carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $32,970–$42,713 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2023 Kia Sorento Base at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.8/10. 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. At 8.5/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.7/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.6/10. The Kia Sorento Base delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.8/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $32,970–$42,713, 25 MPG, seating 7, the Kia Sorento Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.0/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 3 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.
Our take: The 2023 Kia Sorento Base is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 2023 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 $32,970 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 9%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Kia Sorento Base scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2023'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 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $32,970 | |
| 2022 | 7.9/10 | $31,950 | Read review → |
| 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.
