KIA Sorento PHEV review | staggering fuel economy!

[@jiitu]

have been driving now for about 1,5 month with such. I made one long trip, around 1000 km to bring it home. Started with full battery of course, but mainly by benzin of course. 6.3 l/100 km was my consumption on that trip. (I think I have always had relatively economical driving style). So far no much bad things to say about the car. Really nice, economical and can confirm this around 2 l/100 km consumption now at cold weathers (with using preheating, that I installed separately). The only thing was during that trip that the weather was close to 0 C, raining wet snow, lot of road salt used and the sensors in front was some amount of trip getting dirty and smart speed control stopped working fully as it couldn't measure the distance to cars front of me. It's but stupid. It should be designed so that if that part is lost, I still could continue with constant speed. Other bad things, are naturally the slow charging (no sense to charge in mid-way of any longer trip) and the lack of heat pump, or even heating resistor, so at cold temps, need to use some amount of benzin in even in short trips. But these of course are clear for all buyers beforehand.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Excellent review. As an American I always find it interesting (and sometimes amusing) to see the different perspectives about similar or identical vehicles by American and European reviewers. Here in the US, for example, the Sorento is classified as a "midsize" unibody SUV. In fact, at 189" in length it's among the smallest of the midsize vehicles, a category that ranges from about 187" to 204" in length. And among three row SUVs it's by far the smallest of the midsize group. Our version of the Tiguan, known as the "Allspace" in Europe falls in what we consider the "compact" crossover category. Our so-called "full size" SUVs include vehicles like the Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, and Suburban, all vehicles built on large pickup truck platforms. The new Sorento is just beginning to show up here. Unlike Europe and most of the rest of the world, our engine selections include two petrol engines, a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine and the same basic engine in turbocharged form. The latter is a new engine from Hyundai/KIA/Genesis that's the standard or optional powerplant for the KIA K5, the Sonata, the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Genesis G80 and the GV80. The conventional hybrid version will be available soon and the PHEV model will show up in the second half of 2021. Not surprisingly there's no diesel version in the US. ("Diesel-gate" not only killed VW diesels but practically every diesel passenger car in the US.) All in all, our cheap petrol, wide open spaces, suburban sprawl, love of BIG vehicles, and the miserable state of mass transit (especially passenger rail) contribute to the differences from vehicles available in Europe. Last century Americans considered our motor vehicles to be far superior to those from Europe and Asia. It's now apparent that the 21st century presents a completely different picture. We're adjusting slowly but it will take us a while to catch up.

[@NobbyOnCars]

You’ve just summed up a lot of things in America versus Europe - go hard (big) or go home! 😎

[@MikeKGrimaldi]

Yes, this hits the nail on the head. There is absolutely no reason for most Americans to be driving these massive vehicles around when every else in the WORLD do just fine with smaller options. I'm really interested in this Kia PHEV though even though it is much bigger than our cars since our family has grown

[@podunkman2709]

I spent some time in US and visited maybe 25 States. I like your attitude -"we are best". In fact u are not but this helps u to care for youself first. Not like here in Europe dominated by leftists dreaming to save the world and panishing their own, native people. Anyway, you are on clear way to become second Republic of South Africa - just keep voting for Bidens. But US cars and us versions cars are just crap. Irratinally big, out of any style, drive terribly. And some of ammericans see this clearly buying Audi, BMW or VW. They would even buy them more but they are expensive (technogy costs).

[@robertduklus6555]

@@podunkman2709 Cars sold in America are for the most part way better than the shitboxes sold in europe. Whats the best selling cars in the communist states of europe? Lets see. Golfs, Yaris, C3, f*****g sandero, octavia(not bad), Clio. Mostly miniature shyteboxes with motors sourced from lawn mowers . The best europe has to offer is available in the usa.

[@ThisGuyRides]

@@MikeKGrimaldi Besides having wider roads, it's an arms race in US for families to buy the safest SUVs. Usually that means biggest they can afford, driven by 5'2" moms dropping kids off at school.

