2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Very Good

The 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid gets great mpg thanks to its 30-plus miles of electric range. And just as with the regular Sorento, we like its roomy three-row seating and many standard features. But you might be put off by its high price.Read full review

Rank #3

6 Small plug-in hybrid SUVs

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Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid for Sale

Price

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$44,500

7 for sale near you

Prices based on sales in VA thru 8/31/26

Final assembly in South Korea

Pros

Abundance of standard features
Lots of second-row legroom
Easy-to-use infotainment system

Cons

More expensive than other Sorento models
Stiff ride on rough pavement
So-so acceleration

Overview

Written by automotive expert Brent Romans

Updated: 1/13/2026

Sometimes, product names are misleading. For example, you'd assume the company Dominos would sell, well, dominos, right? But the name for the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid pretty much says it all. This is the plug-in hybrid version of the Sorento, which is Kia's three-row SUV. We like the Sportage for its middleground approach. It's bigger and more versatile than the smaller two-row Sportage and less expensive and easier to drive than the bigger three-row Telluride. If you're looking for an SUV that you can use for occasional six-passenger duty — and that also gets great mpg — then the 2026 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid should work out great.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid PHEV Insights

Trim:

Sorento Plug-In Hybrid EX

All Electric Range

EPA Estimated Range not available

Charging

No charging time information available

EV Battery Warranty

No battery warranty information available

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

No rebates available in 20147

Cost to Drive

$117/mo

Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$240/mo

SUV Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

See All PHEV Insights

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Very Good

7.3

out of 10

We drove the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

7.4/10

How does the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid drive? The 2026 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid has decent power. At our test track, it accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. The Sorento doesn't feel slow, per se, but it does trail the more rapid Mazda CX-90 PHEV and Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. Lack of pace aside, the Sorento is easy to drive. It brakes and accelerates smoothly and handles securely around turns. We did notice that the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid can ride a bit harshly over highway expansion joints and potholes, however.

For a three-row SUV, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is easy to see out of, and the available surround-view camera system further makes parking a cinch thanks to its high-definition images. The vehicle's other driver aids are similarly top-notch. We experienced no false alarms in our testing, and the adaptive cruise control and lane centering features worked well to help make driving easier.

Comfort

7.7/10

How comfortable is the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid? The Sorento provides impressive interior space considering it's smaller than other three-row SUVs. You'll ultimately have more room in a Telluride, but even the Sorento's third row provides adequate space and comfort for adults. Legroom in the second row is also very good, even with taller drivers up front. For 2026, Kia has pleasingly added a second-row bench seat as standard for the base EX trim, replacing the previous standard captain's chairs. Captain's chairs are still available, but now you have the option of seven-passenger seating if you want it.

Got small kids? Fitting a child safety seat is not a problem thanks to the vehicle's wide door openings and easily accessed anchors. We could fit rear-facing infant seats without having to slide up the front seats. You can also fit seats in the third row.

As for controls, Kia's dual-function touch panel for the climate and infotainment system is polarizing. Some people dislike having to constantly switch between functions; others don't seem to mind. Other buttons, knobs and controls are more universally appreciated.

In-cabin tech

9.7/10

How’s the tech? The 2026 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid has a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and an available digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system is responsive and easy to use. Wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is standard, which is nice. There are USB-C ports across all three rows as well as a wireless phone charger.

The sound quality of the optional Bose audio system is less impressive, and we never really found a sweet spot over a wide range of music.

Storage & cargo

7.2/10

How’s storage and cargo? With the third row raised, there's only 12.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which equates to maybe two carry-on suitcases. Nearly every other three-row SUV has more space. That's also the case when you lower the second- or third-row seats, but it's important to note that you're getting more space than in the typical small two-row SUV. It really comes down to how much you'll use that third row. Overall, it's a pretty practical family hauler.

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, however. The standard Sorento can tow up to 4,000 pounds.

Value

7.8/10

Is the Kia 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. 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, it's hard to ignore the vehicle's high price compared to a regular Sorento. The interior has a lot of hard plastic panels that cheapen the experience, but at least everything is put together well.

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.

Electric range/MPG

4.9/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid should offer 31 miles of all-electric range. After you've used up the battery's power, the EPA says you can expect to get 33 mpg combined in routine driving. These are decent figures for a plug-in hybrid SUV. You can get better range and mpg from a Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, but it's smaller and doesn't have a third-row seat like the Sorento.

X factor

5/10

The 2026 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid isn't really speedy for fun, but it makes up for that with usability. We also like the Sorento's styling. If you can imagine driving a baby version of the popular Telluride, you're not very far off.

Save as much as $5,304 with Edmunds

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid trim level differences

The 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is a three-row midsize SUV with room for up to six passengers. One of a small handful of plug-in hybrid SUVs available on the market, it's offered in two trim levels: EX and SX Prestige. Both Sorento PHEV trims come with a 261-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain that powers all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. When fully charged, it has an EPA-estimated electric-only range of 31 miles. Compare the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid trim levels in-depth.

Which Sorento Plug-In Hybrid trim does Edmunds recommend?

We recommend getting the EX trim. While it doesn't have all of the luxury-oriented features of the more expensive SX Prestige, it comes with nearly all of the convenience and driver assist features you'll want in your family-oriented SUV.

