2022 Sorento PHEV Primed to Dominate the Dirt and X-Cross Class During Rebelle Rally

The 2021 Rebelle Rally is set to take place in just a few days! This is an all-out desert fiasco demanding all forms of extreme navigation, Kia will have two entries: a pair of 2022 Sorento PHEVs that will represent the “electrified” designation.

Seeing its official worldwide launch last year, the Rebelle Rally is the perfect opportunity for EVs, plug-in hybrids, and conventional hybrids to demonstrate their abilities off-road. The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is part of the Plan S electrification strategy, and a few of the most talented female drivers in the nation are introducing the PHEV to Kia consumers as a new, electrified means of enjoying the various trails and opportunities for solitude in the great outdoors. 

During last year’s race, the Kia Telluride scored a close second during the X-cross class, and for 2021, Alyssia Roenigk and her seasoned spotter Sabrina Howells are pairing up again to crush this challenge! We are confident they will outpace the 4x4 group tackling the Imperial Sand Dunes just as they did last time. The PHEV is the perfect vehicle for a task that requires precision steering, aptitude, and thorough knowledge of every component of the vehicle as it works in unison with the driver. 

At the helm of the second Sorento PHEV is professional rally driver Verena Meia, who has a winning background in motorsports. She’ll race with her grade-A navigator Tana White, who has demonstrated her mastery of everything a driver can come across during a rally! On top of being one of the odds-on favorites during the Rebelle Rally, Kia America is also proud to be a Rebelle Rally sponsor, a partnership that has felt like a natural fit since day one.

The plug-in hybrids competing during this rally will see minimal modifications, and their design will draw noticeable inspiration from adventure and outdoor concepts we have seen in the past. The 2022 PHEV boasts an EPA-estimated 32-mile pure electric driving range, which is at the top of the list in its class of 3-row PHEV SUVs. The Rebelle Rally will test participants over eight grueling days of competition and is not merely for speed, but also measures expertise needed for hidden checkpoints, distance reading maps, roadbook, and valuable compass skills. The Rebelle Rally represents a huge chance for these talented women to shine and show the world just how thoroughly authentic, raw, and though they all are!

2022 Kia Sorento PHEV to Debut with Highest Electric Driving Rage of Any 3-Row PHEV Model

The 2022 Sorento Turbo Plug-in Hybrid will roll onto the lot during 2021’s third quarter at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis with the best range of any PHEV. This new PHEV will be offered with a 66.9 kW electric motor and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that together crank out 261 horsepower. You’ll be enjoying 32 miles of pure electric driving range with a projected combined overall range of 460 miles.

Standard torque-vectoring is on board to offer ultimate driving confidence on any type of terrain, and the luxurious cabin can accommodate up to six passengers with 143.8 cubic feet of passenger space. The Sorento PHEV will offer everyday drivability, a comfortable space to spend time in, and a high level of practical vehicle efficiency. The 2022 Sorento PHEV will be available in both SX and SX-P trims, with available Syntex synthetic leather seating or perforated leather seats. We also recommend adding aluminum sport pedals!

The Sorento PHEV also comes standard with AWD featuring center locking differential technology, and the Drive Mode Select has Snow Mode that will come in handy for the harsh Missouri winter months. This is the first Kia SUV to sport a 12.3-inch full digital meter cluster, and you’ll also enjoy the bird’s-eye tech in the surround-view monitor with its 360-degree perspective.

There are 8 USB charging ports on board, a huge array of entertainment perks via SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a premium Bose sound system available with 12 high-performance speakers. As you are enjoying the view and the ultra-smooth ride, you can also opt for an even clearer surround-sound experience with Bose Centerpoint technology, which analyzes the sound source and adjusts to the speed you’re driving. The 2022 Sorento PHEV also comes with cloud-based Connected Routing that will use UVO cloud technology to predict ebbs and flows in traffic, and even learn your preferred daily driving route. 

With so many technology options, you’ll enjoy a smooth, easy driving experience every time you hit the road!