EVs are now wholeheartedly taking over the market here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis, with crossovers and hybrids existing as an excellent means of “enjoying the now” while waiting on the future. The hybrid combo is the current state of affairs’ sweet spot of massive usefulness and merit, and we are so very proud of the additions that our brand has contributed to the mix. The 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid begins its charismatic and practical stance with all of the things drivers love about the Sorento, and then upping the ante by combining it with a hybrid setup.
The Topspeed.com review crew claimed after a test drive that the results are “smart, stylish, and countable”, as well as the added benefit of the standard third row. Here are some of its best attributes, and reasons why we think it's an excellent pick for everything from pre-Halloween costume shopping to daily shuttling duties this fall!
Elegance and Head-Turning Sleek Design:
The Sorento consistently shows up at the party with the suavest costume of the bunch, and the presence that dominates nicely rather than blending in with everything ordinary. The front fascia has a bold stance, and has triple beam headlights combined with the signature tapered ‘Tiger Nose’ grill. The rear end features very cool-looking vertical taillamps and the Sorrento name is now ingrained nicely across the trunk lid’s underside.
Eco-Friendly Commutes + Environmental Impact:
As the market continues to shift and consumers’ hands become tightly clasped around their wallets this pre-holiday season, claims of efficiency will carry a model quite far in the very demanding quest for popularity. Among current SUVs that are equipped with the 3rd row, the 2023 Kia Sorento hybrid is at the top of the list for fuel efficiency. The rivaling Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE is the only other alternative out there, but since it's a plug-in, it is not considered a direct competitor of the Sorrento. The official numbers are 39 mpg city, 35 highway, and 37 combined.
Awesome Gadgets + Interior Grandeur:
Once inside, the cabin layout possesses elements on the simpler side of things while boasting a decidedly upscale vibe. This is thanks to faux black leather seats, soft-touch plastic that coats the dash and door panels, and very cool aluminum accents surrounding the climate-control outlets and prominent center console. Many new releases as of late have struggled with a bit of an identity crisis when it comes to looking good inside, and Sorrento snazzily has this department well covered. Even the base S model sports a 10.3-inch touchscreen, along with 8 USB ports.
Room to Roam: Exploring the Sorento's Spacious Interior
Inside the 2023 Sorento is seating for six, and very comfortable reclining bucket seats as standard. Working with precise battery pack placement has been a challenge during new hybrid and EV construction, and the team did excellent with this by getting the pack to fit underneath the cabin floor. This was accomplished without saying goodbye to the passenger and cargo space that drivers love, while most SUVs in this position had to completely abandon the notion of a third row.
Eco-Empowerment: The Sorento's 220-Horse Hybrid Revelation
The 2023 Kia Sorento hybrid is equipped with a turbocharger 1.6 liter inline 4 hybrid engine, and many drivers who are not in the habit of populating the slow lane will be excited to learn that the horsepower starts above 200. The Sorrento cranks out 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is ideal for around-town errands made easier, and suits the Sorento’s style and DNA to the T. The holiday drives coming up can be spent overtaking others for once, instead of everyone in the back row consistently wanting to know if “we’re there yet.”
Tech with a Twist: Unusual Features That Set the Sorento Hybrid Apart
No current model with such immediately great first impressions can be short on toys, as they are very important bits that capture the attention of all ages. There is a passenger intercom feature that emulates the driver's voice and plays through the rear speakers, as well as a small blind spot camera view that appears in the instrument panel. It provides you with a view down the side of the car which is a spur-of-the-moment whimsical feature that is very useful. Competing rivals have added their own form of savvy features such as this, but experiencing this coming season of change with these quirky extras is bound to be a crisp and “sweater weather approaching soon” blast!
