Kia Sorento SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2022 Kia Sorento SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2022 Kia Sorento SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2022 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2022 Kia Sorento (this car)37 MPG★★★★★9
2022 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★2
2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPGNot rated3
2022 Honda CR-V38 MPG★★★★★6
2022 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★3
2022 Ford Explorer27 MPGNot rated25
2022 Hyundai Tucson38 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (9)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor · Sep 25, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V649000 · 39,536 vehicles

Problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
Risk
A fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 9, 2025.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Aug 31, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V610000 · 144,979 vehicles

Problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Jan 25, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V027000 · 34 vehicles

Problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The fuel tank may have been improperly molded, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Deales will inspect and replace the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC261.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 11, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V760000 · 69,038 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Risk
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
Trailer Hitches · Sep 19, 2022 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · 70,887 vehicles

Problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · Jul 19, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V509000 · 8 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento and Telluride vehicles. The vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
Impaired anti-lock braking or traction control systems can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the spare tire, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC244.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Jun 23, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V447000 · 17,199 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid and 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
Risk
An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
Fix
Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC241. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 22V-127. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Pipes, Hoses, And Fittings · Mar 29, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V202000 · 26 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
Risk
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC233.
Seat Belts › Front · Mar 4, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V127000 · 213 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
Risk
An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seatbelt pretensioner(s), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC231. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-447. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2022 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

227Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
21,067 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train78
Engine59
Electrical System41
Unknown Or Other40
Service Brakes21
Vehicle Speed Control18
Fuel/Propulsion System17
Steering10
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 424/12: 325/01: 525/02: 225/03: 225/04: 325/05: 425/06: 525/07: 125/08: 625/09: 825/10: 325/11: 425/12: 726/01: 526/02: 526/03: 626/04: 626/05: 426/06: 626/07: 226/08: 326/09: 426/10: 424/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 8

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2022 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Power Train — 78 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Engine — 59 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Electrical System — 41 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,067 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  8. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Kia Sorento. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sorento years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Sorento37–Not rated00
2026 Sorento37189 inNot rated29
2025 Sorento36189 in★★★★★4135
2024 Sorento37189 in★★★★★251
2023 Sorento37189 in★★★★★4165
2021 Sorento37189 in★★★★★5275
2020 Sorento25189 in★★★★★1140
2019 Sorento25189 in★★★★★2434
2018 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★3255
2017 Sorento24187.8 in★★★★★4808
2016 Sorento24187.8 inNot rated81,258
2015 Sorento23184.3 inNot rated3743

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →