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

- 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
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5l SUV | 189 in | 74.8 in | 66.9 in | 110.6 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,825 lb | 55/45 |
| 2.5l Turbo SUV | 189 in | 74.8 in | 66.9 in | 110.6 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 3,940 lb | 57/43 |
| Hybrid SUV | 189 in | 74.8 in | 66.9 in | 110.6 in | 65 / 65.4 in | 4,120 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 39 / 35 / 37 | +40% | $1,800 | 242 |
| Sorento Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 36 / 33 / 35 | +43% | $1,900 | 257 |
| Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 / 33 / 34 | +39% | $1,950 | 105 |
| Sorento FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | -2% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Sorento FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -6% | $2,700 | 360 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 25 / 24 | -2% | $2,800 | 366 |
| Sorento AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | -2% | $2,800 | 377 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Kia Sorento SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
| 2022 Kia Sorento SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |

Similar 2022 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Kia Sorento (this car) | 37 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2022 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2022 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | Not rated | 25 |
| 2022 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (9)
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.
Not every 2022 Kia Sorento is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Kia Sorento buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Power Train — 78 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 59 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 41 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,067 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sorento | 37 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2025 Sorento | 36 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 135 |
| 2024 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 51 |
| 2023 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 165 |
| 2021 Sorento | 37 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 275 |
| 2020 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 140 |
| 2019 Sorento | 25 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 434 |
| 2018 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 255 |
| 2017 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 808 |
| 2016 Sorento | 24 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 1,258 |
| 2015 Sorento | 23 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 743 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →