2022 Kia Sorento Base
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $31,950–$42,638 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.9/10, the 2022 Kia Sorento Base earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.5/10, while Safety at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Kia Sorento Base's reliability at 8.5/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a notable gap at 6.7/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
The 8.3/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a suv you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 8.3/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $31,950–$42,638, 24 MPG, seating 7, the Kia Sorento Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.3/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2022 Kia Sorento Base as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in safety are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2022 Kia Sorento Base ranks #293 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 88% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,950 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 11%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2019 Kia Sorento Base scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 7.9 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $35,009 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.0/10 | $33,990 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $32,970 | Read review → |
| 2022 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $31,950 | |
| 2021 | 7.9/10 | $30,930 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.8/10 | $29,911 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.7/10 | $28,891 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $27,871 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $26,852 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $25,832 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.6/10 | $24,812 | Read review → |
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.