Kia Sorento Hybrid 2022 Review

By Callum Hunter, carsales.com.au

The fourth-generation Kia Sorento is proof of how far the South Korean car maker has come over the last decade. For a brand that was often dismissed as cheap and cheerful, the latest Sorento has won over plenty of Aussie families, and even a collection of trophies – including the coveted carsales Car of the Year in 2020.

Now, the seven-seat large SUV has taken another step forward with a new self-charging petrol-electric hybrid powertrain that joins the current broad line-up which spans regular petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid variants.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid, or HEV, can be had in either front-drive or AWD form but is only available in top-shelf GT-Line trim, so the starting price is relatively high at $66,750 plus on-road costs.

But it’s worth a very close look… so, let’s check it out.

More-ish

While most will opt for the more affordable 2022 Kia Sorento GT-Line HEV in front-drive configuration, we’re testing the all-wheel drive model that commands a further $3000 premium.

At $69,750 (plus ORCs) that’s $4680 more expensive than the equivalent diesel-powered Sorento, but much more affordable than the niche plug-in hybrid Sorento PHEV that costs from $80,330 (plus ORCs) and can run on battery power alone for up to 68km.

The Hybrid GT-Line comes loaded with pretty much everything a family of up to seven could possibly want from their car, as well as a few exclusive chassis elements not seen on lesser variants, namely Sachs dampers and 19-inch alloy wheels.

All Sorento models look broadly similar, with the main cosmetic differences between grades coming down to the exterior trim and the size and design of the alloy wheels.

Inside, though, it’s a different story as the GT-Line brings a glorious set of power-adjustable Nappa leather seats that are both heated and cooled up front and heated in the second row.

Other keynote features include a rotary gear selector, 64-colour ambient lighting, a panoramic roof, piano black trim, a heated steering wheel, sun shades, digital instrument cluster, a powered tailgate, 12-speaker Bose sound system… the list genuinely goes on and on and on.

Safety in numbers

It’s the same story when it comes to safety equipment, with all 2022 Kia Sorento models carrying a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating – based on testing in 2020 under the current tough assessment regime – and loaded to the roof lining with active and passive safety features.

The list of acronyms denoting advanced driver assist systems is genuinely vast – AEB (autonomous emergency braking), MCB (multi collision braking), HBA (high beam assist), LKA (lane keeping assist), LCA (lane change assist), PCA (parking collision avoidance), DAA (driver attentional alert), just to name a few.

The GT-Line adds to that comprehensive suite with a crisp 360-degree camera, blind spot view monitor (BVM) via the digital dash, electronic child safety lock and rear occupant alert.

Of these features, it’s the Blind Spot Monitor in the instrument panel that’s the cleverest in day-to-day use as it is activated every time the indicators are deployed which then displays an image on the cluster of a view down the corresponding side of the car. While the image is generally crisp and sharp, rain can render the system ineffective as the lenses become obscured.

Speaking of things that work better in theory than they do in real life, the Sorento’s adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a little too eager to intervene when it detects a new vehicle merging in front or even crossing the flow of traffic.

The same can be said of the lane keep assist and lane centring systems which can feel overbearing in the way it abruptly corrects the steering.

You can make alterations in the vehicle settings, but as we’ve found in a variety of other vehicles the more fiddly and overactive they are can sometimes encourage the driver to disengage them rather than embrace the technology.

Really, we’re nit-picking a bit here, because the overall package in the Kia Sorento is hard to fault.

Two is better than one

The real story here is the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid’s petrol-electric powertrain which links the Hyundai Motor Group’s latest iteration of its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor.

On its own the petrol engine develops 132kW of power and 265Nm of torque, while the electric motor is rated at 44kW and 264Nm.

Together, they have a combined maximum output of 169kW and 350Nm, which positions it between the regular 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (200kW/332Nm) and 2.2-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder (148kW/440Nm) options.

