Kia Sorento Plug in Hybrid - it's a good PHEV but there's a problem

Kia Sorento Plug in Hybrid - it's a good PHEV there's a problem
After launching the 4th generation Kia Sorento in 2021, Kia introduces a plug-in hybrid variant for 2022. This is currently the only 3 row mid-sized suv plug-in hybrid available and it's a good PHEV overall, but it has one significant drawback which I go through in detail in this video review.
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[@daviddahan3204]

Give it up! I just bought this PHEV because of the captain’s chairs. I love this AWD three-row SUV PHEV which gets better gas mileage than most smaller ICE cars. The chairs are not a disadvantage, they are a benefit. It is so much more comfortable for those sitting back there to have the space and convenience sitting in a stand-alone chair rather than on a flat bench seat. It’s not often one needs to haul around more than four people. I contend jamming three people on one bench seat is much less comfortable than two people each in captains chairs and the smallest one in the back still able to stretch his/her legs out front in between the two captains chairs. Captains chairs are the way to go in minivans and three-row SUV’s.

[@TheNovakReport]

You say this from the perspective of someone who likely only has a family of four. But to tell me to give it up, is telling anyone with a larger family that their concerns relative to this vehicle are unwarranted. I'll stand by my viewpoint given that my circumstances are different than yours.

[@georgejoy7660]

@@TheNovakReport then buy a Carnival or something else. You sound like a whiney little kid. Waa, Waa, Waa, almost half the video is whining. If the vehicle doesn't meet your needs then don't buy it instead of crying about it. Guarantee Kia will sell thousands of these to people who are just fine with the seating arrangement. I used to sell Kia and the Sorento does indeed have what I used to tell customers was an 'occasional' back seat unless you have small kids. The bigger issue that you never mentioned, likely because you're from the frozen north, is the utter lack of ventilation for the 3rd row seat. Carnival and Telluride have it but not Sorento which is a fairly big issue in Northern New Mexico for most of the year. The other big pain in the arse is the stupid display that ALWAYS displays the start screen on start up and doesn't automatically revert to what you had it set on when you turned it off. Dumb and the moronic Kia designer that came up with that brainless idea should be fired.

[@Kittyjesus503]

Family of five with a dog. Works great. The captain’s chairs in the middle means a space between the kids…. So less fighting… thats a win! Coming from a Yukon xl Denali. The fuel economy improvement was massive.

[@TheNovakReport]

I can see this working in your situation. I just wish they offered a 2nd row bench for those where the Captains chair configuration doesn't work.

[@Randsel]

I love the captains chairs! Especially since you can get heated and cooled in the 2nd row. I agree though that there should be an option for those that need it

[@TheNovakReport]

And that's the rub. There isn't an option.

[@rushmoresociety2577]

So, it's a goldilocks sized SUV with 4 seats, with a huge space trunk space, or a six seater on a pinch without being a boat? 🤔 I mean, that sounds awesome 👌

[@TheNovakReport]

It may well be for some...

[@nathanrich320]

Thanks for posting. There is a 14 month wait in Canada.

[@TheNovakReport]

Global supply chain issues are creating crazy delivery times. Hopefully the challenges will resolve soon.

[@ghulamkhilji]

There is a problem, I parked my Sorento 2024 PHEV in the garage and after a week i came back and the its not responding to app nor keys. I called to the help line they said its freeze call the roadside assistance which i need to pay $150?????

[@petegalindez9961]

Not sure why you say the seating is a “problem.” It’s an option for buyers. On long trips, bench seats suck, period. Also, most of the vehicles on the market now with bench seats do a 60/40 split and have no pass through (like my RAV4 Prime). One of my sons plays ice hockey, so that makes it tough to fit sticks and have 4 people in the vehicle. So, the captain’s chairs are a plus/plus…plus for comfort on long trips, and plus for being able to fit his sticks. I have 2 sons so don’t need the bench seat. If we carry more people for short trips, the 3rd row is ideal in a pinch. If you have family larger than 4 and plan to go on long trips often, you’re probably looking at much larger SUVs anyway, so the bench seat is a waste…Take a look at the Chrysler Pacifica, and other mini vans, that have captain’s chairs in their second row…most of them only fit 7 and have room for luggage, so that’s where people are going. It’s all data driven. So, I don’t see a problem.

[@TheNovakReport]

Glad that it works for you. But as I stated in my own situation the seating for six with the amount of passenger/cargo volume it has would simply not work at all. And with the 2nd row occupied by teenagers, anyone seating in the 3rd row needs to be very young or very short. And I agree that a larger vehicle is likely a better option. But aside from the Pacifica eHybrid, which I've driven and reviewed more than once and enjoyed it, there isn't anything larger as yet on the market in a PHEV. A PHEV Telluride would negate my argument very quickly for example. If there was one right vehicle for everyone, then my job reviewing automobiles would be pretty boring.

