Kia Sorento Hybrid finally arrives
Kia’s large SUV is now better able to match Toyota Kluger with hybrid that doesn’t need plugging inAfter numerous delays, the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid has finally arrived Down Under.
As per the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Kia Sorento, the regular series/parallel petrol-electric hybrid model is only available in top-spec GT-Line trim, priced from $66,750 plus on-road costs.
That’s for the front-wheel drive variant of the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid, with AWD also available for an extra $3000.
For comparison, the regular GT-Line petrol-engined model starts at $62,070 plus ORCs, while the AWD-only GT-Line diesel is set at $65,070, so the arrival of the new hybrid provides yet another option around the $70K mark.
Crucially, the new hybrids are also more than $10,000 cheaper than the Sorento PHEV (from $80,330) with which they share the vast majority of mechanicals save for a smaller battery and less-powerful electric motor.
Residing under the bonnet of the Sorento Hybrid is the same 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as found in the PHEV.
In this case, the combustion engine is paired to a 44kW electric motor and a 1.5kWh battery, delivering a combined output of 169kW.
The PHEV uses a more potent 67kW electric motor and denser 13.8kWh battery pack that delivers 195kW combined.
Combined fuel consumption is pegged at between 5.3 and 5.8 litres per 100km, depending on the drive configuration.
On paper at least, neither the combined power output nor the AWD hybrid’s fuel economy are enough to trump the new Toyota Kluger AWD hybrid.
However, the Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid – the closest match for the Sorento GT-Line Hybrid – is priced higher at $75,700 plus ORCs.
Being a GT-Line, the Sorento Hybrid comes with a standard equipment list as long as your arm.
Some of the highlights include heated and cooled power-adjustable front seats, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, 64-colour ambient lighting, LED exterior and interior lighting, and a 10.25-inch infotainment interface linked to a 12-speaker Bose audio system featuring Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and an in-car intercom.
The Sorento Hybrid and PHEV should soon be joined by the smaller Kia Sportage Hybrid and PHEV.
Unlike the Sorento, the regular hybrid version of the Sportage should arrive before the plug-in version on account of the latter only making its global debut last month.
How much does the 2022 Kia Sorento cost?
S petrol – $47,650
S diesel – $50,650
Sport petrol – $50,270
Sport diesel AWD – $53,270
Sport+ petrol – $54,850
Sport+ diesel AWD – $57,850
GT-Line petrol – $62,070
GT-Line diesel AWD – $65,070
GT-Line Hybrid – $66,750
GT-Line Hybrid AWD – $69,750
GT-Line PHEV AWD – $80,330
*Prices exclude on-road costs
Related: Kia Sorento PHEV price shock
Related: Kia Sorento hybrid models delayed
Related: Kia Sorento – What you need to know
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