2024 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid: A Practical Blend of Power and Efficiency

The 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) carves a niche in the crowded mid-size SUV segment.  It offers practicality, comfort, and impressive fuel economy with the added benefit of electric driving for shorter commutes. Let's delve into what this Kia has to offer and see if it fits your needs.

Striking Looks with Familiar Flair

Kia didn't overhaul the Sorento's design for 2024. It retains the sleek and modern lines introduced earlier, with a bold grille and standard LED headlights. While some might find the styling a bit generic, it exudes a sense of sophistication and doesn't appear overly boxy.  Unfortunately, the PHEV variant misses out on the visual updates slated for the gas-powered Sorento next year.

Interior: Spacious Comfort with Smart Features

The Sorento PHEV's cabin prioritizes comfort and functionality. The interior is spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom for passengers in both rows. The seats are supportive and offer decent cushioning for long journeys. While some reviewers found the base cloth seats a bit lacking, higher trims boast premium materials like leather upholstery.

The dashboard layout is driver-centric, with a clear and user-friendly infotainment system. The standard 8-inch touchscreen can be upgraded to a larger 10.25-inch display with navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.  A digital instrument cluster displays essential driving information in a crisp and clear format.

One potential drawback is the cargo space. The placement of the PHEV battery pack reduces cargo capacity compared to the standard hybrid Sorento. With the rear seats up, you get 12.6 cubic feet, which might be tight for large grocery hauls. However, folding the seats opens up 75.5 cubic feet, which is still usable for most everyday needs.

The Power of Choice: Electric and Hybrid Modes

The heart of the Sorento PHEV lies in its powertrain. It combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor powered by a 13.8 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack. This setup delivers a combined output of 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While not the quickest in its class, the Sorento PHEV provides sufficient pep for everyday driving and confident highway merging.

The most compelling aspect is the electric driving range. With a fully charged battery, the Sorento PHEV can travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, according to EPA estimates. This is ideal for running errands or commuting to work without burning a drop of gas. Once the battery depletes, the hybrid system seamlessly kicks in, offering an estimated combined fuel economy of 79 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). This translates to significant savings at the pump, especially for those with shorter commutes.

Focus on Safety

The 2024 Sorento PHEV prioritizes safety with a suite of driver-assistance features included as standard.  This Kia boasts Highway Driving Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering assist, making long journeys less tiring.  Additionally, features like blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection provide an extra layer of security on the road. The Sorento PHEV has earned impressive safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Verdict: A Practical Choice with Room for Improvement

The 2024 Kia Sorento PHEV is a compelling option for eco-conscious families who prioritize practicality and fuel efficiency. It offers a comfortable and spacious interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and impressive fuel economy with its electric driving range. The PHEV powertrain also provides decent performance for everyday driving needs.

However, there are some areas for improvement. The cargo space is slightly compromised due to the battery placement, and some might find the base interior materials lacking. Additionally, the lack of the visual refresh scheduled for the gas-powered Sorento next year might be a concern for some.

Should You Buy the 2024 Kia Sorento PHEV? Here's a Deeper Look:

While the Sorento PHEV offers a compelling package, here are some additional factors to consider before making a decision:

Competition Check:

The PHEV mid-size SUV segment is getting crowded. Here are some rivals to consider:

• Toyota RAV4 Prime: Offers more electric driving range (42 miles) and slightly better cargo space, but the interior might feel less spacious and the starting price is higher.
• Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: A minivan option with exceptional passenger and cargo space, but fuel economy isn't quite as good as the Sorento PHEV.
• Ford Escape PHEV: A strong competitor with a comfortable ride and a spacious interior, but the infotainment system can be clunky and the electric driving range is lower.

Test Drive and Charging:

• It's crucial to take the Sorento PHEV for a spin to see if the powertrain and driving dynamics suit your needs.
• Consider your charging situation. If you have access to home charging, the PHEV's benefits are amplified. Relying solely on gas stations for charging might not be ideal.

Warranty and Ownership Costs:

• Kia offers a strong warranty package, including a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the powertrain. This provides peace of mind for ownership.
• Maintenance costs for PHEVs typically fall somewhere between gas-powered and electric vehicles. Factor in potential service costs during your decision-making process.

Future-Proofing:

• The PHEV market is evolving rapidly. Newer models with longer electric ranges and faster charging times might be on the horizon. Consider if the current capabilities of the Sorento PHEV meet your needs for the foreseeable future.

The 2024 Kia Sorento PHEV is a well-rounded option for eco-conscious families who prioritize practicality and fuel efficiency. It offers a comfortable and spacious interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and impressive fuel economy with its electric driving range. However,  consider the competition, your charging situation, and future needs before making your final decision.

If you value maximum electric driving range or the latest technology, rivals like the RAV4 Prime might be a better fit. However, if you prioritize a spacious and comfortable interior, a strong warranty, and a good balance of electric and gas power, the Sorento PHEV is a compelling choice.  Ultimately, the best PHEV for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.