Kia launched the fourth generation Sorento back in 2020. At the moment of its launch, only gasoline and hybrid engines were announced, and a plug-in hybrid version was promised for the 2022 model year. Now the plug-in hybrid version has been finally added to the Sorento lineup, and it comes with a few cool promises, including a combined overall range of 460 miles.

Exterior and Interior Are Similar To The Rest Of The Lineup

It was of course to be expected: the Sorento PHEV looks like any other Sorento model. There are, however, a few elements that will help customers to distinguish it from the rest of the lineup. These elements include specialized rear badging and, of course, the plug port located at the rear quarter panel. The car rides on standard 19-inch wheels.

Aluminum sport pedals will also be offered as an option for interested customers.

The Sorento PHEV is a three-row seating model and offers 143.8 cubic feet of passenger space. According to Kia this is the most of any PHEV SUV.

There is also a long list of available technologies:

- 12.3-in. full digital meter cluster, a first for any Kia SUV (SX-P)

- Surround View Monito

- Blind View Monitor projects live video view of adjacent lanes in the instrument

- Electrochromic rear view mirror (SX-P)

- Smart key with pushbutton start and remote start (from key fob)

- 8 USB charging ports

- 10.25-inch high-resolution color touchscreen display with navigation and telematics (UVO link)

- SiriusXM9 satellite radio

- Wireless smartphone charging pad

- Bose11 premium sound system, available with 12 high-performance speakers

- Bose Centerpoint technology converts stereo sources into a richer surround-sound experience

- Dynamic Speed Compensation analyzes the sound source and automatically adjusts according to speed

Changes come under the hood

Its under the hood where the Sorento PHEV differs from the rest of the models from the lineup.The electric motor gets its juice from a 13.8 battery pack and offers an all-electric range of 32 miles. Kia is also hoping to achieve a combined overall range of 460 miles.

The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with standard paddle shifters and sends its power to all four wheels thanks to a standard AWD drivetrain.

Prices

The 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV will go on sale in the third quarter of 2021. It will be offered in two trims: SX and SX-P. Prices will start from $44,990 for the SX trim and from $47,890 for the fully loaded SX-Prestige (SX-P). These prices do not include destination and handling charge of $1,175. Also, Kia announced that the Sorento PHEV may be eligible for a $6,587 Federal Tax Credit.

Just for comparison purposes, prices for the other Sorento models range from $29,490 for the LX FWD version up to $38,290 for the Hybrid EX equipped with AWD.