New 2021 Kia Sorento PHEV plug-in hybrid seven-seater family SUV review - DrivingElectric

For our full review of the Sorento PHEV, head to www.drivingele... - or if you're interested in the non-plug-in Sorento Hybrid, go to www.drivingele...
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The Kia Sorento has long been a top choice for family buyers looking for a spacious and good-value seven-seater. But this latest model ups the ante with a more premium, upmarket feel, as well as a choice of efficient hybrid powertrains. Here, Grace Webb checks out the plug-in version to see if the sums add up...
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - Running costs, CO2, battery and electric range
02:05 - Trim levels and design
02:50 - Charging and fuel economy
04:00 - Drive and handling
05:50 - Equipment and specifications
06:30 - Interior and dashboard
07:12 - Boot space and practicality
08:15 - Conclusion
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[@sylvesterhiemstra4002]

I bought the K4 in Ireland which has not got all the bits the K4 has in the UK. Wat I miss from many reviews is that after the EV mileage says 0 the car does not simply use petrol only but it actually becomes a self charging hybrid where it puts power back in to the battery under braking, coasting and rolling down hills etc. I noticed this on my first long (600km) trip last Saturday. All in all I am very impressed with my Sorento PHEV K4 and that is after me trading in my 2018 X3 Diesel.

[@predacorneliu]

And what consumption did you have for these 600 km?

[@andrezavoli9443]

Good to know. :). I also bought one K4 Plug-in Hybrid here in Ireland and it is due to arrive now in July. I just can't wait 😍

[@sylvesterhiemstra4002]

@@predacorneliu from memory around 36-37 Mpg

[@andrezavoli9443]

@@sylvesterhiemstra4002 it's been 8 months since your first comment about the Sorento K4. Is the car still as good? Any advice for a newbie? Thanks in advance :).

[@sylvesterhiemstra4002]

@@andrezavoli9443 nothings changed. Had my engine management light come on twice and twice it was a software glitch. Just keep her charged and enjoy it 👍

[@nevillekurt8061]

I’ve (test) driven both self charge and phev versions. My major concern was when pulling out onto a main road or roundabout. There’s a noticeable delay in engine response while it decides on petrol or electric power and I think this could prove quite dangerous if there’s oncoming traffic. Obviously, if you drive really cautiously this might not be an issue. Its price point puts it at a competitive level with the Volvo XC 60 (which I’ve also test driven both mild hybrid and phev). However, to my untrained eye, the Volvo’s fit and finish is considerably superior. The Kia warranty is 7 years (Volvo is 3) so that is definitely worth bearing in mind. Especially if you’re buying as a private customer, £50k is a lot of money.

[@DrivingElectric]

Don't forget the seven seats and bigger boot!

[@robertduklus6555]

@@DrivingElectric its 7 seat or bigger boot, not both. xc 60 is far superior to sorento in every way. Not a realistic comparison. 50 K pounds for Kia?, Boy you must be rich in the jolly old england. How you gonna charge it if you electricity delivery is as reliable as in Afganistan lately? Well how times changed....from world dominance to no petrol when you need it, no electricity you can afford it to empty shelves in the supermarket.

[@GreyFoxNinjaFan]

@@DrivingElectric the real comparison is to the XC90 which is massively expensive by comparison.

[@sylvesterhiemstra4002]

I’ve done 11000 km in my PHEV and never noticed any hesitation taking off 🤷‍♂️ both in full EV or hybrid modes. On the contrary take off is nice and quick because of the readily available electric motor. Only gripe I have is with the noise the ICE makes under acceleration

[@mazgicislam1599]

can someone explain to me what she meant by the engine coming on suddently? So 1st of all does this have an EV mode? (I presume it does) if yes does she mean that while in EV mode it randomly comes on? or is she saying that while driving around in hybrid mode, the switching betweent the two power sources is not a nice experience?

[@pedalreview]

10 out of 10 on the video, it reserves more views!

[@DrivingElectric]

Wow, thanks!

[@John-209]

Do you guys on the other side of the pond get free electricity? or do you consider the price of the electricity into the 177 miles per gallon?

[@DrivingElectric]

No free electricity over here, unfortunately! We always mention that the high (WLTP rated) mpg figures are impossible to achieve without regular charging - and aim to offer a real-world fuel economy figure after the batteries are depleted.

[@John-209]

@@r1cha4d you guys buy your petrol by the liter don’t you? My point only been that they don’t consider the cost of the electricity when they get those numbers

[@gayenmarvo19]

Please do the 2021 Mercedes Benz GLE 350DE(Diesel phev), and 2021 Prius plug in hybrid!

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

Most SUVs that have 7 seats in their petrol and diesel equivalents don’t have 5 seats in the PHEV. The two other ones I could think of are the Volvo XC90 T8 and the Ford Explorer PHEV (not sold in the UK).

[@DrivingElectric]

You're right - it's a huge plus point to the Sorento PHEV.

[@rdcanyon]

Is this cbeebies?

[@user-ii5rj7er7k]

For that price, it's kind of not ok that it doesn't have a heat pump.

[@damianwaite535]

When is the Kia serentos replacement due

[@OlJackBurton]

Huh? The Sorento was redesigned in 2020. It won't be replaced for years, maybe by a BEV...

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. The “3” Is expected to be the best seller and very Ideal for Towing Caravans

[@DrivingElectric]

Thanks Jamie! You're right, the Sorento is a great tow car.

[@robbilton9006]

Does the Sorento use the ICE for cabin heat like the Niro?

[@DrivingElectric]

At times, depending on load and state of charge, the Sorento will use the engine to heat the cabin. However, this isn't done as a matter of course - the battery can do this providing the conditions are right.

[@robertduklus6555]

@@DrivingElectric how can the battery heat the cabin? Do tell. Sorento doesnt have a heat pump.

[@robertduklus6555]

uses the engine to heat and to cool

[@sylvesterhiemstra4002]

@@DrivingElectric I don’t think that’s true. If the cabin needs heat the ICE always comes on. The AC however doesn’t require the ICEto run

[@sylvesterhiemstra4002]

@@robertduklus6555 AC can run without ICE running

[@stevenkaye9829]

Does it have the option of a CD player?

[@theblitz1687]

Showing someone around 180cm sitting in all three rows would be good for showing leg and headroom. Please do that next time

[@QUiNTiNBANKS]

really whats the point of a hybrid? just make it all electric.

[@DrivingElectric]

Plug-in hybrids represent a worthwhile stepping stone for many petrol or diesel owners looking to make the switch to electric. This is especially true for those who tow heavy caravans or trailers, as many EVs aren't yet rated for towing - and even if they are, the range can drop significantly.

[@QUiNTiNBANKS]

@@DrivingElectric understand ! Thank you. I’m currently looking for an 7 seater suv. Trying to remove gas in general, just wish this vehicle was fully electric.

[@christophercattie]

It allows short around town drives on electric only while allowing them to do 8 hour drives without long stops for recharge

[@MB-rt5bx]

Nice looking car, but EV range is too low.

[@ryanmason5946]

For a 3-row awd that's actually very good. Volvo's are horrifically low so for apple for apples, it's pretty good.

[@sylvesterhiemstra4002]

It's one of the better PHEV's on the market and for it's size it's excellent.

[@Mazgic]

what is the EV mode range?

[@jpmackin]

Hello Ms. GORGEOUS 😻…the car is ok.

[@lincolnmartins1079]

Show pedals driving girls

[@minniesaab7255]

⚡⚡💚⚡⚡

[@SHAHMRUGESH]

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