2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Review

Price Range: $29,997 - $42,996

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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Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid model years

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2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Review

Pros

Loaded with comfort and tech features
Ample second-row legroom
Easy-to-use infotainment system

Cons

Lackluster acceleration
Bumpy ride quality
Steep price

What's new

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

Overview

Written by automotive expert Dan Frio

3/8/2023

The 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is a bit of a unicorn. It's a three-row rechargeable hybrid SUV that costs around $50,000, quite a bit less than alternatives like the BMW X5, Volvo XC90 or Lincoln Aviator. And as the "budget" option in this small group, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid offers a lot for the money. Based on the standard Sorento Hybrid, the plug-in model gets a more powerful electric motor and larger battery pack to augment its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The combination yields 261 horsepower, 34 hp more than the Sorento Hybrid, and enough energy for 32 miles of electric driving range. This Kia is also pretty efficient, with an EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined when driven in regular gas-electric hybrid mode.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Columbus, OH

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Certified 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
SX Prestige 4dr SUV
$39,404
good price
$3,020 below market
- 5,632 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, rental vehicle
- 32 mi est. electric range
- 6 Seats, 35 City / 33 Hwy MPG
- Great Lakes Kia (4 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Columbus, OH
Certified. CARFAX One-Owner. Balance of Factory Warranty, AWD, Bluetooth/ Hands Free Calling, Certification Qualified, ask Manager for details, Apple ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
34 Combined MPG (35 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDRMDLHXP5197762
Stock: P1778
Certified Pre-Owned: Yes
Listed since: 08-20-2025
Certified 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
SX Prestige 4dr SUV
$39,998
good price
$3,139 below market
- 4,500 miles
- No accidents, personal use only
- 32 mi est. electric range
- 6 Seats, 35 City / 33 Hwy MPG
- Ken Ganley Kia Clarksburg (148 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Bridgeport, WV
Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX Prestige 2023 Aurora Black Certified. Newly Detailed, Kia Certified Pre-Owned Certified, 1.6L I4 DGI Hybrid Turbocharged...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
34 Combined MPG (35 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNDRMDLHXP5186325
Stock: 23-0730
Certified Pre-Owned: Yes
Listed since: 05-09-2023

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Pared down to a single trim level for 2023, the Sorento PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) offers plenty of comfort and tech features to complement its efficiency and performance. Highlights include heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, leather upholstery, navigation, a premium Bose audio system and several driver assistance features.

But even though it's the most affordable option in this class, we still question the value. The same money buys the larger, nicely equipped but non-hybrid Kia Telluride, or the smaller two-row but more efficient Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is another more affordable option, but it too only carries five passengers. Still, if a three-row plug-in SUV appeals, but not the luxury price, the Kia is a good middle ground. Be sure to read our Expert Rating below to learn what our test team thought of the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

8.0

out of 10

We drove the 2023 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.

Performance

8/10

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

8/10

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 managed to feel busier than we expected. That said, the Sorento's ride is well controlled, imparting confidence and a sense of stability at freeway speeds.

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

8/10

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

8/10

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

7/10

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.

2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid trim level differences

The 2023 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 includes:

Which Sorento Plug-In Hybrid trim does Edmunds recommend?

With one trim level and no optional features, there's not much to recommend. Although we might suggest spending a bit extra to get the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid in its striking Runway Red color.

Compare 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$112/mo

$173/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.

2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$49,990
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
Engine Type	Plug-in hybrid
EPA Electric Range	32 miles
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas)	79 MPGe
Cost to Drive	$112/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

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Columbus, OH

Certified 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In HybridSX Prestige 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Certified 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In HybridSX Prestige 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid trim level differences

Which Sorento Plug-In Hybrid trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

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

Safety

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Certified 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
SX Prestige 4dr SUV

Certified 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
SX Prestige 4dr SUV