[@Scotty_B123]

This will be my next car when it comes to the US

[@robertduklus6555]

apparently you cant run heat in ev mode so depending where you live it might not make sense getting phev but rather the regular hybrid. still looking for info re the ac in ev mode.

[@mhhx2]

I just picked one up in California and you can run the heater but the lowest I've seen where I'm at is 60°

[@cartmanbrah8937]

@@mhhx2 how much do you pay for it? I'm in so-cal I pull over to see one quickly at a dealership , they had about 6 plug in models to pick from but they had a 12k markup above MSRP that's nuts

[@mhhx2]

@@cartmanbrah8937 I purchased mine in garden Grove drove 2 hours but no man up paid 48000.

[@blah-kf5vn]

i have a new sorrento phev. with 120km/h on highway with depleted battery consumed 9.2l/100km. Not a good choice for long drive. (european version, 1.6l turbo petrol engine, awd 7 seater)

[@abdiqanihandule7811]

One of the best reviews I watched

[@mrwilliamhope]

Great review as always! Trust me Ireland these days has much better roads than Scotland(where I live). Longing to visit Ireland(Dublin, Wicklow and more where I can)...Was last there in December 2019.

[@krane15]

Its not a 7 seater, at least not a true one, and I wish people would stop referring to it like that. Its a 5+2, or 4+2 depending on your region. The third row are jump seats, and how it should really be referred to. Anyway, the wheels are hideous, but the interior more than makes up for them. Love the contrast of the seats (very upscale), and I do prefer the more modern dial to the old-fashioned shifter. The only things holding this car back is some minor annoyances such as the old USB A instead of future proof USB C, and they 12v instead of the household outlet that most cars offer (especially in their electric/hybrid models) these days. Finally, it could use a layer of noise of insulation around the tires, and some slightly bigger door bins and cell phone charger. It would be so disappointing when your favorite water bottle or your flagship cell phone (w/case) doesn't fit by just one mm or two. One more thing, the Sorento is huge? I guess it depends on your perspective and region.

[@andrewthompson9206]

Nice review! Can't wait until this version is available here in the states. With a family of 5 this will do just fine and it's cheaper than a Tesla!

[@NobbyOnCars]

It will cope very well with 5!

[@onslimited]

Hi Nobby. I just looked at this review.. I purchased the Hyundai santa fe 2023. It's accepted that the Sorento and the Santa fe are essentially the same car. Your review is ok . But my experience with the Santa fe was nothing like what you suggested in your video. And you omitted some important facts. It takes 3.5 hours to charge the battery for a range of aprox 45 kilometers. The size of the car is great for carrying stuff in it, and as you rightly said, put a couple of kids in the back and the battery range goes down. There are alot of commissions in this video. You didn't mention, long journeys or driving on a motorway where the range plummets and only last minutes! All in all, my experience with the Santa fe phev was, over 59 days and driving 11,000 kilometers , it was on average costing me €200 per week on petrol plus electricity charging costs , verses €120 per week in diesel. Also, the fact that when the battery drains, the car has extra weight to pull. You also did not mention all the pings and pongs this car makes. It's a great car if you are mainly city or town driving. It definitely would not be suitable for most urban irish drivers , in my opinion.

[@boots7859]

My wife leased an 18 Sorrento, which is being returned for a Hybrid or plug-in most likely. Even the 2.2 tubo on it made it a astounding sleeper of an auto. Reminded me of my 80's 5.0L Mustang in some ways, just much more refined in every way. Only thing that just kills me with Kia is that don't offer dual memory seats, even on their top end. But there are ton's of other gadgety I could care less about. The Hybrid has a quote 38mpg (USA) that I believe it will honestly give. The plug-in at 50km would probably meet most of my daily driving. Kia really is upstaging a lot of the Old Guard and the Toy/Hon's in quality and features for price.

[@ridgmont61]

I am hoping that the Sportage gets a similar full overhaul - I am looking to buy one soon but would like to get a new model. This Sorento seems to be an excellent car.

[@NobbyOnCars]

if it turns out to be a baby Sorento, it will be a fine car.

