2026 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
With miles of all-electric range, the 2026 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid can cruise in silence far longer than the standard hybrid model ever could. The two hybridized Sorentos are similar, but only the plug-in has about 30 miles of fully electric range before the gas engine turns on.
This generation of Sorento was introduced for 2021 and received a refresh for 2024. Rivals to this six-seat three-row SUV include the Mazda CX-90, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Toyota Grand Highlander.
What’s New
The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is expected to enter 2026 largely unchanged from 2025. For 2024 the Sorento got a major refresh, which brought changes including:
- New design details
- Larger standard infotainment touchscreen
- Revised interior controls and touchpoints
- Fresh paint and upholstery choices
What We Think
There’s a lot of great functionality in the 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, but this SUV might be too niche for most drivers. Its 30 miles of all-electric driving range could benefit an owner diligent about charging. However, given the huge increase in base price and tenuous fuel savings over time, the regular Sorento Hybrid is probably a better buy for most.
Regardless, the Sorento PHEV has the same appealing versatility as any other Sorento model. Although its third-row seats aren’t as spacious as in larger SUVs, the Sorento is also generally smaller than those, contributing to easier parking and better handling. The PHEV occasionally has delayed accelerator responses, but it otherwise has the same comfortable ride and well-tuned steering.
Inside the Sorento, the main thing we’d change is the fussy touch-sensitive climate control panel. Otherwise, it’s a stylish and smartly arranged space.
While we like the Sorento generally, we think the Hybrid model is better suited for more drivers than the Plug-In Hybrid. However, for those niche drivers who will regularly plug in, the niche Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is a good choice.
MotorTrend Tested
Like the Sorento Hybrid, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter turbo-four. However, compared to the Hybrid, the Plug-In Hybrid has a more powerful electric motor. With that, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has output of 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which enables a 7.4-second 0–60-mph time.
Both versions of the hybrid Sorento have a six-speed automatic transmission. However, only the Plug-In Hybrid has standard AWD.
Range and MPGs
Compared to the Sorento Hybrid, the main appeal of the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is its ability to drive in EV mode. With its 13.8-kWh battery, the Sorento PHEV has up to 30 miles of all-electric driving range.Safety Ratings and Features
Although the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid was not specifically tested, the standard Sorento and Hybrid models both earned a five-star overall score, the highest, in NHTSA testing for 2025.
All Sorento PHEV models are equipped with driver-assist and active safety features including:
- Front and rear automatic emergency braking
- Intersection collision mitigation
- Side cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
The higher-end Sorento PHEV SX Prestige gains:
- Emergency evasive steering assist
- Low-speed collision mitigation
- Blind-spot view cameras
- Rain sensing windshield wipers
- Semi-automated lane changing
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Despite its added battery, the Sorento PHEV has the same passenger and cargo space as any other Sorento model—however, that battery eliminates the small underfloor storage area its counterparts have.
Overall, the Sorento PHEV’s measurements are comparable to similarly sized three-row PHEV SUVs. It’s built exclusively in a six-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs.
Technology
Every 2026 Sorento PHEV comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with dual-device Bluetooth connectivity and over-the-air update potential.
The EX trim has a 4.0-inch gauge cluster display, while the SX Prestige trim gains a 12.3-inch all-digital gauge display.
All trim levels have a wireless charging pad in the front row, and USB ports in all three rows of seats.
A six-speaker audio system is included on the EX trim, and the SX Prestige upgrades to a Bose 12-speaker premium setup.
Other tech enhancements on the SX Prestige model include a 360-degree camera and digital rearview mirror.
Value
Compared trim to trim, the Sorento PHEV is significantly more expensive than the Hybrid model—more than $9,000 in EX trim and over $6,000 in SX Prestige trim. Granted, the Sorento PHEV has standard AWD, an $1,800 option on the Hybrid version.
Assuming you can charge frequently at home and drive in EV mode, the Sorento PHEV allows you to spend much less on gasoline, such that it eventually offsets the cost difference from the Hybrid.
However, the variables in that equation are complex. Even with regular charging for our long-term review Sorento PHEV, the overall cost per mile was about the same as the all-gas version we had before that.
