2022 Kia Sorento Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Gone are the days where having a larger family meant being doomed to drive a minivan. Three-row SUVs have come to change the way we look at family vehicles, likely forever. They have the seating necessary for the whole crew while, at least in theory, being more fun to drive and better looking.

Three rows of seating in a smaller SUV may not sound like a great idea, but that is exactly what the 2022 Kia Sorento has to offer. Although it is technically classified as a midsize option, it is not as big as the Kia Telluride. That said, buyers will likely be pleasantly surprised by the amount of interior space. This vehicle is also applauded for its long list of standard features for a relatively low price.

This year, Kia breaks the Sorento family down into eight different trim levels. Some may argue that a few of these trims are merely appearance packages, but since Kia lists them as their own models, the following guide will treat them as such. In the guide, all of the differences between each trim level will be highlighted.

Drivers who have decided on the 2022 Sorento, but who are not sure which model is right for them, can use the following information to make a decision.

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Compare the LX vs. S Trims. What is the difference?

For the LX, the Sorento gives drivers a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 191-horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It pairs nicely with an eight-speed automatic transmission. When this trim has front-wheel drive, it is estimated to give drivers 24mpg in the city and 29mpg on the highway. Going with all-wheel drive means going down to 23mpg city and 25mpg highway.

There are six paint options for the base LX model, all of which lean toward the bland side. The front and rear skid plates have a matte black finish. Power-adjustable and heated side mirrors with turn signal integration are standard, along with multi-reflector LED headlights. The Sorento LX sits on 17-inch alloy wheels.

The LX is the only model to have an 8-inch touchscreen. Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay are all standard tech features. The sound system includes HD radio and six speakers, and there are a total of six USB ports. One of those ports is in the second row and two of them are in the third. For even more convenience, a 12-volt power outlet can be found in the front console, as well as the rear cargo area.

Manual air-conditioning is standard for the base Sorento. On the plus side, there are at least rear air conditioning vents to help prevent the back passengers from getting too hot. The driver's seat has a six-way manual adjustment, while the front passenger gets four-way. There is seating for seven in the Sorento LX. Those sitting in the third-row can recline their seats, and the second-row has a one-touch folding and sliding feature.

Cargo space with all three rows of seating up is a bit lacking in all of the 2022 Sorento trim levels. Drivers will find just 12.6 cubic feet to work with. Folding down the third row means getting 45 cubic feet, which is more in line with the Sorento's rivals. With both back rows of seats down, the Sorento offers up to 75.5 cubic feet for gear.

Lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision avoidance assist are standard for all 2022 Sorento models. The rearview monitor comes with dynamic guidelines, and there is even a driver attention monitoring system that will sound an alert when the lead vehicle starts to move. Finally, the LX trim is equipped with a rear occupant alert feature.

Moving up to the S trim changes nothing as far as what is underneath the hood. It does add two more paint options, known as Wolf Gray and Sapphire Blue. While the LX sits on 17-inch wheels, the S upgrades 18-inch ones instead. The matte black features found on the LX also become gloss black when taking a look at the S. Low-profile roof rails are added as well.

Although not standard, the S is the first trim to offer a panoramic sunroof. Inside, the touchscreen size jumps up to 10.25-inches, and a one-year subscription to UVO-Link is thrown in. Satellite radio and navigation both join the already impressive list of standard tech features. Drivers also get voice recognition and the ability to stream from multiple devices. The second row of seating also gains a second USB port.

Push-button and remote start are both added for the S. This model of the SUV also upgrades to dual-zone automatic climate control. Heated front seats join the standard list, as well as a 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. Both the steering wheel and shifter knob are wrapped in leather for a little extra sophistication.

There are extra safety features gained by going with the S trim as well. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are both included, along with rear parking sensors. Rounding out the list is rear automatic emergency braking.

Compare the S vs. X-Line S AWD. What is the difference?

The first X-Line on the list is the X-Line S AWD. As the name implies, this model of the Sorento comes standard with all-wheel drive. It also restyles the bumpers and swaps out the gloss black exterior accents for silver ones. This trim level sits on dark gray wheels and gets raised roof rails to help round out the more aggressive look of the Sorento X-Line AWD. Otherwise, the features are the same as the ones found in the Sorento S. It has a starting price that is exactly $2,000 higher than the standard S trim.

