The 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) provides the kind of interior room and cutting-edge features American families require, coupled with the fuel efficiency of a midsize sedan. Unlike the Sorento Hybrid, the Sorento PHEV can be charged from an external source and travel up to 32 miles solely on electric power.
One limiting factor for budget-conscious buyers is the Sorento PHEV’s trim range, which consists of a single loaded model: the SX Prestige. So, while very nicely equipped, the PHEV version is also very pricey, something to think about considering the hybrid-only version costs about $7,500 less.
Sorento PHEV SX Prestige
Starts at $49,990 | See listings
- 12.3-inch digital instrument display
- 12-speaker Bose audio system
- Multicolor ambient LED interior lighting
- 14-way heated and ventilated front seats
- Blind Spot View Monitor
- LED projector headlights
- Heated steering wheel
- Junction Turning Detection
- Nav-linked smart cruise control
- Highway Driving Assist
- See more
2023 Kia Sorento PHEV SX Prestige: $49,990
The well-equipped Sorento PHEV SX Prestige derives power from a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive with a locking center differential.
Torque vectoring is an electronic system that monitors road surface condition and driver input, with the ability to apply brake force to the inside cornering wheels, which helps improve traction and stability.
Kia’s Drive Mode Select allows the driver to choose various modes controlling the throttle input, steering effort, and transmission shift points. The SX includes Eco, Sport, Comfort, Smart, Custom, and Snow modes.
The SX Prestige is a handsome crossover punctuated by a gloss black grille and rear spoiler, matte black lower door accents, and Satin Chrome roof rails and window surrounds. 19-inch alloy wheels complete the look.
Standard features include heated power-folding outside mirrors with integrated turn signal lenses, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, a hands-free “Smart” power liftgate, automatic LED projector headlights, and LED fog lights.
Rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, and additional LED lighting accents finish the exterior highlights.
The Sorento comes with a hefty helping of driver-assist system, including forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Junction Turning (helps avoid potential collisions when turning at an intersection or crossing oncoming traffic), a blind-spot monitor with avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic detection with automatic braking.
Also standard are lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, and Highway Driving Assist, all designed to help steer or keep the Sorento in its intended lane. Automatic high-beam headlights are also standard, as is a navigation-based adaptive cruise control system that can anticipate severe curves in the road and slow the vehicle before entering.
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist displays the posted speed limit so you’ll always know where to set the cruise control, while a driver attention monitor and lead vehicle alert warn if it’s time to pull over and take a break and when a stopped vehicle directly ahead begins to pull away.
Additional driver-assist systems include front and rear parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree surround view monitor.
Finally, you’ll find rear occupant alert with ultrasonic sensors (reminds the driver to check the back seat for passengers or pets) and Safe Exit Assist that prevents rear seat passengers from exiting into traffic approaching from the rear.
The Sorento PHEV is a 3-row SUV with 2nd-row captain’s chair-style seating that limits total occupancy to six people. The SX Prestige has perforated leather upholstery and a 14-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar, memory settings, and power thigh extension. The front seats are heated and ventilated, the steering wheel and 2nd-row seats are heated, and the front passenger seat has 10-way power adjustment with 2-way power lumbar support. One-touch sliding and folding 2nd-row captain’s chair seating allows easy access to the 50/50 split-folding and reclining 3rd-row seat.
A 12.3-inch configurable digital LCD instrument cluster is directly in front of the driver. The cluster includes screens for the Blind-Spot View Monitor that display an image of the adjacent lane when activating the turn signal.
Prestige buyers enjoy a leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth, and cruise control buttons, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, a smartphone-compatible wireless charging pad, a 4.2-inch trip computer display, and Kia’s Smart Key proximity key fob with remote start, keyless entry, and push-button start.
Little details worth mentioning include one-touch auto up/down power windows, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, and a rotary gear selector in place of the traditional shift lever found in the non-hybrid Sorento models.
Wrapped into the SX’s extensive infotainment system is a 10.25-inch color touchscreen with built-in GPS navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect remote connectivity via your smartphone. The system includes natural voice recognition and an AM/FM/HD radio with a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
The SX has no less than eight USB ports, including a front console USB data port and two USB charging ports, three USB charging ports in the second row, two additional USB charging ports in the third row, and a 115-volt inverter located in the cargo bay.
Kia Connect is a smartphone-based app that allows you to start the vehicle remotely, set the interior climate, and locate your Sorento in a crowded parking lot, among other things.
With the $1,325 destination charge, the 2023 Kia Sorento PHEV SX Prestige costs $51,315. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the estimated monthly payment comes to about $968. See 2024 Kia Sorento PHEV SX Prestige models for sale near you
2023 Kia Sorento PHEV SX Prestige includes:
12.3-inch digital LCD instrument cluster – This digital reproduction of analog gauges changes color and layout depending on the setting of the Drive Mode Select system.
14-way power driver’s seat – This seat includes an extendable thigh support cushion for long-legged drivers.
Ventilated front seats – These seats keep your backside cool and perspiration-free, which is appreciated on hot days.
Related: See our Plug-In Hybrid Buying Guide
