2022 Kia Sorento: Why It’s Still One of the Best SUVs for Ottawa Drivers

Blog Oct 07th, 2025

When it launched, the 2022 Kia Sorento brought a big shift to the midsize SUV category. With its striking new design, expanded powertrain lineup (including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options), three-row versatility, and premium features, it quickly became one of the most talked-about SUVs in Canada. Even today, in 2025, the 2022 Sorento remains a highly attractive option for Ottawa drivers shopping the used inventory at Orléans Kia.

Whether you need a winter-ready SUV, a family-friendly hauler, or a fuel-efficient hybrid, the Sorento checks all the boxes. This blog takes a deep dive into trims, specs, features, safety, reliability, ownership costs, and why it still makes sense to buy one now.

📖 Overview of the 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Sorento was part of Kia’s fourth generation (MQ4) platform, introduced in 2021. It stood out by offering three rows of seating in a footprint closer to compact crossovers like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, giving buyers more flexibility without stepping up to the much larger Kia Telluride.

Key highlights in 2022 included:

Gasoline, Hybrid, and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) options.
Standard 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (larger screen on upper trims).
Available AWD across most trims.
Family-friendly interior with up to 7 seats.
Strong warranty backing Kia’s reputation for reliability.

🏷️ Trim Levels and Configurations

In Canada, the 2022 Kia Sorento was offered in multiple trims. Here’s a breakdown:

Trim	Seating	Engine Options	Key Features
LX+	7-passenger	2.5L I4, 191 hp	Heated front seats, AWD optional, 8-inch touchscreen
EX	6 or 7-passenger	2.5L Turbo I4, 281 hp	Leather seats, larger 10.25-inch screen, blind-spot monitoring
EX+	6 or 7-passenger	2.5L Turbo I4	Sunroof, premium audio, advanced safety tech
SX	6-passenger	2.5L Turbo I4	Digital cluster, ventilated seats, navigation, Bose audio
SX PHEV / Hybrid	6-passenger	1.6L Turbo Hybrid (227 hp HEV / 261 hp PHEV)	Plug-in charging, electric-only range (PHEV), eco driving modes

👉 Many used Sorentos available at Orléans Kia are EX or SX trims, making them an excellent value with premium features already included.

⚙️ Powertrains & Performance

The 2022 Sorento set itself apart by offering four distinct powertrains:

2.5L Inline-4 (191 hp / 181 lb-ft)
- Smooth daily driver, paired with an 8-speed automatic.
- Fuel Economy: ~9.7 L/100 km city / 7.1 highway.
2.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 (281 hp / 311 lb-ft)
- Strong performance for highway and towing.
- 8-speed dual-clutch automatic.
- Fuel Economy: ~11.1 city / 8.4 highway.
1.6L Turbo Hybrid (227 hp total system)
- Paired with electric motor + 6-speed auto.
- Fuel Economy: ~6.4 city / 7.0 highway.
1.6L Turbo Plug-In Hybrid (261 hp total)
- 13.8 kWh battery, ~50 km EV-only range.
- Best for urban drivers who want electric commuting with gas backup.

The V6 engine was dropped after 2020, making the 2022 Sorento lighter, more efficient, and better aligned with modern emissions standards.

❄️ Winter Driving in Ottawa

For Ottawa winters, the 2022 Sorento is a standout choice. Its available Dynamax™ Intelligent AWD system distributes power seamlessly, offering Snow Mode for icy roads.

Winter-friendly features include:

Heated front and rear seats.
Heated steering wheel.
Remote start with climate pre-conditioning.
AWD with multiple terrain drive modes.
Ground clearance: 174–185 mm, depending on trim.

Paired with proper winter tires, the Sorento handles snow, ice, and slush exceptionally well. Many Ottawa buyers who shop at Orléans Kia still look specifically for AWD Sorentos for peace of mind.

🛋️ Interior Comfort & Technology

Inside, the 2022 Sorento feels closer to a luxury SUV than a budget family hauler.

Key Highlights:

6 or 7 seats with flexible layouts.
Cargo Space:
- Behind 3rd row: 357 L
- Behind 2nd row: 1,090 L
- Max: 2,139 L with seats folded.
Infotainment:
- Standard 8-inch screen (LX)
- Optional 10.25-inch with navigation (EX+)
- Bose premium audio (SX)
Luxury Touches: Nappa leather (SX), panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, digital driver display.

