Kia overhauled its popular Sorento SUV for the 2021 model year, bringing sharp styling, an extended wheelbase, and a new hybrid powertrain. The automaker just announced that further enhancements are on the way for 2022 that will include a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain option for the 3-row SUV.
Power for the new PHEV comes from a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 66.9-kW electric motor that produce a combined 261 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard and comes with a center locking differential, selectable drive modes, and a dedicated snow mode. The 13.8-kWh battery offers enough juice to travel up to 32 miles on electricity alone, which Kia says is the best of any 3-row plug-in hybrid SUV. The combined driving range is expected to be around 460 miles, and the Sorento PHEV targets a 79 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) combined fuel-economy rating.
In terms of styling, the 2022 PHEV model won’t deviate from the rest of the Sorento line but will carry a few model-specific touches. Special PHEV badging, a charging port on the rear quarter panel, and 19-inch wheels will be its only visually distinguishing features. Kia says that the Sorento PHEV offers a class-leading 143.8 cubic feet of passenger space and more second-row legroom than any other PHEV SUV. Its 40.3 inches of second-row legroom is just shy of the standard Sorento’s measurement of 41.7 inches.
The Sorento PHEV’s technology features are in line with those offered in the regular Sorento. Available features include:
Standard safety features highlight the new model, and while the 2022 Sorento PHEV has not been crash-tested yet, its 2021 model-year predecessor earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Every Sorento PHEV leaves the factory equipped with:
Kia has not yet released pricing details or an on-sale date for the 2022 Sorento PHEV. The automaker does note that it will be eligible for up to $6,587 in federal tax credit incentives and various state-level offerings. Owners in California will have access to single-rider carpool lanes.
Kia is the source of information for this article. It was accurate on August 18, 2021, but it may have changed since that date.
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