Kia widens its electric footprint with the all-new 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). It joins the already-established Sorento Hybrid (HEV).
A kissing cousin to the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, the Sorento PHEV has few in-class rivals. Its closest competitors are the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
As a three-row SUV, the Sorento PHEV utilizes second-row captain’s chairs and seats six. It hosts the same hybrid powertrain as the Sorento HEV, except with a larger, higher-capacity battery. That is, it’s a marriage of a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor.
The vehicle produces a combined 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission hustles that output to all four wheels (AWD).
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the electric-only range at 32 miles.
- It assesses vehicles that can run on battery power alone with a formula called miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe).
- The electric-only estimated fuel economy is 79 MPGe.
- Once the electrons peter out, the estimated mileage with the turbo 4-cylinder is 35 miles per gallon in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 34 mpg combined.
- We like the Sorento PHEV for its wide-open interior space, the technology-packed standard features list, and rock-solid value.
- Kia offers the Sorento PHEV in SX and SX-P grades.
- A panoramic sunroof is the only option for both grades.
- The core Kia Sorento was totally redesigned for 2021.
Related: See our Plug In Hybrid Buying Guide
2022 Kia Sorento PHEV SX (Starting at $44,990)
We could be quite happy with the SX that includes AWD, 19-inch alloy wheels, and full exterior LED lighting (auto-on/off projector headlights, taillights, daytime running lights, and foglights).
Also included are heated power outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, a liftgate window defroster, a 4.2-inch color driver info display, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The other standard content includes faux-leather seating, heated multi-adjustable power front seats, keyless entry with push-button start, and remote start.
The infotainment features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless phone charger, and satellite radio capability.
A navigation system is another standard feature.
The standard Drive Wise driver aids include forward-collision warning with auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, and lane-keeping assist.
Other standard Drive Wise technologies are rear cross-traffic alert with auto-braking, lane-departure warning, lane-following assist, high-beam assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Also standard is Kia’s semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist, which helps the driver accelerate, brake, and steer the vehicle.
Adding the $1,175 destination fee to the PHEV SX base prices totals $46,165. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to a monthly payment of $830. See 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV SX models for sale
2022 Kia Sorento PHEV SX Includes:
Highway Driving Assist – This is Kia’s semi-autonomous system that helps drivers steer and brake the vehicle.
Dual-zone automatic climate control – A set-it-and-forget-it system, it divides the vehicle into left and right regions. It provides separate temperature settings for each region. Once set, it automatically maintains the preset temperatures.
LED exterior lighting – This includes projector headlights with auto on/off, taillights, daytime running lights (DRLs), and foglights. LEDs illuminate a wider and longer area than regular incandescent lights. That means they are also easier for other drivers to see.
2022 Kia Sorento PHEV SX-P (Starting at $47,890)
The SX-P adds a 12.3-inch color meter cluster, auto-dimming rearview mirror, perforated-leather seating, and a 9-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system to the SX content.
Also standard are a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat, heated-ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.
Adding the $1,175 destination fee to the SX-P base price brings the total to $49,065. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing works out to $882 per month. See 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV SX-Prestige models for sale
2022 Kia Sorento PHEV SX-P Includes:
Ventilated front seats – Blowing cool air, they help keep you comfortable in hot weather.
12.3-inch color meter cluster – This replaces the traditional speedometer, tachometer, and other gauges with a high-resolution digital display.
8-speaker Bose audio system – This includes a center speaker, external amplifier, and surround-sound capability.
