Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SUV, starting at 48,000 $

The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SUV impresses with 261 HP and an attractive starting price of 48,000 $ . Here are all the details at a glance.

from $48,000
Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

  • Engine Type : Plug-In Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All Wheel
  • Power HP : 261 HP

Family SUV, With a Plug and a Plan

The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid wears its eco badge quietly, pairing a sharp grille and crisp lighting with clean, squared-off lines. It’s a midsize footprint at 189.6 inches long, which helps it fit suburban garages while still looking substantial. The details are mature rather than flashy, and the stance on available larger wheels gives it presence without shouting. It’s a family hauler that looks ready for school runs and weekend hikes, not a science project on wheels.

Cabin Calm, Buttons Where You Need Them

Inside, materials feel solid and thoughtfully chosen, with soft-touch panels and sturdy switchgear where hands naturally fall. The layout mixes a large central touchscreen with physical controls for core functions, so you’re not poking through menus just to adjust temperature. Seats are supportive, and the second-row captain’s chairs create easy aisle access to the way-back. It’s a refined space that reads more premium than the badge suggests.

Three Rows, Real-Life Flexibility

The Sorento PHEV seats six, and that third row is best for kids or adults on short trips, as in most midsize three-rows. Cargo space is useful: about 12.6 cu ft with all seats up, roughly 38.5 cu ft behind the second row, and up to around 75.5 cu ft when folded. In practice, that means groceries and strollers fit fine with row three up, while a Costco run or flat-pack furniture is no sweat with the rear rows down. Wide-opening doors and a low load floor make family life easier.

Hybrid Hardware, Everyday Pace

The plug-in setup pairs a 1.6-liter turbo-four with an electric motor for a combined 261 hp and 270 lb-ft, routed through a six-speed automatic and standard AWD. It moves its 4,652-lb mass with calm confidence, doing 0–60 mph in roughly the high-seven to low-eight-second range. The gasoline engine stays mostly quiet in gentle driving, with the electric motor smoothing out low-speed moves. Under heavy throttle the engine gets more vocal, but highway merges remain drama-free.

Ride Quality and Road Manners

Ride comfort is a strong suit, filtering out cracked pavement without feeling floaty. Steering is light and consistent, designed more for school-zone ease than canyon carving, yet body control stays tidy for a three-row. AWD adds reassuring traction in rain or snow, and the six-speed keeps revs in check better than some droning CVTs. Overall, it’s settled, quiet, and confidence-inspiring on long hauls.

Charge, Cruise, and Save

Electric-only range lands around 30–32 miles in EPA testing, enough to cover many commutes and errand loops without burning gas. A 240-volt Level 2 home charger replenishes the battery in roughly 3.5 hours; a household outlet is an overnight affair. It can cruise in EV mode at suburban speeds and even at highway pace if you’re gentle with the throttle, with the engine stepping in seamlessly when needed.

Numbers That Matter After the Battery

When the pack is depleted, expect about 34 mpg combined, which is efficient for an AWD three-row. The EPA rates it around 79 MPGe when factoring electric driving, translating to real savings if you plug in regularly. With a 12.4-gallon tank, road-trip range is comfortable, and there’s no anxiety about charging infrastructure. Towing up to roughly 2,000 pounds covers small trailers or a pair of jet skis.

Screens, Smarts, and Safety Nets

The latest Sorento PHEV brings a modern dual-screen look with crisp graphics, quick responses, and available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto depending on spec. The interface is straightforward, and the voice assistant handles common tasks without fuss. Standard driver aids include forward-collision warning with automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise with lane centering. Available extras like a surround-view camera and blind-spot view monitor make tight parking lots much less stressful.

Trims and Value Play

The plug-in lineup centers on the well-equipped EX and the more luxurious SX Prestige, both with AWD and the same 261-hp powertrain. The EX covers must-haves like heated seats and robust safety tech, while the SX Prestige adds niceties such as ventilated seats, premium audio, and more advanced driver assists. Either way, the standard features list is generous, making the Sorento PHEV feel like a smart spend rather than a splurge. Warranty coverage remains a Kia strong point, easing long-term cost-of-ownership worries.

Who Is It For?

This is for families who want real three-row flexibility and SUV confidence but prefer to do most daily miles on electricity. Commuters with a home charger will see the biggest benefits, effectively turning gas stops into weekend-only events. Drivers who value comfort and tech over sporty handling will feel right at home. It’s a pragmatic bridge between full EV and traditional SUV, without sacrificing the stuff that makes family life work.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
48,000 - 53,100 $
FuelEconomy City
-
FuelEconomy Hwy
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
12.4 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Seats
6
Doors
-
Curb weight
4,652 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Length
189.6 in.
Width
74.8 in.
Height
66 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Plug-In Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
All Wheel
Power HP
261 HP
Torque
270 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
1.6 L
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2,025
Brand
Kia

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What is the starting MSRP for the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid?

Base pricing begins at 48,000 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.