Kia Sorento hybrid has an electric range of 68km!
Kia adds an AWD plug-in hybrid to the Sorento range
Kia's new Sorento PHEV promises a practical electric-only mode and lower emissions. Kia says that this is the only vehicle in the mainstream large SUV class to offer diesel, petrol and plug-in drivetrains.
Kia Sorento hybrid PHEV: Spec highlights
- Useful 68km electric range. Having up to 68 kilometres of electric-only driving is extremely enticing. For many urban drivers, who make several shorter trips in a day, they could do this using only electric power. Then, when you need to go for a longer trip, you've got the convenience of a traditional petrol engine. It's the perfect blend of an electric car and a fossil-fuel model. According to the spec sheet, combined fuel economy is a minuscule 1.6L/100km.
- Decent power and torque figures. The Kia Sorento PHEV should be reasonably gutsy, as the 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and electric motor turn out 350Nm of torque and 195kW. Kia states the electric motor is good for 304Nm. The motor is sandwiched by the 6-speed automatic transmission and engine, allowing it to work in tandem with the petrol drivetrain to improve efficiency.
- Room for up to 7. It's possible to spec the Sorento PHEV as a 7-seater, which is handy for those who want a greener family vehicle.
- Twin displays. There's a 10.25-inch navigation display that shows nearby charging points and info. You can enter into a split-screen mode too, so you can access vehicle info and apps at the same time. The driver has a large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, where all the vital hybrid-related info lives.
- Terrain mode makes the Sorento highly capable. Kia Sorento PHEV GT-Line hybrids have an all-terrain mode as standard. With settings for snow, mud and sand, the driver can adjust how the Sorento puts down power as well as optimise gear changes for each surface.
- Type 2 charging plug. Kia opted to use the Type 2 charging plug, which is the most common plug type used on hybrid and electric vehicles. The plug is widespread. Buyers also get an AC wall plug to charge the Kia Sorento PHEV from a normal 3-pin socket. Next to the charging port is an LED that shows the charge status and battery level, which is useful to know. Charge times given in the spec sheet are 3 hours, 25 minutes from 15-95% capacity using a 3.3kW charger.
- Meaty 14kWh battery. Tucked underneath the vehicle floor, a 14kWh lithium-ion polymer battery enables the Sorento's 68km range.
- Premium interior. As the Kia Sorento PHEV is currently only available in the top of the range GT-Line (apparently, due to supply limitations), it's well equipped. As standard, you get 19-inch alloys, quilted Nappa leather seats and black upholstery. There's a BOSE 12-speaker surround sound system as well as features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
How much is the Kia Sorento hybrid?
It's the most expensive Sorento currently available, with a drive-away cost of $81,990. That's because the Sorento hybrid is only available as an AWD GT-Line (GT-Line is the top spec for Sorentos). The Kia Sorento diesel AWD GT-Line has a drive-away price of $67,290, while a petrol 2WD GT-Line will cost you $64,290.
There's one free paint finish, Clear White. The other six colours are a $695 premium option.
What other models should I consider?
If you want an all-electric SUV, Hyundai builds the excellent Kona. Kia is also launching a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric Niro SUV next year.
Looking for a new or used car? Then visit our car reviews section! It's well worth spending a few moments to compare car loans as well as car insurance. Doing so could save you a heap of money.
Picture: Supplied