[@MrCarpediem6]

im surprised neither Kia/Hyundai have pushed for a Phev Telluride/Palisade or Toyota Hyighlander :) those with more storage would sell(?)

[@krisandkevdeals6648]

Do you know if there will be any difference in the 2023 model? As in bench seating in 2nd row or more updated look like the Sportage?

[@TheNovakReport]

I haven't heard or seen anything to indicate that there will be any changes other than perhaps very minor cosmetic changes for 2023. A mid cycle refresh may come in 2024. As I mentioned in my video I think a contributing factor to the seating for six layout is to direct those seeking seating for seven into the larger Telluride. There is also soon to be an EV9, 3-row EV so I believe there is a subtle but notable squeeze away from the Sorento without actually pulling the model. That's my take anyway.

[@vishalgupta86]

From the US, Just bought a 2023 KIA Sorrento PHEV, love it so far. But now No Federal Credits for this year.

[@srikanthmunukutla5341]

After you drove this PHEV what is the fuel efficiency ?

[@vishalgupta86]

@@srikanthmunukutla5341 When I use it for my office trip which includes total travel of 44 Miles, it gives me a 70-80 MPG range if I were to believe the number comes on the central dashboard assuming my car is fully charged when I start my drive. For relative comparison when I had Audi Q7 Prestige, I used to fill up Gas worth in a month approx & average within the range of 150-180 USD now I am filling up in the range of 35-60 USD.

[@robp3431]

XC90 has 3rd seating as well. 2023 looks promising with many more larger phev's on the way

[@TheNovakReport]

Early next year we'll also see the arrival of the 3 row Vinfast VF-9 full EV.

[@peterforint2663]

Agree with the seating issues...

[@TheNovakReport]

Definitely a head scratcher

[@MrCarpediem6]

Hi Eric, is this a Toronto area channel?

[@TheNovakReport]

I'm based in the G.T.A., yes.

[@DarrenDobson]

That is a sweet ride.

[@abusakibabdullah1]

Same for me. I would buy the turbo engine, only if it had a bench seat in the middle

[@TheNovakReport]

It's more problematic than some people realize.

[@Steveaux88]

All these 4 cylinder turbo engines will have major problems

[@IllusiveMan343]

Where the hell do you even find these PHEVs I'm looking in my area...nothing

[@TheNovakReport]

All my vehicle reviews come from cars available in press fleets for journalists to book, so I can't offer an answer as to inventory issues in your area. I know inventory is an issue everywhere unfortunately, but I wish you luck in your search.

[@greendg7]

agree on 6 seats... Santa Fe for bench

[@srikanthmunukutla5341]

Could you tell me the fuel efficiency of the PHEV after u drove this.

[@TheNovakReport]

I'm sorry...I don't remember and I checked to see if I kept my notes but they have been deleted.

[@blah-kf5vn]

not too good. 8-9 liter if you use it without the electric part. if you charge every evening, it could be around 2.5-3 liter / 100km, but depends on the electricity price, it could cost another 3-4l equivalent, so around 6.5-7 l, which is not too bad for a 7 seater 4 wheel drive car (yes, in europe, it's a 7 seater)

[@srikanthmunukutla5341]

@@blah-kf5vn Thank you for your reply

[@beyondtherhetoric]

From what I've seen, Australia gets a 7-seater PHEV. So, it's not like they can't make it. They just chose not to do it for us.

[@TheNovakReport]

Exactly. Product planners in each country an automaker sells in, especially where they have a national office, have the ability to spec a model to meet what they feel are the preferences of purchasers in that country. Canadian product specialists are very good at getting models with things like standard heated front seats or AWD standard on all trims, because Canadian car buyers continually put a preference on these features. My guess is that the Sorento is available as a 7 seater in Australia because they don't sell the Telluride there. If the Telluride was sold in Australia, you'd probably see the Sorento as a 6 seater instead.

[@josephmoore8864]

A

[@TheNovakReport]

Kids can be 5'6" but a vehicle like this wasn't designed with 6 adults in mind.

[@reikasdad]

Pretty lame review. Sorry, but you spent more time whining about the seating than actually reviewing the feel/ride of the vehicle. Yeah, I got your point about "family needs", but every family is different, and instead of just whining about it, you could have also presented another point of view about how the vehicle can also work for some other families. I'm 6'2", and I can make the 3rd row work back there in a pinch (3rd row vs waiting for public transit/uber in the cold and rain? 3rd row pls) with the 2nd row all the way back. Also, I GUESS you didn't bother to try and fold the 2nd row backrest down and sit in the 3rd row with your feet up (using the 2nd row back rest as a sort of ottoman). Or.. that while doing so, said person in the row could have the other 3rd row seat down with the snack bag next to them. We all know that most/ALL SUVs this size don't allow for adults to sit back there in the 3rd row. Tell us something we don't already know. Clearly you don't bother to go that far in test/reviewing a vehicle. Sorry man... just goes back to "pretty lame review".

