The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid, or HEV in official parlance, delivers miserly fuel economy at the top of its class yet is priced well below the segment-favorite Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
The Sorento Hybrid takes a different approach to the 3-row SUV formula, with standard captain’s second-row seats reducing overall passenger capacity to just six people. However, given its size, this choice makes sense. Those needing room for more than six passengers are more likely to move to a larger SUV like the Kia Telluride.
New for 2022 is an all-wheel-drive option, a bonus for those living where snow is a regular part of life. Also new is a delay in the availability of features like the massive panoramic roof, a victim of the continuing microchip shortage.
The Sorento Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 277 horsepower. EPA fuel economy ratings for the front-drive Sorento Hybrid are a best-in-class 39 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. However, the Sorento Hybrid maxes out at just 1,653 pounds when it comes to towing, a far cry from the gasoline-only Sorento’s 3,500-pound tow rating.
Stylish, powerful, and full of clever features, the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid makes a fantastic family hauler. Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is just icing on the cake.
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S (starting at $33,990)
Considering its impressively low entry price, one might assume the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S is a pretty stripped-down model. But nothing could be further from the truth: The S is so well equipped Kia doesn’t even bother offering options or packages. And that should scare the competition.
The Sorento Hybrid S rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, with all-wheel-drive models getting larger 19-inch wheels. Roof rails, LED low-beam headlights, rear privacy glass, and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals are all standard. Satin chrome accents around the windows and grille accompany color-keyed bumpers and mirror caps.
The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid on the safety front comes armed with numerous protections, such as electronic traction and stability control, and a full complement of airbags, including 3-row side curtains and driver’s knee airbags.
Standard driver assists include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Also onboard are lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist that keeps the vehicle centered in its lane.
The Sorento Hybrid includes back-seat sensors that alert an exiting driver if someone is still in the back seat, a system to warn rear-seat occupants of approaching traffic before opening their door, and a driver-attention monitor to help avoid drowsy driving. Automatic high-beam headlights and rear parking sensors round out Sorento’s standard safety equipment.
The Sorento Hybrid S touts features aimed at giving the driver more control in certain situations. Steering-wheel paddle shifters allow better control of gear changes, helpful when passing slower traffic. A drive mode selector varies throttle input, gear changes, and steering feel with settings for Sport, Eco, and Smart Mode, plus Snow for models equipped with all-wheel drive.
On the comfort and convenience front, the Sorento Hybrid S has room for six, with individual bucket-style seats in the first two rows and a 50/50 split-folding third-row seat. The rear cargo bay includes a light and 12-volt outlet plus a compact spare tire under the cargo floor. Covering the Sorento’s seats is a convincing faux-leather material preferable to cloth for its ease of cleaning and durability.
Standard amenities include a 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar, 4-way manual passenger seat, conventional cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel, 3-stage heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control with second-row vents. Sliding sun visors with lighted vanity mirrors and numerous cup holders throughout are appreciated touches often overlooked.
Kia’s Smart Key proximity key fob permits unlocking and locking doors by touching the handle and starting the vehicle by pressing a button on the dash or key fob.
The Sorento Hybrid S comes standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a Wi-Fi hotspot (requires subscription). The standard six-speaker audio system does a decent job of replicating sound.
Connectivity is achieved either through streaming Bluetooth or USB port, of which there are numerous outlets in all three rows. A rearview camera with dynamic guidelines is also part of the system.
With the $1,175 destination fee, the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S costs $35,165. Opting for all-wheel drive adds another $1,800 to the bottom line. If putting no money down, the monthly payment on a 60-month loan at 3% financing comes to $632. See 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S models for sale near you
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S Includes:
- Navigation – Rare to find on an entry-level trim, satellite-linked navigation allows you to quickly find your way to any destination without having to fumble with maps or a smartphone.
- Automatic high beam headlights – Can sense oncoming headlights and automatically dim. Once the traffic has passed, the high beams resume.
- Smart Key proximity key fob – Unlocking the doors and starting the engine requires only the key fob in your purse or pocket.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – Allows for individual front seat temperature settings.
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX (starting at $35,990)
The EX brings a few more bells and whistles to the Sorento Hybrid, as well as an optional panoramic roof that, due to the chip shortage, will not be available on some early 2022 models. If that’s a must-have, you may need to delay your purchase for a few more months.
You’ll notice the S and EX are not all that far apart in pricing, roughly $2,000. EX buyers gain foglights, a power liftgate, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, enhanced forward-collision warning system with bicycle detection and Junction Turning feature, and front parking sensors.
Also on the upgrade list is a wireless charging pad, gloss-black mesh grille, and a semi-autonomous driving mode called Highway Driving Assist. This system requires the vehicle to be traveling on an approved road and at speeds under 95 mph.
Kia tosses in LED interior lights when ordering the panoramic roof option. As with the S, the EX’s optional all-wheel drive adds about $1,800 to the price.
With the $1,175 destination fee, a 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX costs $37,165. On a 60-month loan with no money down and 3% financing, the monthly payment comes to $668. See 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX models for sale near you
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX Includes:
- Junction Turning – Part of the forward-collision warning system, this feature looks for potential danger when entering an intersection or turning across oncoming traffic and can stop the vehicle to avoid a collision.
- Wireless charging pad – Thanks to this feature, there’s no more need for wires or an empty USB port. Place a compatible smartphone on the pad, and the battery charges automatically.
- Power liftgate – Can be remotely activated, allowing the cargo area to be open and ready when you arrive to load up.
- Highway Driving Assist – This Level 2 semi-autonomous drive mode can steer, brake, and accelerate on approved roads with minimal driver input.
