Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid
The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is one of just a few three-row SUVs available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The midsize sport-ute, which got a complete makeover in 2021, is already an appealing model thanks to its handsome design and spacious and surprisingly upscale cabin, which comes with a long list of standard features. The PHEV variant adds 32 miles of all-electric range to the list of positive attributes. On the downside, though, it also adds significant cost. In addition, once its battery pack is depleted, the PHEV Sorento doesn’t offer any better fuel economy than the less-expensive standard hybrid version.
The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is one of just a few three-row SUVs available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The midsize sport-ute, which got a complete makeover in 2021, is already an appealing model thanks to its handsome design and spacious and surprisingly upscale cabin, which comes with a long list of standard features. The PHEV variant adds 32 miles of all-electric range to the list of positive attributes. On the downside, though, it also adds significant cost. In addition, once its battery pack is depleted, the PHEV Sorento doesn’t offer any better fuel economy than the less-expensive standard hybrid version.
Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Model Lineup
The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is a variant of Kia’s popular midsize crossover SUV, the Santa Fe, with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The six-seater is the larger of two PHEV sport-utes offered by the Korean automaker, measuring about six inches longer than the compact Sportage Plug-in Hybrid. The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid shares a platform and some components with the Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid, which is built by Kia’s sister company.
Kia offers the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid in two trims: the well-equipped SX and the fully loaded SX Prestige. Standard features include LED headlights, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, faux leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, and a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and navigation. Standard active safety tech and driving aids include adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, blind-spot warning and intervention, and forward collision mitigation. Stepping up to the SX Prestige trim adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a premium Bose audio system, and a surround-view camera (among other items).
Under the hood, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid utilizes a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 90-horsepower electric motor and a 13.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Together, they produce 261 horsepower, which is routed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The setup is capable of 32 miles of all-electric range on a full charge. Once depleted, the battery pack takes about three and a half hours to refill when plugged into a 240-volt household outlet.