NEW KIA SORENTO PLUG IN HYBRID MID SIZE CROSSOVER 2023 #sorento #kia

#NEW_KIA #sorento #kia #PLUG_IN #hybrid #MID_SIZE #crossover #2023
NEW KIA SORENTO PLUG IN HYBRID - MID-SIZE CROSSOVER 2023
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.