This made the Sorento ideal for families who needed versatility without sacrificing style.

🛡️ Safety & Ratings

The 2022 Sorento came equipped with Kia’s advanced Drive Wise safety suite.

Standard & available features include:

Forward Collision Avoidance with pedestrian detection.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist.
Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go.

Ratings:

IIHS: Top Safety Pick (when equipped with LED headlights).
NHTSA: 5-star overall rating.

For families in Ottawa, this combination of safety tech and crash protection makes the Sorento a reassuring choice.

🔧 Reliability & Maintenance

The 2022 Sorento has proven to be solidly reliable, especially in naturally aspirated and hybrid trims.

Strengths:

Efficient, modern engines.
High-quality interior materials hold up well.
Strong warranty (5 years / 100,000 km from new).

Watch-outs:

The 2.5L Turbo with dual-clutch can feel less smooth in stop-and-go traffic.
Early PHEVs had some recall updates (mostly software fixes).
Regular maintenance (AWD fluid, transmission service) is key in Ottawa’s harsh climate.

Certified service at Orléans Kia helps address these concerns and ensures peace of mind.

📊 Competitor Comparison

SUV	Strengths	Weaknesses
2022 Kia Sorento	Multiple powertrains, 3 rows, upscale interior	3rd row tight for adults
Toyota Highlander	Spacious, reliable	Higher price, fewer trims
Honda Pilot	Roomy, smooth V6	Larger footprint, thirstier
Hyundai Santa Fe	Similar tech, stylish	No 3rd row, less versatile
Mazda CX-9	Sporty drive, upscale cabin	Cramped 3rd row, premium pricing

The Sorento carved out its niche by being smaller than the Pilot/Highlander but bigger than Santa Fe/RAV4, striking a balance that Canadian families loved.

💵 Pricing & Value

When new, the 2022 Sorento ranged from $34,000 CAD (LX) to over $50,000 CAD (SX PHEV).

In 2025, used prices in Ottawa generally fall between:

$28,000 – $32,000 CAD (LX / EX)
$33,000 – $38,000 CAD (EX+ / SX)
$39,000 – $45,000 CAD (Hybrid / PHEV)

At Orléans Kia, shoppers will find competitively priced and fully inspected models, making it easier to find the trim that matches your budget.

🧰 Ownership Experience

Owning a 2022 Sorento means benefiting from:

Low maintenance costs compared to rivals.
Fuel efficiency: especially strong in hybrid/PHEV trims.
Resale value: holds steady thanks to Kia’s growing brand reputation.
Family convenience: three-row flexibility, rear seat entertainment options, USB ports for all rows.

For Ottawa families, it’s the perfect mix of practicality and affordability.

❓ FAQ Section

Is the 2022 Kia Sorento a reliable SUV?
Yes, with proper maintenance, most trims have proven durable, especially hybrids.
How does the Sorento handle Ottawa winters?
Exceptionally well with AWD, Snow Mode, and heated features.
Does the 2022 Sorento have 3 rows?
Yes, 6- or 7-passenger layouts were available.
What is the towing capacity?
Up to 3,500 lbs with the 2.5L Turbo AWD.
Which engine is best?
For efficiency: Hybrid. For towing/performance: 2.5L Turbo.
Does it come with a sunroof?
Yes, panoramic sunroof on EX+ and SX trims.
What’s the cargo space like?
Up to 2,139 L with seats folded.
Any common issues?
Some DCT hesitation on Turbo models; addressed with updates.
Does it have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto?
Yes, standard across trims.
Where can I buy a used 2022 Sorento in Ottawa?
At Orléans Kia — your trusted local dealership.

🏁 Final Verdict

The 2022 Kia Sorento strikes a rare balance: it’s big enough for a family, efficient enough for commuters, and stylish enough to compete with premium SUVs. With its versatile trims, winter-ready AWD, hybrid/PHEV options, and upscale interior, it’s one of the smartest midsize SUV choices for Ottawa drivers today.

👉 Ready to find your Sorento? Browse the used inventory at Orléans Kia and discover why this SUV remains one of the best values on the road.

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