2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid

The outstanding fuel economy rating is just the beginning of what we love about the Kia Sorento Hybrid. This smaller-than-most midsize SUV has an upscale 3-row interior with standard second-row captain’s chairs making it a good family SUV. Excellent safety ratings and the best warranty in its class further add to its credentials as a safe and practical SUV. However, the Sorento Hybrid proves that a safe and efficient hybrid doesn’t have to be boring. Its 227-horsepower turbocharged hybrid powertrain makes it entertainingly responsive.

The Kia Sorento is also available in non-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, the latter of which can drive up to 32 miles on electricity alone. Both are reviewed separately.

While the gas-only version of the Kia Sorento was significantly updated for 2024, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions don’t get those upgrades until 2025.

Before buying a Sorento Hybrid, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Kia Sorento Hybrid resale value is about average for the segment.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid is powered by a 227-horsepower 4-cylinder turbocharged hybrid powertrain matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive.

This hybrid SUV strikes a nice balance of performance and efficiency. The Ford Explorer Hybrid can tow up to 5,000 pounds but has unimpressive fuel economy. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is pretty efficient, but the performance isn’t as good as the non-hybrid. The Sorento Hybrid is the hybrid SUV that gets it just right.

We’re impressed with the lively acceleration of the Sorento Hybrid. Compared to the non-hybrid Sorento, the hybrid is noticeably quicker than the base engine but less potent than the optional turbo engine. It’s a pleasant driver around town, and getting up to highway speeds doesn’t require much patience in our experience. Even passing on the highway isn’t much of a challenge. All the while, you’re getting up to 37 combined mpg.

The Sorento Hybrid was so smooth and quiet in our testing that we almost forgot it was a hybrid. The suspension, steering, and braking are satisfactory in providing a comfortable driving experience. We also appreciate the traditional 6-speed automatic transmission with decisive shifts that give this hybrid SUV a surprising level of driving engagement.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current collection of hybrid SUVs, including this Kia Sorento Hybrid.

We like the Sorento Hybrid’s pleasing interior design with fine materials and well-placed controls. The SynTex faux leather seating (you get genuine leather in the SX Prestige trim) adds a premium touch, and we’ve found the infotainment system easy to use.

Three-row seating for up to six people and second-row captain’s chairs come standard in the Sorento Hybrid. Captain’s chairs make the second row more comfortable and the third row easier to access compared to a bench seat.

Interior space is generous in the first two rows, with plenty of legroom and headroom. However, we didn’t have much room when we climbed into the third row; these seats are best reserved for children. The Sorento Hybrid has 29.6 inches of third-row legroom, while the bigger Kia Telluride has 31.4 inches. That extra 1.8 inches goes a long way.

Cargo space is tight when all three rows are in place. With the third row folded down, you get a generous cargo hold with 38.5 cubic feet of space. Behind the third row is 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space (versus 21 cubic feet in the Telluride).

The good news: These interior dimensions are identical to the non-hybrid Sorento, so you’re not sacrificing any interior space by going with the more efficient hybrid.

For 2024, the Navy interior color scheme gains a gray headliner, replacing a black one.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid is a stylish SUV with a design that isn’t obvious about being a hybrid. It’s almost indistinguishable from the non-hybrid Sorento, which we like. However, the hybrid model doesn’t offer the rugged-looking X-Line appearance package that’s optional on the AWD-equipped, non-hybrid Sorento.

Kia has dropped Runway Red from its paint choices, and makes Gravity Blue available with the Navy interior.

Hybrid efficiency
With a fuel economy rating of up to 39 city/35 highway mpg, the Kia Sorento Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient 3-row SUV on the market that doesn’t plug into a wall.

Standard 2nd-row captain’s chairs
Captain’s chairs make the second row more comfortable and the third row easier to access. This can be a costly option in competing SUVs, but it’s a standard feature in this one.

Kia Drive Wise
The standard Kia Drive Wise safety tech suite on every Sorento includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, driver attention warning, and more.

User-friendly infotainment system
The Sorento Hybrid comes standard with a user-friendly and feature-rich infotainment system. Its infotainment touchscreen features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, and SiriusXM, and it’s available with a Bose audio system.

Smart Power Tailgate
The standard Smart Power Tailgate allows for hands-free opening and closing. This adds a lot of convenience to loading and unloading the cargo area.

SX Prestige trim
The loaded SX Prestige trim adds premium features like heated second-row seats, a surround-view monitor, genuine leather seats, a Bose audio system, and more.

This SUV’s efficient turbocharged hybrid powertrain has standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive.

1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid
227 horsepower
258 lb-ft of torque
EPA combined fuel economy: 37 mpg with front-wheel drive (39 city, 35 highway), 34 mpg with all-wheel drive (36 city, 33 highway)

Hybrid Fuel Savings

At 15,000 miles per year, a front-wheel drive Sorento Hybrid will burn through about 14 fewer gallons per month than its gas-only counterpart. Even at $3 per gallon, that’s about $40 per month. Looking at a full 5-year buy/drive/sell ownership cycle, those savings would more than make up for the hybrid’s relatively nominal price premium over a similarly equipped, non-hybrid Sorento. The hybrid also requires about one fewer stop at the gas station every month.

Class-Leading Warranty

The Kia Sorento Hybrid is backed by one of the best warranties in the business: 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.