The Kia Sorento is one of the brand’s volume sellers but the PHEV version may be a bit too expensive and unusual for its good coming only in SX-Prestige trim and starting at N51 million ($51,185).
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Kia has given nonhybrid trims of the 2024 Sorento a mid-cycle refresh that’s largely focused on appearances. A fresh front grille and revised taillights are among the most significant changes, but the Sorento receives updated wheel designs and other tweaks too.
The cabin receives updates to the dashboard and infotainment, and new X-Line and X-Pro trims give the Sorento a more rugged appeal. The hybrid models carry over unchanged to 2024 but will receive the same styling enhancements as the 2025 models.
- -1.6L Turbo 4 cylinder & 66kW electric motor -261HP and 258 lb-ft of torque
- -AWD, 6-speed auto
- -EPA 32 miles on EV mode
The issue? It takes too long to charge even for an LVL 2-only PHEV. It can fully charge its 13.8kWh battery in about 3.5-4.5 hours (LVL2), accepting only around 3.5-3.7kW speeds. A Tonale PHEV only takes around 2-2.5hrs for example.
Highs:
- -a 12.3in digital cluster, 360 camera,16 different driver safety features, ventilated seats, and cool blue leather.
- -Easy to get in and out of the third row
Lows:
- -No mode to preserve EV battery charge and slow charging is a major miss.
- The third row is tight for most adults and renders cargo space useless.
- -Smaller PHEVs like the RAV4 Prime offer more power and better chassis control.
- -The interior physical/capacity button mix is messy, infotainment was laggy, and no wireless CarPlay is not 2024 N51 million level.
The Sorento will be the first new Kia to feature the brand’s latest infotainment system dubbed Connected Car Navigation Cockpit. The system is faster, has better graphics, and will feature an easier-to-use operating system. USB-C ports in all three rows should keep everyone in the family happy and connected. Customers will also be able to use their phone as key with the available digital key 2.0.
Advanced driver assistance features like forward collision avoidance assist have been upgraded to help detect pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming vehicles while turning left at an intersection.
Engines will carry over with base trims getting a naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder that produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, while higher level trims get a turbocharged version upping the power figures to 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
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