Competitors to consider

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 when you look for one that also has a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, your options dwindle considerably. One viable alternative is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. We like the Sorento more, but the Outlander is similar in concept and is priced competitively. If you don't need a third row, give the Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid or the related Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid a look. They have the same powertrain as the Sorento but are considerably less expensive. The redesigned Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is another top option.

Edmunds spotlight: The pros and cons of getting the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid

Kia sells the regular Sorento, plus the Sorento Hybrid and the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid that we're reviewing here. 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. If you have the ability to frequently charge at home and make a lot of short commutes, you can potentially go a long time before having to fill up with gas. But you'll want to calculate your potential savings on gas and see how that might work out over the long term. Up front, the Plug-in Hybrid costs thousands of dollars more than the regular Sorento or Sorento Hybrid.

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.9

30 reviews

5(63%)

4(10%)

3(0%)

2(10%)

1(17%)

See all 30 reviews of the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

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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 …

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 …

Almost Perfect PHEV in Mid SUV Segment

Vishal, 11/28/2022

2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A)

I have owned Prius, Gas Camary, Audi SQ5, Audi Q7 & now onto KIA 2023 Sorrento PHEV. I came out of Q7 Prestige V6 due to terrible Gas mileage & my personal need to downsize for a moment. Hence, I took the opportunity of this market providing a premium for my used Audi car. It's been a few weeks, Since I drove Kia Sorrento 2023, so it would be a very early or Initial review. My feedback … would evolve so. I love the car so far. Luckily most of my daily travel fits within 30 miles, which leaves the gas tank unutilized. The car is easily charged with provided Level 1 charger with a usual AC outlet in the garage overnight. The key reason to buy PHEV is to have a reliable car that can deliver long distances without searching for Charging Stations in Mid West. It does use the Gas engine to warm up the car or because of AC being in heat mode, but that is minimal. Put together, I am happy coming out of Gas guzzlers. My next car may be a luxury EV, but this car serves the workhorse that my family needs & dependable. On the utility side, It is perfect for a family of 3-4 people as my 3rd-row seat remains folded most of the time, offering me similar cargo space as I used to have in Audi Q7. Occasionally one additional person with some luggage to pick up and drop to the airport car is still workable. But beyond that, you may need a second car. For just hauling people it will fit comfortably 4 adults and 2 teens up to 5.7 ' in height. Lengthwise this car is best as it borders to 190 Inches long which is another reason I bought it when compared to Rav 4 Prime. Sorrento PHEV 2023 comes with default the highest trim, so you get most of the security and assistance as standard features. Like lane assistant and adaptive cruise. You may compare it to Tesla without Auto Pilot. Safety ratings are yet not available for the 2023 model but nothing much changed from 2022 which is best in its class. On the luxury side, you can't compare it to Audi but it does punch above its grade which keeps you satisfied if not pampered like luxury cars. I like its panoramic roof, which is the delight of younger kids and gives a roomy feeling. The seats are leather, and the steering & seats are heated. A few things to add to this car that will make it the best in my view are for ex., - No HUD is the top and the only available trim for PHEV. - Apps and dashboard UI anesthetics can be better but then I compare it with Audi Infotainment. -- The app should let the owner know how much charge is left or charging remaining in App. - The Cargo entry floor's initial liner can be steel rather than plastic so that it withstands cargo and occasional trips to home depot. - They should also add soft auto close for doors. It's a safety and comfort feature. - It is not a deal breaker, but Battery should be up to 40-50 miles range like Rav 4 prime or the new Mitsubishi outlander. Once all these are taken care this will become an undefeated car in its segment, at least for me. Now finding this car near MSRP is nearly impossible in late 2022. Though with CarGuru's search for new inventory, I did manage to find a dealer South Shore Kia who was willing to sell at 52,000 which is a premium of 3 digits Vs most of the dealers are asking in the range of 3K to 10K. Kia should manage this with their dealers as it is damaging their brand value. Imagine just a 2 thousand Dollars Kia increase in base price they may be able to offer all the above feedback & more. Also, this PHEV is not available in all states hence I need to purchase this from NY while I am based out of Ohio. I have experience buying out of state, therefore, was able to negotiate and get it delivered but most buyers will stick to what is available locally. Last regret which may be a deal breaker for few that it lost its Federal Credit because it is not made in the USA. But then there are very few which are made and nothing in this class. Kia should think about how to make this car more economical with all those features I know it sounds contradictory but think, the BMW X5 PHEV is available with this credit & if the PHEV is available in X3 then Kia is blown out of the competition with federal credit as the value will start making sense.

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 …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid since its last redesign.

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2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Features & Specs

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$48,290
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	No rebates available in 20147
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
EPA Electric Range	30 miles
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)	74 MPGe
Cost to Drive	$117/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	3.4 hours
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	10 years / 100,000 miles

See Edmunds PHEV insights See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Warranty

5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
EV battery Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Where the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid ranks:

#3 in Small plug-in hybrid SUVs

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FAQ

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

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.3 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 30 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

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 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and gave it a 7.3 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 30 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid?

The least-expensive 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid EX 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 $48,290.

Other versions include:

EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A) which starts at $48,290
X-Line SX Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A) which starts at $53,490

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 EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A), and X-Line 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