Sure, the 2022 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid isn’t as popular as the Kia Telluride. But in times like these where the most popular car, truck, or SUV on the market might be subject to crazy dealership markups, who needs a popular car?

The 2022 Kia Sorento is a solid midsize SUV

Finding a reliable and capable midsize SUV isn’t an easy feat these days. The 2022 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid vehicle does it all. It has solid fuel economy, a nice interior, and a pretty reasonable price, given everything going on in the automotive world.

This review on Engadget details why, on paper, the Kia Sorento is a winning SUV. The electric motor gets around 32 mpg, and when in hybrid mode, the 1.6L gas engine gets 34 mpg. All-wheel drive is standard, and it has plenty of cargo space in the back.

On the Consumer Reports road test, it managed to get 83 out of 100. The predicted owner satisfaction came in at three out of five, but the predicted reliability plummeted to one out of five.

Comparing the Kia Sorento to the 2022 Kia Telluride

Comparing the 2022 Kia Sorento to the 2022 Kia Telluride almost isn’t fair. The Telluride sets the bar astronomically high for mass-market SUVs, and not many automakers have been able to replicate its success. Consumer Reports gave the Telluride almost perfect scores across the board. The road test, reliability, and owner satisfaction left the Kia Telluride SUV in first place.

Consumer Reports says the “redesigned Sorento has more technology and active safety features than before, but it’s not as well-rounded as the previous generation.” It is in the middle of the pack as far as midsize SUVs go, and the price makes it more accessible. For either SUV, the Kia warranty is 10 years or 100,000 miles, which is a big selling point.

A plug-in hybrid SUV is a good jumping off point

While the plug-in hybrid Kia Sorento might not be for everyone, the plug in part is one of the highs. Drivers won’t have to hunt for charging stations on trips like with a regular electric vehicle. Plus, Consumer Reports says it gets 25 mpg overall. For those interested in the electric vehicle lifestyle but not ready to commit, a PHEV is a good starting point.

Overall, the 2022 Sorento is a solid SUV that will fit into many budgets. Some of the standard active safety features include forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance are also standard. Plus, the 2022 Kia Sorento is still eligible for the federal tax credit amount of $6,587, making it even more affordable.

While you might not be stopped in the Target parking lot to chat about your Sorento, you can drive around knowing you have a safe and fuel efficient SUV. The Kia Telluride is pretty cool, but it isn’t worth the headache of tracking one down.