2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Price Range: $49,990 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX Prestige 4dr SUV Exterior

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The standard Kia Sorento is an enticing offering in a crowded segment, but the plug-in hybrid is less appealing. Its fuel efficiency and overall easy-to-drive nature are commendable, but its steep asking price makes us question its value. If a plug-in hybrid is at the top of your list, the Sorento is a competent, versatile and comfortable option. But there's no doubt that its ICE-only sibling is a more well-rounded and far more affordable package.

Rank #3

7 Plug-in hybrid SUVs

Pricing

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$49,555

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2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Review

byJake Sundstrom^{Editor, CarMax
Jake Sundstrom has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles. Jake is currently an Editor for CarMax and has also contributed to National Hot Rod Association publications. When he's not driving cars, he's eating takeout inside of them (probably burgers, burritos or pizza).},

rating written byNick Yekikian^{Senior News Editor
Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the Senior News Editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.}

Pros

Lots of standard comfort and tech features
Plenty of room in the second row
Easy-to-use infotainment system

Cons

Acceleration is lackluster
Ride can be a bit bumpy
Quite a bit more expensive than non-PHEV Sorentos

What's new

No significant changes.
Part of the fourth Sorento generation introduced for 2021

Overview

The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is, in some ways, in a class of its own. It's a three-row SUV, which is hardly unique. But this version of the Sorento has a hybrid powertrain with a battery pack that you can charge to give you about 32 miles of all-electric range before the gas engine fires up. OK, you say, there are other SUVs that offer plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains too. But when you shop for three rows and a PHEV … and at a non-luxury brand price, that's where the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid comes into its own. But keep in mind you'll have to regularly charge up the battery to maximize your potential fuel savings. The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid also comes with a much higher starting price than its gas-only sibling.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid PHEV Insights

Trim:

Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX Prestige

All Electric Range

32 miles

EPA Estimated Electric Range

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid will automatically switch to gas when the electric battery is low.^{Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.}

Estimated range map^{This map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Columbus, Ohio. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors | Leaflet} from

Charging

3.4 hrs

240V Home Charging^{Estimated total charging time when using a 240V outlet. This is either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet used for appliances, for example a clothes dryer.}

EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.

When can I use NACS/Tesla charging stations?

Hybrid Parts Warranty

10 yrs or 100,000 miles^{Hybrid batteries are federally mandated to carry at least 8 years or 100,000 miles of warranty coverage from the manufacturer. Batteries that lose capacity more rapidly than expected should be eligible for replacement under warranty. Coverage of additional hybrid components beyond the battery itself will vary by automaker.}

According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

No rebates available in 43230

See All PHEV incentives

Cost to Drive

$114/mo

Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$201/mo

SUV Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

See All PHEV Insights

Edmunds spotlight: It doesn't get the regular 2024 Sorento's updates

The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid isn't getting the big styling refresh for 2024 that its gas-powered sibling is. Kia says all the new goodies promised for the Sorento will come to the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models for the 2025 model year. That makes the 2024 Kia Sorento PHEV a bit of a lame duck; it's unchanged from a year ago but we know significant changes are on the horizon.

Competitors to consider

There aren't many entrants in the non-luxury three-row SUV plug-in hybrid segment, so there are only a few alternatives to the Sorento PHEV. If you don't need a third row, give the Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid or Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid a look. They have the same powertrain as the Sorento but are considerably less expensive. One other option is the new Mazda CX-90. It's more expensive than the Sorento, but it's roomier and offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

8.0

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.0/10

How does the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid drive? The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor that pulls from a 13.8-kWh battery pack. In total, the system makes 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Posting a time of 7.9 seconds in our 0-60 mph test, the Sorento doesn't feel slow, per se, but it does trail the rapid RAV4 Prime and Jeep Wrangler 4xe for speed. Lack of pace aside, the powertrain is smoother than its rivals, with no abrupt shifts from the transmission and no juddering when the Sorento's engine springs to life.

When it comes to slowing down, the Sorento is both steady and reliable. It also blends the PHEV's regenerative braking and friction braking flawlessly, and the pedal gives no hints of the changeover between the two. Our best panic stop from 60 to 0 mph was 123 feet, which is very good for a PHEV of this size, besting the RAV4 Prime and Wrangler 4xe with ease. Handling, too, is similarly impressive for a PHEV SUV and the Sorento can be driven with ease around town or down a back road.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid? All three rows of seats provide better-than-expected comfort for a small SUV. The front seats on our top-of-the-line test vehicle offered heating, ventilation and a good range of adjustment. The second-row captain's chairs (standard on the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid) were firm but more comfortable and supportive than bench seats found in other SUVs. The third-row seats are small and low to the floor but offer enough support for adults. The dual-zone climate control is efficient and easy to use even if the touch-sensitive buttons aren't as responsive as traditional buttons.

