The 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid is one of many hybrid models offered by the Korean automaker. It shares the spacious, upscale interior and friendly styling of the non-hybrid Sorento, but with better fuel economy and a surprisingly nice driving experience.

What’s New for the 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid

Kia gave the non-hybrid Sorento variant an update for 2024, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will have to wait for 2025 to see substantive changes. The Sorento Hybrid enters 2024 with no differences compared to the year before.

Design

The 2024 Sorento Hybrid comes in two trims with unique wheel designs and exterior accents. Entry-level EX models get 18-inch wheels, while the top SX Prestige steps up to 19-inch rollers. It also adds chrome trim, fog lights, and upgraded headlights over the base trim.

Powertrain

Kia equips a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with one electric motor making a combined 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is available, with a six-speed automatic transmission in either case.

The Sorento Hybrid feels livelier than the standard gas model, thanks in part to its electric motor, which delivers more torque at lower rpm. It feels surprisingly quick in traffic, and fuel economy reaches an EPA-estimated 39 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with FWD. AWD drops those numbers a bit to 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

The Sorento Hybrid is clearly tuned more for comfort than performance, offering a comfy ride and agreeable handling in most situations. The tradeoff is slightly less-aggressive handling and a somewhat numb steering feel at times.

Interior

The SUV comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery and heated, power-adjustable front seats. Upgrading to the SX Prestige brings genuine leather upholstery and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. Passengers see ample space in both rows of seating, and there’s good support and padding throughout.

Technology

A 10.25-inch touchscreen comes standard and is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation, six speakers, wireless charging, and dual-zone climate control are also standard. The SX Prestige adds a Bose audio system, a household power outlet, and upgraded speakers. Kia made its infotainment interface easy to use, even while driving, making interacting with the SUV less distracting.

Safety

The Sorento Hybrid comes well-equipped with safety equipment out of the box. Standard kit includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure alert, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. Upgrading to the SX Prestige adds a blind spot camera system and a surround-view monitor.

Pricing

As of this writing, the 2024 Sorento Hybrid starts at $38,365 after a $1,375 destination charge. The SX Prestige starts at $44,165. While Kia doesn’t generally offer a ton of standalone options, there is a $1,300 panoramic sunroof package available for both trims.