[@boots7859]

Yes, I agree. Wife has the '18 Sorrento on lease return, and getting another Hybrid or Plug-in, though now she's looking at the Venza. A Sportage would fit me better as I don't need the extra room/weight, and hopefully will cost a little less and maybe get 70-80km/charge.

[@NobbyOnCars]

@@boots7859 I'm hoping it'll be a smaller Sorento.

[@athloneduke]

Solid car, definitely a big bus but for the family that needs it then a great car. Great fuel economy.

[@peterlambert8328]

Soooo great video with very useful insights and comments. Appreciated!

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thanks for watching

[@meinewahrnehmung4594]

My english is not perfect...but for me is this video, one of the best Report about this car. (I saw every Video about the Phev on youtube) Of course, I am not objektiv because I bought the Platinum-Version and I always glad when I see...how other people agree my choise. Thanks !

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thank you Meine 😊👍🏻

[@PixelBravo]

thanks for the fuel break down, I've my decision made now

[@howardparker6342]

Did you get the same impressive economy figures when you drove the Kia Sportage PHEV? I am seriously looking at Kia as I think they have the best offerings at the moment. Great channel btw!

[@robertduklus6555]

to call it 2.5 l/100 km is misleading. i suppose it doesnt account for any electricity used to power the car in electric mode. Realistically if you do 100km, half on EV and half HEV you still end up using say 3-3.5 Liters. The longer the trip the worse fuel economy. Charging the battery even though its cheaper than petrol still adds up over a month. Depending on the grid it can generate substantial emissions when charging the batteries(not that it matters to me, but its the indoctrinated that should not overlook this simple fact). When you charge batteries using commercial infrastructure, depending on the country it can get very pricey.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Does it do 2.5/100? Yes. Do people use commercial chargers for PHEVs? No.

[@tomikuzmanic]

Like always, great review! Next time, come down to Cork for a better view ;)

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thanks Tomi

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

Another great review and a very nice car. Kia's are brilliant

[@112deeps]

Range Rover Evoque P300e Plug In does it all & is even more fuel efficient with ev range of 37 plus miles! The dc public charg8ng at 32kwh allows 0-80% in 30 minutes

[@NobbyOnCars]

Kia seem to sell more cars to more people but good to know!

[@notknown87678]

Does this vehicle have pre-heating/cooling when plugged in using electric power instead of using gasoline like a fully electric vehicle does? Would be a huge bonus and better for the environment if the ICE isn't running to heat or cool the vehicle. A timer is also an added benefit if it has it.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Yes it does 👍🏻

[@kevatnorthfield]

Already ordered my phev. Just a shame iv got to wait approximately 12 months for it to arrive in the UK.

[@adrianpluskota7053]

Everything fine but you should mention that Irish highest spec K4 is stil, poor comparing to UK or european versioms. You can.’t get ventilated Nappa leather seats. No seats memory and most important no HUD... shame Kia Ireland...

[@lawrencebautista1]

It's not a self-charging hybrid? My understanding is that a PHEV can self-charge but not to a full battery capacity so you'll need to plug it at home so you can have longer EV range, if you're driving in EV mode frequently. Or perhaps Hyundai-Kia uses a different PHEV technology that you need to plug it all the time? On the Toyota RAV4 PHEV/Prime, it is also self-charging and you can choose not to plug it. Toyota USA even advertised it "if you don't want to plug it in, then don't" as it's also self-charging just like their regular hybrids.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Some you can charge using the petrol engine.

[@amrashraf9559]

How solid is the new sorento compared to Toyota's highlander, honda and skoda kodiaq ? How solid is the rear axle of tbe sorento ? How solid is tbe suspension and transmission?

[@michaelgriffiths8912]

Lovely car, great review. I really like the looks of the car. I have a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and I get 80mpg with ease. It has all of the same gadgets as the Kia, but the Screens are nowhere near as good. I'd certainly consider this for my next car of it was cheaper. Tesla is now a better choice with the lower prices.

[@greenchutneyman]

Cant wait for this to come out in Australia in August.

[@NobbyOnCars]

It’s a good one !

[@YanisKyr]

And the most important questions... what's the fuel economy on the highway after the battery is depleted?