Compare the X-Line S AWD vs. EX Trims. What is the difference?

For the EX trim level, Kia changes up what is underneath the hood of the Sorento. This model is the first to get a 2.5L turbocharged engine that creates 281-horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission adds a dual-clutch feature as well. With front-wheel drive, this engine gives the Sorento the ability to make 22mpg in the city and 29mpg highway. Technically speaking, the standard EX is not available with an all-wheel drive.

On the exterior, all of the accents revert back to gloss black. This mid-level trim comes standard with a smart power liftgate, which opens automatically when it senses someone standing behind it with its key fob. Front LED fog lights also join the exterior of the Sorento EX.

Inside, this model gains a wireless device charging pad. It is the first model to come standard with seating for six, thanks to the second-row captain's chairs. Otherwise, the interior is very similar to the S and X-Line S AWD.

The EX does gain some important driver aids, however. Adaptive cruise control becomes standard for this model, as well as a more sophisticated forward-collision mitigation system. While the standard one found in previous trim levels can detect pedestrians, the one found in the EX can also detect cyclists.

Compare the EX vs. X-Line EX AWD. What is the difference?

The 2022 Kia Sorento X-Line EX AWD has nearly identical features in comparison to the EX. It makes the same styling tweaks that the X-Line S AWD does. It also upgrades the Sorento to 20-inch wheels and changes the status of the sunroof from optional to standard. Of course, all-wheel drive is included as well. The X-Line EX AWD costs approximately $4,000 more than the standard EX trim level.

This trim level comes standard with the more powerful engine. It is estimated to get 21mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway. Buyers who need all-wheel drive but do not want to go any higher than the EX on the trim ladder will need to choose the X-Line EX AWD.

Compare the X-Line EX AWD vs. SX Trims. What is the difference?

The SX model is the first to get full-LED headlights. It also gains LED daytime running lights and LED taillights. Like the X-Line EX AWD, the SX sits on 20-inch wheels. While the former had a gray finish for those wheels, the latter goes with gloss black once again.

Moving inside, the front passenger seat gets an eight-way power adjustment. The door handles are chrome, and a variety of metal accents can be found throughout the cabin. Otherwise, the SX does not add much to the Sorento. It is worth noting that the SX actually costs nearly $1,000 less than the X-Line EX AWD, likely due to the drivetrain.

Compare the SX vs. SX Prestige Trims. What is the difference?

The SX Prestige trim level of the 2022 Sorento is where things get downright luxurious. The outside mirrors gain the ability to power-fold, and the interior gains a 12-speaker premium sound system from Bose. There is also a 12.3-inch LCD driver information display, giving the Sorento a more high-tech look and feel.

An auto-dimming rearview mirror also joins the standard feature list here. The upholstery is genuine perforated leather. For the driver, the seat has 14-way power adjustment, two-way power lumbar support, and thigh extensions. Both front seats gain ventilation, and the second-row seats get heat. The steering wheel is also heated for the Sorento SX Prestige.

This trim level gets a blind-view monitor. When a turn signal is activated, the Sorento will display a live video of what is currently in its blind spot. The video is taken by cameras located on the side mirrors and then displayed on the instrument cluster. This model gains front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system.

Compare the SX Prestige vs. X-Line SX Prestige AWD. What is the difference?

Drivers who want the ultimate 2022 Sorento can go with the X-Line SX Prestige AWD. On top of the numerous features found on the typical SX Prestige, this model gets standard all-wheel drive and styling upgrades. It costs $2,000 more than the typical SX Prestige.

Which Trim to Choose?

Truly, there is no version of the 2022 Kia Sorento that is not well-equipped. The entry-level EX has enough features to make it a true contender and a price tag that will help seal the deal for many shoppers. If it is in the budget, however, most people will want to step up to the S trim level.

The Sorento S adds many popular items, like heated front seats and the more advanced infotainment system. It costs less than $3,000 more than the EX but adds quite a bit to the overall experience inside the Sorento. If drivers feel they need all-wheel drive, the X-Line S AWD is a respectable choice.

Most drivers will be very happy with their 2022 Kia Sorento if they choose the S trim.