Ride comfort isn't quite as impressive, and a steady stream of jitters head into the cabin at lower speeds over less-than-perfect roads. Even with the 19-inch wheels, which have a generous amount of shock-absorbing sidewall, the ride felt busier than we expected. That said, the Sorento's ride is well controlled, imparting confidence and a sense of stability at freeway speeds.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid pricing

in Columbus, OH

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? Despite its small SUV classification, the Sorento offers ample space for adults in all three rows. You'll even find more legroom in the second row than in dedicated two-row SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Taller adults will have plenty of space. Even the third row is hospitable for adults, though it's a bit of a squeeze to get back there. Getting into the Sorento is otherwise an easy affair.

The Sorento carries over many of Kia's user-friendly attributes, and buyers new to the brand will have no problem getting a handle on the interior. Visibility is also quite good thanks to ample-size windows and good sight lines throughout the cabin. The optional surround-view camera system offers high-definition images and proves helpful in tight situations.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? Our top-of-the-line test vehicle came decked out with a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an upgraded Bose audio system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The graphics are crisp and creative, but we found some on-screen buttons a bit on the small side. The Bose audio system was slightly less impressive, and we never really found a sweet spot over a wide range of music. The voice command system is the least impressive tech in the Sorento. It lacks natural language recognition and is merely average.

With eight USB ports as well as a wireless charger, passengers won't lack power for their devices. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility is standard, though wireless connectivity is not offered. The Sorento's advanced driver aids are impressive not only in scope but in application. We encountered no false alarms, and with the exception of an overly cautious rear cross-traffic warning system, we had no complaints.

Storage

8.0/10

How’s the storage? With the third-row seats up, there's only 12.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which equates to a row of about five grocery bags. Its closest competitor, the Volkswagen Tiguan, offers only 12 cubes, and the larger Subaru Ascent offers up to 17.8 cubes. With the third row dropped, the Sorento offers between 38.5 and 45 cubic feet, depending on how far forward you slide the second-row seats. That's more than the roomy Toyota RAV4 (up to 37.6 cubic feet) and the larger Honda Passport (41.2 cubes). With all the seats down, the Sorento holds 75.5 cubic feet, which is on par with the Honda CR-V.

Interior storage is another Sorento strong suit. Though it lacks the cleverness of Honda's CR-V and Passport, there's ample, well-thought-out storage options in all three rows. Towing capacity for the Sorento PHEV is just 1,654 pounds, while the standard Sorento can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid should get 32 miles of EV-only range and deliver 34 mpg combined with the gas engine alone. On our 115-mile testing route, we let the car shift itself between EV-only and hybrid operation, likely how most buyers will use the Sorento PHEV, and it averaged 41 miles to the gallon. That's similar to what we observed in the RAV4 Prime and far exceeds our results in the Wrangler 4xe on the same route.

Value

8.0/10

Is the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid a good value? As we've come to expect from Kia, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is well equipped and well built; it's also the most expensive Sorento you can buy. All Sorento Plug-in Hybrids come essentially fully loaded so you certainly do get your money's worth when it comes to features. That said, the amount of hard plastic used throughout its interior is hard to ignore, and the dash treatment doesn't look or feel like it belongs in a car that costs nearly $50,000. It's all screwed together well, and thoughtful details and nice touches like variable ambient lighting keep the Sorento in our good graces.

Kia's warranties are class-leading, and the Sorento comes with five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Roadside assistance is more standard at five years/60,000 miles.

Wildcard

7.0/10

While not exactly a hoot and a holler, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid manages to be an interesting and efficient addition to the Sorento lineup. Its straight-line speed might be lacking, but what it doesn't carry in outright pace, it more than makes up for usability and an excellent feature set. It's also a far more handsome SUV than the previous Sorento. As for the rest of the Sorento experience, if you can imagine a baby version of the popular Telluride, you're not very far off.

Which Sorento Plug-In Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?

Well, there's only one trim available for the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, the SX-P, so that makes our recommendation pretty straightforward.