[@TheNovakReport]

There are plenty of Kia Sorento reviews online already. I covered all that was different including charge time, EV range and fuel economy. Thanks for watching.

[@barry28907]

Captains chairs are also less than ideal if you have a medium-large dog. We keep a special bench cover on the 3rd row, but it's hard for a large dog to get back there. And the cover works poorly over the second row.

[@TheNovakReport]

Interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing.

[@barry28907]

I should add that it's hard for the dog to get to the third row because we fold-down the 2nd-row seats so that she doesn't walk over them. Folded-down, there's very little room left to walk in front of the second row, unless we move one of the front seats VERY far forward. Our Durango allowed you to flip the 2nd row capn chair UP-forward to clear a path behind it. The Sorento has that red strap-pull thing, but it doesn't seem to do that ... unless I'm missing something

[@th.8868]

Nobody cares about dogs for a car. Very small part of a market need. Cars are for humans

[@TheNovakReport]

@@th.8868 What would indicate to you that a car maker cares about dogs?

[@barry28907]

@@th.8868 Car buyers have a variety of needs. It may be a small part of the buying public, but there are those of us who need to be able to transport our dog(s).

[@CLassicplaya102]

Will it recharge if you can't charge it?

[@TheNovakReport]

The Sorento PHEV will provide some energy return through traditional regenerative braking, but it cannot replenish to full in the way that say the Outlander PHEV can. You will need to have access to charging capabilities - even a regular home 110V outlet in order to charge up the battery.

[@dominikmichiels]

in europe you have a 3 seats 2nd row. I have a great 7 seat car and 3th row is still rather confortable in comparison to other compact 7 seaters

[@TheNovakReport]

This is my biggest gripe about how the Sorento PHEV is spec'd here in North America. At least give customers the option of a 2nd row bench seat instead of only Captain's chairs. This is a solid vehicle otherwise, but as you can tell I am having a really hard time getting past the ridiculous way they offer it here.

[@renzo2405]

Yea it didn't make any sense for them to not give people options to have bucket seats or captain seats and it looks way better with the three row seats down... way more room to put items in , I want to pull the trigger on purchasing a Kia Sorento but I don't know still

[@TheNovakReport]

My entire argument would have been moot had they created a 7 seat option. And until there is a PHEV Telluride or similar it eliminates the Sorento from consideration for any family that needs that seating capacity and is looking for a PHEV.

[@ericrouillard3784]

Second row seating should be offered as a bench. I would pay a dealer for a bench .

[@TheNovakReport]

Agreed!

[@liyuling1984]

Getting this PHEV is all about $5000 rebate from gov in Canada

[@TheNovakReport]

The rebate does help, yes.

[@NoelDickover]

Disagree with you on the second row bench. I love the 2 second row captain chairs, which are as luxurious as the first row. For us (grandparents, with one of our kids having car seat sized children) we are looking to have small people in the third row, so it works for us. But clearly that isnt the case for everyone.

[@TheNovakReport]

I totally appreciate that some would want a small 3rd row and 2nd row Captain's chairs. I've never had a problem with it being offered with certain trim levels. But my issue has been how this configuration is the standard and more flexible options such as 2nd row bench seating are not offered at all, which now takes away the potential suitability of it for a segment of potential customers.

[@prabhakarganapathy9469]

you can choose Kia Carnival

[@aarong9378]

Harping on a single "flaw" doesn't make for a good review. Example: Another article I read the other day repeatedly said, "People don't want to run their own servers." This is a blanket statement and, as a system admin myself, I DO want to run my own servers. It really turned me off. If the author of that article said it ONCE at the beginning, I wouldn't have been so turned off. Make your point and move to the next one. (Trying to be constructive.)

[@TheNovakReport]

I didn't harp on one issue for I did cover the critical facts that PHEV shoppers look for like EV range, charge time and output. But I also focused on a product planning flaw which is a serious consideration for a segment of the market this vehicle targets. Appreciate the comment.

[@tsmatthx2]

The ol "there's a problem click here" clickbait!

[@TheNovakReport]

I didn't lie.

[@MercuryRiZing1111]

They lost me at 8 seconds. When getting up to speed on a highway, 8 seconds would feel like a long time. Thanks for doing this, great info!

