Hyundai Motor Company and its portfolio of brands are exploring electrified powertrain options. The South Korean automaker currently produces several plug-in hybrid models across its portfolio of brands. These PHEVs are more powerful and efficient than internal combustion engine vehicles. PHEV powertrain systems can cost a pretty penny because of their complexity. How much is a Kia Sorento PHEV?

How much does a Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid cost?

The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid only comes in one configuration, the SX Prestige. It costs $49,990 before taxes and additional fees. The Sorento PHEV is a midsize family SUV that comes with great standard features.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid costs $17,400 more than the base model internal combustion engine Sorento. Kia’s PHEV Sorento costs $13,300 more than the hybrid model. So, the question is, does the 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX Prestige provide adequate value for the money?

Is the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX Prestige worth the money?

Kia normally produces affordable mainstream vehicles for the average consumer. The Sorento PHEV is clearly pricey compared to other Sorento models, but its price is justified in the eyes of some consumers because of its specs and standard features.

The PHEV uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to make 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It isn’t the quickest or most powerful midsize SUV, but its electric motor certainly provides a power boost.

The 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid gets 34 miles per gallon combined. It has 32 miles of electric-only driving range. The midsize SUV has a 12.4-gallon gas tank. It can travel for around 453 miles on a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery, which is decent for an SUV of its size.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is affordable to refuel compared to some midsize SUVs. Its efficiency makes it a great road trip SUV. The PHEV competes with models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid and Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid dominate their segment.

What comes standard on the Kia Sorento PHEV?

The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid includes a smart power tailgate, a heated steering wheel, and genuine leather seat trim. It also features a smart key with push-button and remote start, a wireless phone charger, and a Bose 12-speaker premium audio system.

The Sorento PHEV features a blind-spot view monitor, a surround-view monitor, and a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade. It also has a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

The 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid SX Prestige is packed with plenty of creature comforts and technology that justify its price. Between its luxurious cabin and standard driver assistance/safety features, it’s easy to see why some consumers are willing to cough up nearly $50K for the midsize plug-in hybrid SUV. Kelley Blue Book calls it one of the best PHEV SUVs of 2023.

PHEVs are interesting because they are about as close as drivers can get to EV ownership without buying a fully electric vehicle. Will plug-in hybrids become much more popular than hybrids and EVs in the years to come?