Test of Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid: Underrated Size

Man, has it grown up. The original Sorento was not 4.6 meters long and visually oriented itself towards the Mercedes Benz ML or GLE. It gave Kia its first image boost. Long since it has visually established itself from its former role model, but it followed its growth into the upper mid-size SUV class. The current Sorento visually aligns more with the even larger US-top-Kia-SUV Telluride, and there's a hint of Ford Mustang in the rear lights. Clearly, the SUV, optionally available as a seven-seater in the upper mid-size class, primarily targets the US market – though it is also configured for Europe as a diesel and plug-in hybrid.

We climb in and notice: Kia has also designed the interior of the Sorento somewhat towards US tastes – but without (yet) too many touch and swipe functions: The climate control and driving modes can all still be controlled via buttons and rocker switches, infotainment, and vehicle info can be accessed and controlled via the screen. Here, Kia is also continuously expanding and improving its own services, which run under "Kia Live," including free map updates for seven years. Additionally, features like remote unlocking via smartphone and route and charging planning are included.

The first two rows provide ample space for up to five adults, the foldable third row of seats is more of an emergency seat row: If 1.8-meter passengers want to sit here, the second row would have to move quite far forward – especially since access to the very back is easier for flexible children than for tall passengers. However, with the sliding and split-folding second row, the Sorento brings enough flexibility and roominess despite the battery under the floor: The gap to the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Co. is minimal – even in terms of haptics and equipment, the difference is not too large.

At just under 2.2 tons, the Kia is among the "lightweights" in the lineup of large plug-in SUVs

It reflects in price, weight, and driving experience: Indeed, the Sorento feels more like a nimble mid-size SUV and maintains a respectful distance from the fortresses of Audi, BMW, or Mercedes. Nonetheless, the "lightness" should be taken relatively, as: With an 80-kg driver, the Sorento Plug-in already weighs 2,169 kg, which is still about half a ton(!) lighter than the BMW X5 45e or the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 e 4Matic. The Sorento's battery alone accounts for 139 kg here.

This is partly because the Sorento makes do with a comparatively compact 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine, which, together with the electric motor, produces a total of 350 Nm of system torque – which indeed represents more mid- than upper-class values, especially since the diesel offers 440 Nm from 1,750 rpm. So, it doesn't quite bring the robust confidence of the premium SUVs, but it still offers more than enough power, objectively speaking. The only real downside might be the towing capacity, which is limited to 1,500 kg braked for the plug-in, while the diesel can tow 2.5 tons. This partial "lightness of being" has advantages as well: In terms of consumption, the Kia is also somewhat more economical and remained noticeably below the premium gasoline engines with a good 4.9 l/100 km plus 8.8 kWh/100 km. However, due to the smaller battery, which has a gross capacity of 13.8 kWh, it must rank behind the GLE 350 de, which managed with 4.3 l/100 km but drew 15.5 kWh/100 km from the battery.

A lot of space – but relatively low costs

In terms of price, operating costs, and warranty, the Kia outperforms the large premium plug-ins: While premiums can cost up to 70 ct/km in all-in leasing, the Sorento Plug-in runs at 0.54 euros per kilometer. Its battery allowed us a generous 61 km of purely electric range on the test round, so the combustion engine was only brought in on the highway – sufficient for many commutes. The remaining range is also interesting: Shortly after entering the highway, the Kia still displayed 15 percent battery, but zero kilometers of range. The battery dwindled from two percent by the end of the test, so the drive added an average of about 4 kWh/100 to curb fuel consumption on the highway leg. Yet, the common saying holds that the Sorento should always be plugged in whenever possible, as under 8.0 l/100 km is not much to hope for on the highway, and if you're in a hurry, you quickly reach double-digit figures – a large gasoline SUV, indeed. In the city, however, it was very economical for its size and weight, on the brisk country road sections.

Still, we were positively surprised and somewhat puzzled at how much image really matters: Because those who seek space and utility along with decent off-road capability would hardly be worse off with the Sorento than with the GLE and co – yet the Kia sells nowhere near as well as the significantly more expensive and heavier top dogs. This is also true of the price: The Vision starts net at 46,168.07 euros before environmental bonus (54,940.00 euros gross), the Spirit at 49,529.41 euros (58,940.00 net), and the fully equipped Platinum at 52,890.76 euros net, or 62,940.00 gross. That's around 5,590 euros net (6,650 euros gross) more than the all-wheel-drive diesel costs.

It is recommended to sign up for "Kia Charge": according to Kia, this offers nationwide coverage of 98% in Germany at fixed prices. The card and app provide access to more than 228,000 publicly accessible charging points across Europe. The monthly basic fee in the Advanced tariff is €4.99 (free in the first year), and at an AC charging station with a maximum stay of 120 minutes, you pay €0.29 per kWh. This wouldn’t quite be enough for a charge from 15% to 95% with 3.3 kW – Kia states that this requires 205 minutes – it would be nicer to have the option to charge three-phase at 11 kW – then the plug-in would be fully charged in just under 1.5 hours. Kia also offers a seven-year warranty on the battery: quality and craftsmanship have always been mature!

Technical Data:

Four-cylinder diesel engine + permanent magnet synchronous machine, 1,598 cm³, system output 195 kW (265 PS), 350 Nm/1,750-2,500/min., LxWxH: 4,810x2170 (with mirrors) x1,700 mm, wheelbase: 2,815 mm, 47-litre tank, 175-1,988 l trunk, curb weight of test vehicle (fully fueled, including 80-kg driver): 2,169 kg

Performance Measurements:

Elasticity 50-80/80-120 km/h: 3.2/5.6 sec, acceleration 0-60/0-80/0-100 km/h: 4.6/6.4/9.2 sec

Noise levels at 30/50/60/80/100/120 km/h: 48.6/50.5/52.4/55.1/57.1/59.9 dB(A)

Consumption on test route (159.0 km): city: 16.9 kWh/100 km, country roads: 17.0 kWh/100 km, highway: 8.1 l + 4.6 kWh /100 km, overall: 4.9 l + 8.8 kWh /100 km

Costs: €0.54/km

What does this mean?

The Sorento Plug-in is an alternative for commuters who also occasionally drive long distances, need a lot of space, want an SUV with two emergency seats, and do not need to tow too heavy trailers. It is cleverly positioned between the vast selection of mid-size SUVs and the premium offerings in the upper mid-size SUV segment.