2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Review

Name: 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Review
Brand: Kia

Price Range: $35,998 - $42,900

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

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.

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Price & Payment

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$38,797 avg. price

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2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Review

by the Edmunds Experts

What's new

Now offered in a single trim level
Part of the fourth Sorento generation introduced for 2021

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.53 per gallon for premium unleaded and $0.15 per kWh for electricity in Texas.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas

$99/mo

$155/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.0

25 reviews

5(64%)

4(12%)

3(0%)

2(12%)

1(12%)

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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 …

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 …

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.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 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 25 reviews of the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

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2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$49,990
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,100 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	$99/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
EV Battery Warranty	10 years / 100,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid models:

Junction Turning Detection: Detects oncoming traffic, warns a driver who is attempting an unsafe left turn across traffic, and applies the brakes to avoid a collision.
Highway Driving Assist: Combines the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems for hands-on, semi-automated driving on highways.
Blind-Spot View Monitor: Uses cameras to show the driver what's in the Sorento's blind spots. Supplements the radar-based blind-spot warning system.

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2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Review

Price & Payment

2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Review

What's new

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

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Blue Magic

Kia Sorento PHEV - uses gas and electricity

Outstanding new PHEV

Almost Perfect PHEV in Mid SUV Segment

2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Highlights

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