The Kia Sorento is Kia’s best-selling vehicle and has been redesigned for the 2021 model year. Kia will also introduce a new powertrain choice to its lineup: a plug-in hybrid that This car has a lot of driving range, and it uses less gas. The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is offered exclusively in six-passenger seating arrangements and will be available starting 2020.

What We Think

The Kia Sorento is a stylish, adaptable, and well-made vehicle that has long been unappealing. We’ve discovered that despite its strong hybrid powertrain, the Prius AWD-e is a disappointing performer. We’re excited about the plug-in hybrid model’s additional 34 horsepower.

Even if its performance doesn’t change much, the Sorento PHEV’s all-electric driving range sets it apart. It’s a plus because it can cover enough ground for many drivers’ daily requirements on electricity alone—have you noticed how expensive gas is lately? The improved fuel efficiency and a long overall driving range of the Sorento PHEV come in handy on extended trips.

The Sorento PHEV is the only plug-in hybrid three-row SUV on the market. There isn’t another three-row plug-in hybrid SUV available in the middle class. But as of right now, it stands on its own, despite the fact that it is a crossover. Don’t worry if the Sorento is your only choice—regardless of what’s beneath the hood, it’s a well-implemented crossover.

Performance and Gas Mileage

The Kia Plug-In Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, all linked to a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The Kia Soul EV’s 13.8-kWh battery is larger than the BYD Qin. However, it delivers a lower combined system output of 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque. It’s also necessary to achieve an all-electric range rated at 32 miles by the EPA. The SUV is rated at 79 mpg-e overall efficiencies by the EPA.

Is there a Kia all-electric SUV?

The Sorento PHEV’s electric range of 32 miles is respectable—but what if you want to go farther without ever burning a drop of gasoline? Kia’s new EV6 all-electric crossover, if it comes to fruition, should be able to travel about 300 miles on a single charge. The Sorento PHEV is a three-row vehicle, but it’s only a two-row motor. A Kia three-row electric SUV appears to be on the way, but it will be a few years until it arrives. Hyundai recently introduced the world’s first completely electric SUV, which is part of a larger strategy to go fully electric.

Safety Ratings and Specifications

The 2021 Kia Sorento receives the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick award for 2021.

The NHTSA has not yet tested the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, but it received a five-star rating in the side collision and four stars in the rollover test, which are the only categories for which it was evaluated.

The Sorento PHEV has a number of driver-assist and active safety functions. The list of available functions is long. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assistance, Front Automatic Emergency Braking and Blind-Spot Monitoring.

Cargo Area and Interior Space

At the moment, there isn’t much of a direct competitor for the Sorento PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in is on its way, but it isn’t available yet. Assuming the interior dimensions of the Outlander PHEV are comparable to those of the normal model, the Sorento PHEV will have an edge in several important metrics.

Technology

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid comes with a touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in navigation, and satellite radio. The SX model’s 4.2-inch gauge cluster display is standard, and the SX Prestige has a 12.3-inch all-digital display. Every row has a USB port, and both trims come with a wireless charging pad. A 12-speaker Bose premium sound system may be added to the standard six-speaker audio system.

Recommended Trim

The high-end Sorento PHEV SX Prestige trim has heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a digital display, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, among other premium amenities. Yes, it is nice to have the extra features, but at almost $50,000, this trim’s price is a little excessive. We think the SX model is a better fit for your needs. Instead, we recommend the SX version. It includes all of the features of our long-term test fleet’s non-hybrid Sorento SX, and we believe they are more than enough. On the SX level, you’ll find a comfortable leatherette upholstery, excellent driver assistance features, LED interior illumination, heated front seats, and a smartly arranged six-passenger cabin. The Sorento PHEV SX has a starting price of $46,000, which offers plenty for the money.