carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $42,861–$55,526 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2023 Kia Sorento SL is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.9/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.9/10, while Safety at 6.5/10 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.2/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety is a notable gap at 6.5/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
With 7.6/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.9/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $42,861–$55,526, 25 MPG, seating 7, the Kia Sorento SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Its value score of 8.9/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. 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.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2023 Kia Sorento SL will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on safety if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.
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 SL 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 $42,861 starting price is about 19% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Kia Sorento SL scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.9 — and starts roughly $4,000 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 | $45,511 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.0/10 | $44,187 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $42,861 | |
| 2022 | 7.9/10 | $41,535 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.9/10 | $40,209 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $38,884 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.7/10 | $37,558 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $36,232 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $34,907 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $33,581 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.6/10 | $32,255 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.