The Kia brand is on a roll. As SUVs continue to gain popularity here in the U.S.A, its mid-size Sorento Hybrid deserves the spotlight. Why? Because it offers a driving experience that is unique to the segment.
The latest Kia Sorento Hybrid packs a turbo engine combined with a hybrid system, and a regular stepped automatic transmission instead of a CVT making it a driver’s SUV of choice for the eco-conscious buyer.
2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
- Regular Automatic - No CVT
- Turbo Hybrid Engine
- 10.25 Inch Touchscreen
- Standard Smart Key
- Tons Of Standard Safety Goodies
- 8 USB Ports
- Model: Sorento Hybrid
- Engine:: 1.6-liter Turbo Hybrid
- Power Output: 227 HP
- Torque: 258 LB-FT
- Transmission: 6-Speed Auto
- Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive / All-Wheel Drive
- MSRP: $36,590 - $42,390
- Regular Transmission
- Turbo Power
- Base Model Gets A Lot Of Features
- Love-It Or Hate-It Styling
- No Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Not Very Competent Off-Road
2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid Performance And Capability
The standard engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a full hybrid system. That engine is good for 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Instead of using a conventional CVT transmission like so many hybrids rely on, the Sorento Hybrid uses a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. This completely eliminates the "rubber band" feeling of a CVT and the droning sound of a CVT. Drivers who want to disguise their hybrid should definitely consider the Sorento Hybrid.
The 1.6-liter engine offers plenty of get-up for the class and again, it doesn't sound like a conventional hybrid. CarandDriver was able to get it up to 60 MPH in 7.6 seconds. That's a very welcome surprise. In this segment, it's very typical for hybrids to be quick off the line, but they run out of steam as the speed builds. In the Sorento Hybrid, that's not the case.
The turbo really helps this car out with acceleration. The six-speed automatic is a great partner for this engine, although we would've liked to see an eight-speed or even more, it's still extremely nice to drive a hybrid with a stepped automatic. The performance of the Sorento Hybrid is class-average, but it's all about the feel. This feels like a traditional car, not a hybrid.
FWD is standard on the EX model and AWD is optional, on the SX model, AWD is standard. The AWD system used in the Sorento Hybrid is the latest from Kia; torque vectoring AWD. This is the latest system of AWD and the Sorento Hybrid's AWD system also has a locking center differential, which again is unique for the class.
This is an actual mechanical AWD system with a drive shaft. Unlike for example the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which uses an electric motor to drive the back wheels, the Sorento Hybrid has an actual mechanical connection from the transaxle to the rear axle. Expect great all-weather grip and traction with the Sorento Hybrid.
Engine Type | 1.6-liter Turbo Hybrid |
Horsepower | 227 HP |
Torque | 258 Pound Feet |
Transmission | Six-Speed Automatic |
0-60 | Not Yet Tested |
Top Speed | Not Yet Tested |
Drive | FWD or AWD |
Mileage/Range | 655 Miles Of Range (37 MPG Combined) |
Towing Capacity | 2,000 Pounds |
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the Kia Sorento Hybrid is very striking. It's very distinctive and stands out among the crowd. Starting at the front, you get the signature Kia grille and beam-type headlamps. LED fog lights add a nice premium touch to this SUV as well as LED turn signals. A huge lower-air dam looks like it's ready to inhale the road. Moving to the side profile, we see lots of Kia Sorento lineage from years past.
This is where the Sorento Hybrid looks like it is one and the same as the previous generation, especially in the third window. We like the little chrome piece on the front fender that extends to the front door. Aluminum accented pieces on the doors add a sporty flare as well. In the back of the Sorento, LED taillights also complement the vehicle. The taillight design is distinctive and the overall back of the vehicle resembles the big brother, the Kia Telluride.
