The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has finally landed in the United States for the 2022 model year, promising the longest pure electric range than any other PHEV SUV. According to EPA’s website as well as Kia’s own estimations, the vehicle has enough juice from its 13.8-kWh battery pack to last for 32 miles (51.5 kilometers) without sipping any gasoline.
The Sorento PHEV is targeting an impressive 79 MPGe combined rating and aims to provide a total range of 460 miles (740 kilometers) with a full gasoline tank and a completely charged battery. The maximum driving range is quite impressive given the sheer size and weight of the SUV, not to mention that it comes as standard with all-wheel drive.
At the heart of Kia’s latest electrified SUV is a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine working together with an electric motor providing an extra 66.9 kilowatts for a combined output of 261 horsepower. The Korean-built family hauler comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with paddle shifters as standard equipment.
Aside from a charging port on the rear quarter panel, you can tell it’s the PHEV version thanks to the special badging at the back as well as 19-inch wheels. Inside, it gets three-row seating with second-row captain’s chairs as standard, wrapped in Syntex synthetic leather or optional perforated leather. Also at an additional cost, Kia can fit the Sorento PHEV with aluminum sport pedals.
While pricing details have not been disclosed, we do know the model is eligible for a $6,587 Federal Tax Credit, plus any applicable state incentives. Kia will sell the 2022 Sorento PHEV in SX and SX-P trim levels, with the latter benefitting from a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster. The more expensive of the two versions also gets an electrochromic rearview mirror, turn signal-activated blind-spot monitoring in the driver’s display, and a four-camera Surround View Monitor system.
There are no fewer than 13 safety systems offered as standard across the range, including Highway Driving Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance. The AWD system comes bundled with a center locking differential and selectable driving modes, including a dedicated Snow Mode.
Kia says it will have the Sorento PHEV on sale in North America from Q3 2021, with pricing to be announced closer to its market launch.
Source: Kia
