Arrival: 2023 Kia Sorento PHEV
“Our new long-termer is a little different than your average family SUV. Is that a good thing?”
Kelly Lin
BASE PRICE $51,315
AS TESTED $52,140
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON
35/33/34 mpg (gas); 83/75/79 mpg-e* (gas+elec)
VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, 2x front-motor, AWD, 6-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE 1.6L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus permanent-magnet electric motors
POWER (SAE NET) 177 hp @ 5,500 rpm (gas), 17 + 90 hp (elec); 261 hp (comb)
TORQUE (SAE NET) 195 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm (gas), 32 + 224 lb-ft (elec); 258 lb-ft (comb)
TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,563 lb (55/45%)
0-60 MPH 7.4 sec
QUARTER MILE 15.5 sec @ 91.7 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 123 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.81 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT 27.9 sec @ 0.62 g (avg)
EPA RANGE, COMB 32 miles (elec); 460 miles* (gas+elec)
ON SALE Now
Next to some other vehicles in our long-term fleet, our new Kia Sorento PHEV is a subdued presence. At first glance, it doesn’t stand out from the string of Sorentos we’ve tested in recent years. But this handsome SUV will help us answer some important questions: How much should you spend on a Sorento? And, critically, is a plug-in hybrid worth it?
Smaller than most three-row SUVs, the Sorento stands to offer improved handling at the expense of some interior space. It’s a plug-in hybrid, limiting its practicality for customers who can’t charge at home but providing those who can with EV-like efficiency. Unlike other three-rows with seating for seven or eight, this vehicle is only available as a six-seater, and there’s just one trim level. Options? Nope—you’re getting leather seats and a panoramic sunroof. About the only selection you can make
