Kia brings Sorento Plug-in Hybrid to Canada for under $45,000

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Kia Canada revealed mid-September the first-ever 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) had hit dealerships here – a little late, but just ahead of an official debut at the Montreal Electric Vehicle show – with an MSRP beginning just under $45,000.

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The new variant on the three-row SUV, soon to be accompanied by a pure hybrid (HEV) version, too, presages five more all-new electrified vehicles due out from the brand.

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Kia brings Sorento Plug-in Hybrid to Canada for under $45,000 Back to video

From the outside, the PHEV looks a lot like the gasoline fourth-gen Sorento, which just bowed last year, though the hybrids do get two new wheel options. Ditto the cabin, outside of its standard Shift by Wire selector and optional ambient lighting. The chassis and dimensions remain the same, too.

It’s under the hood where things change, courtesy a 13.8-watt lithium-ion battery (in PHEV) and 66-kW motor that adds a little juice to what the 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder puts out. Together they’re good for 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and about 51 km of range on battery alone. An estimated 2.8 L/100 km city (3.2 highway) makes the PHEV a lot “greener” than its gas counterparts.

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The hybrid HEV makes do with a smaller 270V battery; 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque; and efficiency ratings estimated at 6.4 L/100 km and 7.0 L/100 km city/highway, respectively. Both the PHEV and HEV come standard with all-wheel-drive.

The Sorento PHEV is available in dealerships as of September, with the base EX trim starting at $44,995 — that’s $5,000 more than a similar gas Sorento, but also just low enough to qualify for a $2,500 federal EV rebate, plus applicable provincial ones. From there, you’re looking at $50,595 for the EX+; and $54,995 for the SX trim.

The hybrid Sorento HEV will be made available this fall, but pricing has yet to be determined.