The electric motor is powered by a 1.5kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack stashed under the floor in the boot.

Unlike other brands which pair their hybrid powertrains with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to further cut fuel consumption, Kia has stuck with a conventional six-speed torque-converter automatic which ultimately helps the big seven-seater feel a bit more, well, normal when pottering around the suburbs.

As for economy, Kia claims the Sorento HEV returns an average of 5.8L/100km on the official combined cycle in the AWD version – or 5.3L/100km in the 2WD.

That compares to the 6.1L/100km claimed average in the diesel-powered, AWD-only Sorento GT-Line. However, when you consider that most family SUVs typically spend most of their life running around the suburbs, the disparity in urban-only consumption (7.4L/100km for the diesel and 5.9L/100km for the Hybrid) makes the Hybrid a logical solution.

The 2WD HEV is better again at 5.5L/100km, which is quite outstanding for a circa-two-tonne large wagon, although the full-time AWD model brings clear traction advantages and extra versatility afforded by its terrain management system which alters the torque split, throttle sensitivity and traction control parameters depending on the mode.

Our testing across a broad range of conditions returned 7.1L/100km when we handed the keys back to Kia.

Smooth as silk

The 2022 Kia Sorento GT-Line HEV AWD is a smooth operator around town, with the electric motor delivering refined and instantaneous torque from a standing start and the transmission ensuring smooth progress, with none of the hesitancy of a dual-clutch auto or elasticity of a CVT.

With only a small battery, the Sorento HEV can only start moving away using just the electric motor, with the 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine quickly rumbling into life once on the move.

With the two power sources combined, it delivers plenty of pulling power, is responsive to inputs and exceptionally smooth.

There were a couple of instances where it fumbled, such as when slowing down for a give-way sign in default Eco drive mode and then getting back on the power before coming to a stop. In that situation, there was a few seconds’ delay before the powertrain delivered a somewhat aggressive reaction to the throttle input.

Switch it into Sport mode and the engines are locked together to deliver maximum performance and grip, of which there’s plenty for such a big and heavy vehicle.

Twisty stretches of road are dealt with confidently and comfortably thanks to the reasonably firm but never brittle suspension tune and sticky Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres. The same goes for loose surfaces thanks to the added security of all-wheel drive.

As ever, the Sorento also remains one of the most comfortable and refined models in its class.

The urban choice

The 2022 Kia Sorento HEV AWD is a very appealing family car, even with its hefty price tag. And with few hybrid options in the large SUV segment, it stands almost on its own.

Its most obvious rival is the Toyota Kluger Hybrid, which is more expensive in the equivalent Grande AWD specification (from $75,700) and can’t match the Sorento for driving performance, technology and cabin presentation.

There are a couple of downsides with the Sorento Hybrid compared to the diesel-powered version, including a slightly lower braked towing capacity (1650kg v 2000kg) and shorter service intervals (10,000km v 15,000km, across 12 months).

The battery also chomps a few litres out of its boot space (616L vs 608L), but there’s still plenty of room.

Where the new Sorento Hybrid really shines is in its natural environment – the suburbs.

Indeed, for everyday practicality and in fulfilling the brief as a stylish, sophisticated and economical seven-seat family SUV that’s purpose-built for urban duties and yet can eat up the highway miles, the Sorento HEV is a standout.

How much does the 2022 Kia Sorento GT-Line Hybrid AWD cost?

Disclaimer: Images supplied by carsales.

This article was prepared by an independent author. The information contained in this article represents the views and opinions of the original author, and is based on research carried out by the original author. The appearance of the article on Maxxia's website does not constitute an endorsement of its content by Maxxia in any way. The article has been made available for informational purposes only and should not be taken as advice. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the statements made by the original author in the article are fair and accurate, Maxxia does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of this information and will not be liable for, or in connection with, any loss or damage suffered as a result of any inaccuracies, errors or omissions or your reliance on this information. You should independently research and verify information before making any decision in respect of a vehicle.