[@NobbyOnCars]

5L/100

[@keithgraham9736]

About 35mpg if driven on the motorway

[@blah-kf5vn]

@@NobbyOnCars how did you do that? I just got mine and if the battery is depleted, i can't go below 8l/100km. If the battery is charged, yes, it's nice, (although with the current electricity price and 45km / charge, it counts like you have 4-4.5l consumption) charging price + petrol is around 6-6.5l

[@Dirty44harry1]

People forget that this PHEV is about £10k more than 1.6 HEV and Diesel. How long till you see the rewards? Whats the mpg 1.6 engine when the battery is zero? Good for short trips though. thats all

[@minnietoby]

Great review Nobby, I’m pulled between buying this vehicle or trading in my sport line Kodiaq against another Kodiaq (Diesel ) which would you choose, I’d really appreciate your opinion

[@NobbyOnCars]

Cost of change Paul, all about that I think. Both solid cars, you might hate a Kia after a Skoda, you might love a Skoda after a Kia, bit like Android versus Apple in some ways. Ask for a longer test drive of the Sorento.

[@KiaTaatje]

I do want to see a drive of approx 500 Km town / motorway etc , .....then give us the total fuel cost ( liters per KM ) economy ....before I make a decision to get rid of Kia Sorento 2019 AWD 8 speed 2.2 diesel ( our 3rd Kia by the way )

[@NobbyOnCars]

Why don't you ask a dealer to give you a weekend test drive?

[@KiaTaatje]

@@NobbyOnCars, ..... I am not really convinced of your fuel economy test to be honest .......but I will work something out with a Kia dealer later . Cheers from NZ

[@NobbyOnCars]

@@KiaTaatje No reason for me to make stuff up. If you charge it, that's what you'll get.

[@1chrisabrett]

Great review! So if you had to choose between the Kia Sorento PHEV or the Skoda Kodiak 2,0 TDi 150 Sportline which would you go for? I’d love to see Skoda do the Kodiak in a PHEV but looks like they might wait and skip straight to pure EV.

[@NobbyOnCars]

I think I’d have to pick the KIA.

[@1chrisabrett]

@@NobbyOnCars I’m thinking the same. I test drove the Kia this week and it surprised me. A really great car for the money and I’m able to get a good deal on the fully spec’d version through a local dealer.

[@NobbyOnCars]

@@1chrisabrett the Kodiaq is a fantastic car and you’ll get a non Sportline version for a bit less than the Sorento but it’s a serious contender to even the premium stuff if you take off the badge blinkers.

[@amrashraf9559]

@@NobbyOnCars why? I thought the skoda was more soild and reliable than kia ..

[@earldepassjr.1347]

Can't wait for the car to come to the States.

[@NobbyOnCars]

It’ll fit in well with that big SUV size

[@hmcinnes73]

Thanks for the review. I've got a diesel version here in Australia and love it for the kids & grandparents & kids friends & its a great drive with all the bells & whistles. My question is on the electric powertrain. Can I run electric only, and not use the ICE at all? Even with sharp acceleration or air con use? Or is the ICE ready to go at any/all times?

[@NobbyOnCars]

It will do about 50kms on EV but the petrol engine is always there ready and waiting. Best of both worlds...

[@jorgenpersson1193]

Is all power, in GB, via the 240V electrical nets 100% emission free? If so, great work.

[@taraobrien585]

Is the fuel economy good if you're on auto mode? Would mostly be rural driving

[@tonycomerford745]

Love the mirrors in the cluster panel when you indicate, that's class

[@NobbyOnCars]

yeah they're dead handy!

[@ajmeehan86]

Great review Nobby, does it have a heads up display and are the handles lit up at night / puddle lights?

[@NobbyOnCars]

You can get it on certain K models alright. Puddle lights I actually can’t remember it was that long ago sorry

[@ajmeehan86]

@@NobbyOnCars thanks Nobby. You helped me decide on my last car Tiguan 4 years ago. So this may be next 😀

[@SmartText]

Not a fan of KIA but damn that is a lovely car. If I had €60k I'd be thinking about it.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Ah you'd only need 55 ;)

[@michaelbedard7859]

First time viewer 10 for your review.

