While Kia has promised to introduce new hybrids through 2026 and beyond, its existing lineup of electrified vehicles is nothing to sneeze at. One of its longer-running models, the Sorento, got the plug-in hybrid treatment a couple of years ago, and it remains a popular option in the automaker’s catalog today.

What’s New for the 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid Plug-In

While non-hybrid Sorento variants got a refresh for 2024, hybrid versions will wait until 2025 to see significant updates. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) enters 2024 unchanged from the year before.

Design

There’s little outward indication that the Sorento PHEV is any different from the standard model. It sports Kia’s signature “tiger nose” grille, with clean bodywork, but the single trim level available means that styling doesn’t vary between models.

Powertrain

The 2024 Kia Sorento PHEV gets a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that make a combined 261 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. They’re paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). The electric motor draws power from a 13.8-kWh battery pack.

Sorento PHEVs deliver 32 miles of electric range and can charge fully in 3.5 hours on a Level 2 charger. When that electric range is exhausted, the SUV can still be driven normally as a traditional hybrid.

Interior

The Sorento PHEV is more upscale and comfortable than expected. Since it comes in a single, well-equipped trim, it gets all the goodies out of the gate, including genuine leather, power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and more. It also comes standard with three rows of seating, and the first two rows offer plenty of space for adults. The third row is short on space, so it’s best to reserve the “way back” for kids, and limit third-row occupancy to shorter trips even then. Cargo space measures a disappointing 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, up to 45 cubic feet with the third row down, and 75.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat.

Technology

Kia equips a generous list of standard tech features on the 2024 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, including a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with Bluetooth, a Bose audio system, navigation, SiriusXM radio, wireless charging, voice commands, a panoramic sunroof, and more. Kia’s infotainment interface is not as flashy as the systems in some competitive SUVs, but that simplicity makes it a breeze to use while driving.

Safety

The 2024 Sorento PHEV gets plenty of advanced driver aids, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, rear seat alerts, intersection assist, parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers. While it doesn’t currently hold a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), that’s likely due to the SUV's not having received full crash testing at this time.

Pricing

As of this writing, the 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid starts at $51,665 after a $1,375 destination charge. While there aren’t any fancy options, packages, or upgrades, Kia offers several accessories, including a $190 cargo cover and $125 mudguards.