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid models

The 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is available in a single trim level: SX-P. Ostensibly, the "P" is shorthand for last year's Prestige trim since the SX-P is the same fully loaded version. The Sorento PHEV is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a 66.9-kW electric motor and a 14-kWh battery pack. These components combine to generate 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission powers a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential. Standard equipment highlights include:

19-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Roof rails
Panoramic sunroof
Remote keyless entry
Hands-free power liftgate
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front seats
Heated and ventilated front seats
Second-row captain's chairs
Second-row sunshades
50/50-split folding third-row seat
Heated rear seats
Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel

Infotainment and tech features include:

10.25-inch touchscreen display
Navigation
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Digital instrument panel
Wireless smartphone charger
12-speaker Bose premium sound system
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Kia and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Sorento and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.0

23 reviews

5(65%)

4(9%)

3(0%)

2(13%)

1(13%)

Write a vehicle review See all 23 reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Blue Magic

Blue Magic, 01/04/2022

2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A)

I've only had it 10 days and I'm lovin" it! I went 36 miles in EV mode! it has more than enough power. A lot of bells and whistles like the panoramic roof, heated and cooling seats, etc. I got the Gravity Blue (Dark blue with flakes in the paint) which comes with a gray leather interior, I managed a nice 43mpg on the highway and was amazed as it stayed centered in the lane, even as the …

Outstanding new PHEV

Kia_is_fantastic, 11/28/2021

2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A)

Although it isn’t perfect, this is possibly the most versatile PHEV at any price range - lots of room, a third row of seats, decent cargo room with third row seats down, good power, great ride and handling, and very useful tech. Some drawbacks are too much piano black plastic in high traffic areas, very little cargo space behind third row, compromised towing capacity, and heavy …

Beware / Faulty Hybrid Battery System

Brian, 12/09/2021

2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A)

I just purchased this car and within a week received multiple error messages -- "Battery Management System" and "Hybrid System" notifications. I took it to the local dealer who said it looks like the hybrid battery requires replacement (one cell showing no power) however nothing can be done in terms of servicing until the dealer hears more from Kia corporate. Since this is the first year …

Kia Sorento PHEV - uses gas and electricity

Norris Adams, 08/02/2022

2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A)

This is the best of the fossil fuel and electric worlds. It uses regular gas, regenerates batteries while driving, and plugs in to household current. I am quite pleased with this vehicle. It is easy to drive and incorporates many safety features. I am a “full sized” male and I can sit in it comfortably. It also has a great deal of space for hauling whatever you want. It is a good looking …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid since its last redesign.

See all 23 reviews of the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

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2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Features Specs

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$49,990
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	Not available Based on income
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
EPA Electric Range	32 miles
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)	79 MPGe^{MPGe is the official metric that the EPA uses to measure the efficiency of alternative-fuel (including electric) vehicles. Just like regular MPG shows how far a car will travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe shows how far a vehicle will drive on 33.7kWh of electricity - the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Combined MPGe is the combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe.}
Cost to Drive	$114/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	3.4 hours
Seating	6 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

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Safety

Key safety features on the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid include:

Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

FAQ

Is the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 23 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has 12.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. Learn more

What's new in the 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid:

No significant changes.
Part of the fourth Sorento generation introduced for 2021

Learn more

Is the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

To determine whether the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 23 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid?

The least-expensive 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is the 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $49,990.

Other versions include:

SX Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A) which starts at $49,990

Learn more

What are the different models of Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid?

If you're interested in the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, the next question is, which Sorento Plug-In Hybrid model is right for you? Sorento Plug-In Hybrid variants include SX Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A). For a full list of Sorento Plug-In Hybrid models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Pricing

2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid PHEV Insights

All Electric Range

Charging

Hybrid Parts Warranty

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

Cost to Drive

Edmunds spotlight: It doesn't get the regular 2024 Sorento's updates

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Save as much as $1,760 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.

2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid pricing

Edmunds suggests you pay

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Sorento Plug-In Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid models

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Blue Magic

Outstanding new PHEV

Beware / Faulty Hybrid Battery System

Kia Sorento PHEV - uses gas and electricity

Helpful shopping links

2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Features Specs

Compare the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Safety

Key safety features on the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid include:

FAQ

Is the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid a good car?

What's new in the 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid?

Is the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

Is the 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid?

What are the different models of Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid?

Related 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid info

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