[@NobbyOnCars]

thanks for checking it out!

[@tudoriusmaximus]

Great review! This or the Toyota Highlander?

[@NobbyOnCars]

K4 it would be this, platinum spec it would be Highlander

[@stevencampbell1150]

Great review Nobby tho' in the case of this car, yes it'll do over 100mpg but that's only if you're not driving on the motorway and are only doing urban mileage. If you're on the motorway the diesel will still win and speaking of which I'd like to think that if u were dropping your kids off at a school it wouldn't be idling I'd like to think Kia gas done sort of stop/start system on the diesel meaning there'd be no fumes from the diesel whatsoever as technically it'd be off. I wouldn't think it'd be for me as I don't need something that size and the price is mental despite the tech on board.

[@NobbyOnCars]

You'd be surprised at the amount of diesels on the road that either don't have stop/start or that have it turned off. There's a 2012 Insignia that I pass everyday and the smell off it. Without any range in the battery on the motorway this was doing 3.5L/100kms.

[@stevencampbell1150]

@@NobbyOnCars I don't doubt that as I saw an elderly Audi A4 in front of me on my way into work and it was rightly kicking the smoke out. I don't understand why folk turn it off when it actually saves you fuel. As for that economy on the motorway I doubt if that was at 120km/h.

[@edwardmurphy2552]

@@NobbyOnCars I have a Sorento PHEV for over 9 months now. The fuel economy is very poor during cold weather. On a 20km trip, it will use 20km of petrol and 20km of electric when in EV mode. I have spoken with KIA and certain conditions need to be met(Outside temperature is one of the conditions) before it will use full EV mode.

[@keithgraham9736]

Does that include the cost of electric prices? 110mpg is that taking into account the cost of electric. What’s the cost of charging.

[@NobbyOnCars]

12.4 kWh battery so multiply that by your energy provider. UK about £2 / €2.50 Ireland (worst case prices)

[@mikeonlife2]

Great video - thumbs up from Denmark. How many miles did you do in total over the 7 days? Did you notice if the phev have a sparetyre underneath like the sistermodels have? Also, how do you find the front led at night?

[@NobbyOnCars]

Really, really bright at night. Close to feeling I might get flashes from approaching vehicles. No tyre under the car after I checked. Thought that was odd. 300kms over the week, hard to do too much with lockdowns.

[@mikeonlife2]

@@NobbyOnCars Thanks for your reply - nice to have bright lights, but do they also cast a desent/long beam in lowlights? Ive been invited to a vip/buyer event this coming thuesday at the locale dealer for at testdrive, but that is at 10 o`clock so I will only be driving in daylight. Regarding the sparetyre: Was there still room/arear left for the spare, and that it might just not be mounted because it maby is optional/extra?

[@vascojardim6703]

Great Review! I wonder if you could say what is the colour name of the car tested. Is it gravity Blue or Mineral Blue? Thanks!

[@NobbyOnCars]

Mineral 👍🏻

[@vascojardim6703]

@@NobbyOnCars Many Thanks!

[@kkkk-mm7dw]

Already paid deposit, can't wait few weeks to get it

[@NobbyOnCars]

Great choice!

[@tomdunnewicklow]

Do the reverse/surround cameras record like a dash cam? For recording accidents?

[@NobbyOnCars]

Unfortunately not

[@Shanechr1980]

I do approx 700 kms per week, have an EV6 on order, what do you think of the sorento PHEV as alternative?

[@NobbyOnCars]

Unless you need the space I’d stick with it.

[@lukedaunt4434]

What is the BHP and acceleration like? Would look at this over an XC60 T8.

[@NobbyOnCars]

177bhp & 90bhp from the battery. Picks up swiftly in the slower moving stuff but overall it's not lightening fast (wouldn't expect it to be really).

[@lukedaunt4434]

@@NobbyOnCars thanks Nobby!! Fabulous looking car and a lot for the money.

[@kustu]

265hp/350nm. It's quite good

[@mateuszwnenk]

How Air Condition works in EV mode (heating and cooling)? Does it require to run combustion engine or can run only on electricity?

