The 2023 Kia Niro HEV was named Cars.com’s Best Car of 2023, beating four other vehicles for the top spot. The 2023 Kia Carnival was named Best Family Car of 2023. The 2023 Sorento was nominated for Best SUV of 2023, which is the outlet’s newest award category.

The 2023 Kia Sorento enters the new model year with improved packaging across all trims, building upon its generous array of standard features. Starting with the base LX, its roster of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) has been extended to include standard Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance (BCA), Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance and Safe Exit Assist. All other trims gain convenience features that were previously optional: the S gets a wireless smartphone charger; the EX gets an 8-way power front passenger seat and frameless rear view mirror; and the SX gets a 12.3-inch color digital instrument panel, power-folding exterior mirrors and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The range-topping SX Prestige now comes with standard AWD, which includes gloss back exterior accents and revised bumpers as part of the treatment. Other added features include a 115-volt power inverter that can charge household items such as a laptop, Homelink, and retractable rear door shades. The X-Line package continues to add a rugged look to the Sorento with unique bumper and exterior details, 20-inch alloy wheels and bridge-type roof rack.