[@TheNovakReport]

Not really. Not when compared to many other vehicles that accelerate at that pace or even slower. We also wouldn't recognize the difference between 6 to 8 seconds to be honest. It would be more of an issue if this vehicle was built and marketed as a performance vehicle, but it's really about efficiency. Thanks for the comment, Zoe!

[@gondorian1006]

8 seconds is about average. The Prius is like 11 seconds and a Tesla Plaid is 2. A few decades ago 7 seconds was performance car territory.

[@adrianxxxx36]

Kia Sorento Diesel is better than hybrid. Recommended.

[@TheNovakReport]

The diesel is not offered in North America

[@adrianxxxx36]

@TheNovakReport that is sad to hear then you can only buy hybrid but do not buy plug in battery version is heavier and fir long distances you will need more fuel.

[@TheNovakReport]

@@adrianxxxx36 I didn't say the PHEV wasn't available. That's what I reviewed. What I said was the Diesel is not sold in North America.

[@ghulamkhilji]

any comments? any help

[@ghulamkhilji]

This is too much if I pay for the car maker fault......

[@Sloppyjoey1]

I disagree with the review honestly. Most 3rd rows are tight and still beat a middle bench, but even then he left out that the 2nd row seats can slide forward another 5 or so inches. Regardless too much of this review was about seating lol

[@TheNovakReport]

Thanks for watching.

[@greendg7]

nope, 3rd row here is too tight. that is problem

[@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

[@smasoumi3]

That’s a good point. In Toronto you have your heater or AC on 90% of time

[@vitusbering6453]

KIA advertise this model as 3 liters economy. Keep in mind it is true only for the FIRST 100 km (50km on battery and 50 on engine). Then you need to recharge. Also, KIA hides the fact that during cold or hot seasons you have to run gas engine to get your vehicle heated or cooled. It means (unless you ride less than 10-15 minutes) the real gas consumption will be 6-7 liters per 100km. Taking in consideration existing gas prices and 30k km usage annually, one need to run at least 4 years to cover the difference between gas- and PHEV EX+ models.

[@TheNovakReport]

All vehicles regardless of propulsion system and technology will have a wide variance when it comes to efficiency. All posted figures are essentially an estimate formulated under a controlled environment and abiding to rigid protocols. Of course nobody drives exactly that way, and on top of the climate where you live will have an impact. There are always ways to maximize efficiency but it's best to use posted efficiency numbers only as a guide and not any literal standard for everyone.

[@Lefishn]

Regardless of running gas engine to heat its still way ahead fuel consumption wise than its Gas only model. With the $5000 rebate why would you not go PHEV?

[@amandalynn7255]

We won’t buy it because it doesn’t have the center bench- we were so excited to hear it was coming out, but from a safety standpoint, there’s a huge projectile risk with all captains chairs if that third row is down.

[@TheNovakReport]

An interesting perspective.

[@eleventy-seven]

Welcome to the Kia/Hyundai recalls family. Your PHEV may have the exploding seat belt tensioners that shrapnel when set off by a accident. Better keep your VIN handy though if you own these two brands. Seriously though, all cars have recalls but nothing in my many decades of car ownership has had as many as Hyundai and Kia. After owning a 99 Suburban for business and having loads of fuel pump and brake issues I sold it and promised myself to check any car I was considering to purchase for recalls. Not buy the first year or two of any release and staying away from brands with too many issues. Jeep Fiat Hyundai Kia just are not worth it. A you tube compares a Theta 2 to a Toyota and the difference is unreal. The Toyota parts are far more robust, especially the listings and rods. I stopped buying Subaru after 2018 outback 3.6r as it was a reliable6 and as long as you change the transmission fluid every 35000 miles, the cvt will work fine. I found that many foreign manuals recommended that but the US Subaru manual said life which means you'll wish you never listened to that US manual for the rest of your life. Do research. Subaru turbo 4s suck, the no longer made 6 does not. Try and find a car that does not have a history of engine and brake fires like Hyundai and Kia. They're cute and fast enough but built like shite.

[@bryanwinter3289]

I agree with respect to the Kia and Hyundai Theta engines. However, I purchased a 2020 Kia Sorento EX Sport AWD with the Lambda V6 (last year the Sorento was offered with the V6 Option. We absolutely love it. 40,000 Miles no problems and the engine is Silky Smooth and very powerful

[@rushmoresociety2577]

Honestly, I characterize brands, instead of specific engines or models is too simplistic.

[@johnbinns6444]

terrible video, small thing that is obvious becomes such a stumbling block for the review

[@TheNovakReport]

Reviews are subjective based on the perspective of the reviewer. Thanks for watching.

[@tomjerry4240]

Deal with it