[@NobbyOnCars]

EV

[@j.kbarnett7640]

Please put me straight. This fantastic fuel economy is only for somewhere round 50 km. Am I wrong. It also takes quite a while to charge that small distance. Somebody put me right,

[@NobbyOnCars]

Yes 50kms ish. 3 hours.

[@krzysztofcwik5347]

What is the fuel economy after battery is empty ( I know that is never totaly empty)? HEV version is not so efficent, I wonder if bigger battery and more power help the engine more as a result despite it is heavier, ends up being more efficent.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Even with the charge depleted, it was 3 or 4 L/100 (in my experience anyway)!

[@keithgraham9736]

About 35mpg if driven on a motorway

[@smaemurray]

It's mmmmmmmassive!

[@NobbyOnCars]

It really is

[@ronmccullock1407]

Good review

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thank you

[@proach]

Great review. Any info on seai or tax relief?

[@NobbyOnCars]

Limited due to it being a PHEV in terms of BIK anyway

[@nenadmil]

If used in EC mode daily, how much time to charge it up from zero to 100%?

[@NobbyOnCars]

3 hours ish

[@cah95046]

Gas mpg should be measured without using the EV mode miles. Miles per gallon and miles per KWhr. You shouldn't add them together.

[@NobbyOnCars]

‘If you charge the car, here’s what you can achieve’ - you may not feel it’s relevant but many others do.

[@drwzer]

They list that info on Kia website, at least in Canada. It shows mileage with charged battery and when battery is depleted(hybrid mode).

[@cah95046]

@@drwzer yes, and it's a stupid way to do it

[@tomquimby8669]

i'm guessing that this PHEV looks to be 35x Nobby volume, so 35 Nobbys to carry 7 People.

[@NobbyOnCars]

🤣

[@jimbianca9560]

I can't wait to get my American gas guzzling version.🇺🇸 The 2.5 turbo with 281 horsepower and 300-ft pounds of torque. What gas mileage??

[@Peaches_NZ]

It's a nice looking car, will be interesting how it compares to the Outlander PHEV, with both having similar range

[@boots7859]

I would never entertain a Mitsubishi compared to a Hyd/Kia. Mitsubishi is about the worst Japanese car manf' quality wise.

[@glynnu3380]

@@boots7859 I agree! Unfortunately that seems to be true.

[@Okikor1]

Do you have to plug it in?

[@NobbyOnCars]

You should, you don’t have to though strictly speaking.

[@eliasbartos]

Hi, I have a KIA CEED PHEV 2022. I'm very disappointed how the hybrid system works. If it low temperature outside (below 10 C) then the petrol engine always starts if the so if im driving under 10km it never runs purly on electricity. Or if the AC is runing the petrol engien starts. So the petrol enginen is always running when heating or cooling... My advise, dont buy a KIA

[@user-ur5zl3ig5h]

Sorrento or XC90 which is better?

[@NobbyOnCars]

XC90. Will cost a lot more to get this spec though.

[@ryanmason5946]

@@NobbyOnCars Plus XC90 electric-only range is horrible

[@c3-qk4mvq6xp37r]

nice car

[@NobbyOnCars]

It sure is!

[@Theprofessor1212]

Really good car. Here in NZ it’s very expensive though. About $90,000. We looked at new cars but ended up buying a used Tesla model s P100D for 20k less.

[@cofferakipllari9781]

Wow why is it so expensive in NZ?! Here in Korea starts at about 38.000$

[@Theprofessor1212]

@@cofferakipllari9781 I know right. Both this and the new carnival are very expensive.

[@osamehammadi9167]

❤👍🥰KIA🥰👍❤

[@joekildunne2847]

I hate that you held off on the fuel efficiency to keep people watching. Turning off now.

[@NobbyOnCars]

👋🏻

[@creosl]

so it's a old fashion dino power hybrid

[@johndavis7112]

Way over priced Guess I will get a used 3 year old for 40k in USA in 2025

[@lSeKToRl]

1:03 leave it to the Europeans to find this smaller vehicle to be big. Please don't sit in a RAM or F150.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Ok, will bow to your superior knowledge