Keeping up in the age of EV or PHEV, is a full-time job.
For manufacturers these days, it’s all about technology and energy efficient automobiles. For Kia, a manufacturing power plant, which continuously exceeds expectations, does it again with the new 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
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Wrapped in Snow White Pearl paint, the Sorento is a standard five-seating SUV with third row available, but throwing the PHEV option in the mix, consumers continue to drool as Kia shows the way with its Prestige all-wheel drive SX model tester.
A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is ultra quiet and powerful when needed, but most importantly energy efficient. Its carbon rating comes in with a 10 out of 10 while its greenhouse gas rating was a 9. Well done Kia! At 261 horsepower, this beautifully designed SUV really stands out in Grasso’s Garage. Under $50,000, it can seat seven, has storage up the ying-yang, all while riding high and in style.
The interior of the Sorento … perfection. Comfortable, spacious, an easy-to-use infotainment system and ultra leg room for all passengers. Heated and ventilated seats, a slew of driver-assist technologies, typical safety features are just a few reasons why the new Sorento really shines. Did I mention the Navy interior? Stunning!
On the Sorento PHEV, we noticed an electric utilization of about 30 miles in full EV mode, but enjoyed the ECO mode when that ran out. As always, we had to try out Sport mode as well gaining the full experience of the Sorento’s pep.
Standard on our SX-Prestige were also 19-inch wheels, 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation, second-row captains chairs, plush leather, and a Bose Premium Audio system. I know that electric vehicles are the wave of the future and for good reason, but with the PHEV option, the Sorento is a great segway into the full time EV world and is a good option for consumers today, who are still just gaining an understanding of and getting the hang of the EV environment.
It’s number 1 in long-term dependability among mass market brands, hands down the best warranty in favor of the consumer with the 10 year / 100,000 mile powertrain, but let’s not forget about the 5 year / 60,000 mile roadside assistance either. Hey Kia, great job, keep up the great work, the Sorento PHEV is really a great vehicle.
Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Are you in the market for a new car? I would be happy to provide my honest input. All you have to do is email me: [email protected].
Kia Sorento PHEV
MSRP: $47,890
As tested: $49,720
MPG: 79 MPGe / 34 mpg gasoline only