Overview
The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid stands out as a smaller 3-row midsize SUV, boasting both a gas engine and an electric motor. Together, they provide exceptional fuel efficiency, allowing the Sorento to travel up to 32 miles solely on electricity. Despite its initial price tag, this PHEV offers premium features like leather seats, second-row captain’s chairs, a Bose audio system, and cutting-edge safety and infotainment technology. Plus, it boasts the best warranty in its class for added peace of mind.
What’s New for 2024?
Introduced as a new model in 2022 and revised in 2023, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid for 2024 brings unexpected updates. Kia surprises with a fresh grille, headlight, and taillight designs, along with a revamped instrument panel. Now available in a single trim level, it continues its evolution as part of the fourth Sorento generation introduced in 2021.
2024 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Models and Pricing
Anticipate the 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid to commence around $50,000 for its exclusive SX Prestige trim, slightly higher than the 2023 model’s $49,990 starting price. It positions as the priciest Sorento variant, exceeding the Sorento Hybrid and non-hybrid Sorento SX Prestige trims by approximately $7,000 each.
While surpassing the cost of the Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid, it remains more budget-friendly than the plug-in Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers a slightly lower-priced 3-row alternative with marginally more all-electric range.
Before committing, consult the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to gauge the ideal offer for the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, which maintains an average resale value for its segment.
Premium Interior
The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid boasts a lavishly appointed interior, exclusively available in the SX Prestige trim, rivaling luxury SUVs in amenities.
Standard features include leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, a Bose 12-speaker audio system, and cutting-edge safety and infotainment technologies.
Its reimagined instrument panel integrates updated displays for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, presenting a unified wide display reminiscent of pricier vehicles.
With seating for up to six and standard second-row captain’s chairs, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid prioritizes comfort and accessibility. Ample legroom and headroom in the first two rows enhance passenger comfort, although the third row is better suited for occasional use.
While offering generous cargo space with the third row folded down, the Sorento’s smaller stature, compared to larger 3-row SUVs like Kia’s Telluride, limits cargo capacity when all seats are occupied.
Attractive Exterior
Following its 2022 redesign and 2023 trim level updates, the 2024 Kia Sorento surprised us with refreshed styling cues.
Notable changes include a redesigned front grille, now deeper and wider, accompanied by vertically positioned headlights.
A sleek LED signature light adorns the top of each grille side, extending along the front fenders.
At the rear, Kia refined the taillights by narrowing the twin lights in each pair and connecting them with a thin light bar.
Specifications
This SUV features a turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain as standard, paired with all-wheel drive (AWD). The amount you save on fuel depends on how frequently your battery is fully charged. When the battery is depleted, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid achieves the same combined fuel economy rating as the conventional hybrid with AWD.
Equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and electric motor, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid delivers 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of 32 miles. Its EPA combined fuel economy stands at 34 mpg in hybrid mode and 79 MPGe in all-electric driving.
According to EPA estimates, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid incurs a monthly fuel cost of approximately $95 with gas and electricity combined. In comparison, the Sorento Hybrid with AWD costs $129/month to fuel, while the most efficient AWD-equipped, non-hybrid Sorento has a monthly fuel cost of $183.
While actual fuel economy for plug-in hybrids may vary based on driving habits and energy prices, many buyers find the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid’s benefits worth the investment. These include fewer trips to the gas station, lower tailpipe emissions, and smooth EV driving experiences.
Backed by a class-leading warranty, the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid offers a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, including battery coverage.