Kia Sorento PHEV, the only seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV in its category

After 18 years on the market, the Sorento, with more than 37,000 units sold since its launch in Spain and 3,000,000 worldwide, shows a qualitative leap over previous generations. The new edition of the model grows slightly – 10 mm in length, width and height, reduces its overhangs and increases the wheelbase by 35 mm to improve interior space, which features three rows of seats. It offers up to seven seats inside, the only model in its category with these characteristics.

The Kia Sorento PHEV, a new member developed on the fourth generation of the model, combines a 1.6 turbo petrol engine producing 180 CV with a 13.8 kWh battery and an electric motor of 66.9 kW, which makes it possible to cover up to 57 km in fully electric mode. The platform it uses, N3 SUV, allows the adaptation of “Smartstream” combustion, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, the three technologies with which it is currently offered.

With the new version, the Sorento PHEV becomes the vehicle with the lowest emissions in the range and also the most powerful one. Thanks to the combination of engine and battery, it is capable of delivering a combined output of 265 CV and 350 Nm of torque. In addition, it features a water-cooling system to improve the performance of the electrical equipment.

As the battery does not take up much space in the boot, it boasts impressive capacity figures: 175 litres with seven seats and 604 litres when five seats are used, that is, four litres less than the hybrid and 12 less than the combustion versions.

Few aesthetic differences

The PHEV variant barely differs aesthetically from its siblings in the range. Only the “Eco plug-in” badge, the charging socket on the rear wing and 19-inch alloy wheels set it apart from the rest of the versions.

It has three rows of seats, all of them with climate control and good access, although the last row is limited to smaller occupants, since the bench, although positioned fairly low, does not provide comfort for users over 1.75 m tall.

Inside, the digital instrument cluster has been redesigned, featuring new graphics and a 12.3″ screen. It allows the driver to check the status of the propulsion system, the charge level of the battery, as well as the power flow of the electric and combustion engines. The central 10.25″ screen, focused on audio and navigation information, now allows charging points to be located on the map, with integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, among others.

It also includes the UVO Connect system of Kia Phase II with Kia Live services for real-time traffic status, weather forecasts, points of interest, vehicle location at any time, charging control and scheduling, and locating available parking spaces.

Generous equipment

In terms of safety it does not skimp on assistance, offering systems such as the front collision assist with detection of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles; the cross-traffic detector, blind-spot monitor and surround-view monitor; the intelligent cruise control with Stop&Go function, lane assist, as well as a view monitor to prevent collisions when reversing and during cross traffic, or exit assist, which prevents the rear doors from opening if a vehicle is detected approaching from behind.

It is available in two trim levels, called Drive and Emotion. The first already includes seven airbags, LED headlights, GPS navigation, push-button start with smart key, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, front and rear parking sensors and dual-zone climate control.

The next step up, Emotion, adds the blind-spot detection system with monitor in the instrument panel, collision prevention assist when leaving a parking space, panoramic sunroof, premium audio system, 360º camera, steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, automatic electric tailgate and wireless induction charger.

As an option on the Emotion trim, the Luxury Pack is offered, which includes side steps, sports pedals, Head-Up display, Nappa leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar adjustment, driver’s seat with memory function, and ventilated front seats, which costs an additional 3,600 euros.

Low consumption

It features a 1.6 petrol engine supported by an electric motor of 66.9 kW (91 CV) and 304 Nm of torque, powered by a 13.8 kWh, 360 V battery. These are paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox with steering-wheel paddles. It is only available in all-wheel drive configuration, with the option to select different driving modes: Eco, Sport and Smart, which modify the power management and delivery parameters.

It also offers a Terrain Mode driving selector for different terrains, Snow, Mud and Sand, for driving on snow, mud and sand, which acts on the torque distribution to the rear axle, brake pressure, engine torque delivery and gear-shift management.

In any of the modes, the electric power delivery provides a good dose of torque and improves performance, especially in acceleration and recovery, although the top speed is lower than that of versions with a combustion-only engine. Nevertheless, it allows exclusively electric operation on many occasions and regenerates energy very efficiently during deceleration and braking.

In electric mode it homologates a consumption of 18.4 kWh/100 km which, combined with the use of the petrol engine, brings the average consumption down to 1.6 l/100 km. It is true that this figure would only be valid for the first 100 km in the best case, but in reality, driving with some caution, real consumption figures below 7 l/100 km can be achieved, a figure that is quite good for a model of this kind, weighing two tonnes and measuring 4.8 metres in length.

To reduce energy consumption when it is not needed, a climate control button has been incorporated that allows the system to be directed exclusively at the driver, so that no energy is lost air-conditioning the rest of the cabin.

As for charging, there is no difficulty at all, since the on-board charger it integrates has an output of 3.3 kW, so it can be powered from a standard domestic Schuko socket (a Schuko-Mennekes cable is included as standard), which would take a maximum of five hours to complete the process. If charged at a Wallbox-type point or a reinforced 16 A socket, charging time would be reduced to 3 hours and 25 minutes.

Good handling

Driving the PHEV presents no complications, beyond those implied by its size and weight, but in any case, it proves quite agile and dynamic. The suspension is not uncomfortable, as its setup is not especially firm, yet it is effective at containing body roll.

By making good use of deceleration and braking, and taking advantage of the terrain being driven on, it is possible to achieve a good level of energy regeneration to preserve or increase battery charge, something not possible with other combustion-engine propulsion systems.

It has lost some off-road capabilities compared with previous editions, that is undeniable, although that is not the model’s main purpose. Nevertheless, the availability of four-wheel drive and the operating modes provided by the Terrain Mode system make driving easier when grip conditions are not favourable.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadKIA Sorento13 versions · from 53,645 €