The 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Offers 32 Miles Of Electric-Only Range And Starts At $44,990

Drivers looking to go green have another option as the 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is now arriving at U.S. dealerships.

The model starts at $44,990 and is eligible for a $6,587 federal tax credit, which effectively lowers the cost to $38,403 before factoring in the $1,175 destination charge.

That’s not cheap, but the eco-friendly crossover comes in the well-equipped SX trim. As a result, the model has LED lighting units, an acoustic windshield and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Driven: The 2021 Kia Sorento Combines Space With Extra Pace

Moving into the cabin, drivers will find SynTex artificial leather front seats with heating and power adjustment on both sides. The crossover also has second-row captain’s chairs and a split-folding third-row seat.

Other niceties include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. They’re joined by a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a six-speaker audio system and a wireless smartphone charger.

The model also comes with an assortment of driver assistance systems including Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist detection. There’s also Highway Driving Assist, High Beam Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist.

Buyers looking for more luxury can opt for the range-topping SX-Prestige, which costs $47,890 before the destination charge and federal tax credit. It adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The model also has perforated leather seats with heating and ventilation up front, and heating in the second-row.

Regardless of which trim is selected, both are powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, a 14 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor. This setup enables the crossover to produce a combined output of 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. The model also comes standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive and has an electric-only range of 32 miles (51 km).