Exterior Colors | Color | Price |
Standard | Silky Silver Steel Gray Platinum Graphite Aurora Black Gravity Blue | Included |
Optional | Snow White Pearl Runway Red | $445 |
Length | 189.4 in |
Width | 74.8 in |
Height | 66.7 in |
Wheelbase | 110.8 in |
Ground Clearance | 6.85 in |
Curb Weight | 3,979 lbs - 4,140 lbs |
Interior Quality And Technology
The interior of the Kia Sorento Hybrid is equally as striking as the exterior. Material quality is above average and the optional leather quality is great. An optional digital gauge cluster adds a very luxurious car-like feeling and the huge 10.25-inch infotainment screen is bigger than most in its class.
Satin aluminum and chrome accents add a modern touch to the interior without looking cheap and overdone like some other vehicles. A digital/electronic gear shift looks like it could've come by way of a Ford, but here it has a button in the middle for the park. Just below the gearshift is the drive mode selector. An electronic parking brake is just below those two knobs. A huge panoramic moon roof is also an option.
Moving into the back, the captain's chairs are standard, with seating for six in the vehicle. Having captain's chairs is always a premium touch to an SUV these days. Two map pockets are present as well as tons of bottle holders and USB ports. The second-row seats also slide and adjust for better comfort and utility. Third-row passengers aren't forgotten about either. They get reclining rear seats and USB ports too. Heated second-row seats are also standard on the SX trim. Overall, the backseat is extremely practical and a nice place to spend time in.
Seating Capacity | 6 |
Headroom | 36.8 - 40.3 in |
Legroom | 29.6 - 41.4 in |
Shoulder room | 53 - 59.1 in |
Cargo Room | 75.5./38.5–45.0/12.6 cu ft |
2023 Kia Sorento Price
Pricing for the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid starts at $36,590 plus $1,295 for delivery.
EX | $36,590 |
SX | $42,390 |
Build your Kia Sorento Hybrid here.
Safety
The Kia Sorento earns a 4/5 from NHTSA for crashworthiness and a 2022 Kia Sorento earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The 2023 Sorento has not been tested by IIHS yet. As for technology related to safety, you get loads of standard features like collision braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with exit assist, rear cross alert, parking assistance sensors, and so much more. The Sorento Hybrid has every safety feature you could ever ask for.
Main Competition
The 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid faces some serious competition. Vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, the Ford Explorer, the Honda Pilot, the Nissan Pathfinder, and Chevrolet Traverse are all fantastic options. The Kia Sorento Hybrid, however, is one of the few hybrids in this segment, which makes it stand out from the crowd. Other hybrids in this segment include the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Ford Explorer Hybrid just to name a few. The Kia Sorento Hybrid stands out because of its engine and transmission combination. The six-speed automatic is a true winner in our opinion.
It really makes driving this SUV more fun and feels more like a conventional car instead of a hybrid. Of course, some folks want that "traditional" hybrid feeling, and that's where the Sorento Hybrid strays a bit. If you like the silkiness of a CVT, then the Sorento Hybrid isn't your first choice. However, if you want a driver's SUV that gets great gas mileage, then the Sorento Hybrid is definitely worth a peek. The turbocharged engine is also unique in this class for a hybrid, and it only adds to the enjoyment of this SUV. This is a fantastic family vehicle for the majority.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2023 Kia Sorento a plug-in?
Yes, that's an option. The Sorento either comes as a pure gasoline vehicle, a full hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid.
Q: Is the Kia Sorento Hybrid good on gas?
Yes, the Sorento Hybrid gets great mileage for its class. Expect mileage in the mid-30s.
Q: Is the Kia Sorento Hybrid safe?
The Sorento hybrid does well in its crash tests. It earns a 4/5 from NHTSA.
Q: Is the Kia Sorento Hybrid AWD?
Yes, AWD is an option on the EX trim and standard on the SX trim.
Q: What's the range of the Kia Sorento Hybrid?
Expect a range in the mid-600s.
Q: How much is the Kia Sorento Hybrid?
You can get the 2023 MY Sorento Hybrid starting at $36,590 plus destination.