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The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is a mid-size SUV that combines the practicality and versatility of the standard Sorento with the benefits of electrification. It offers a balance of performance, efficiency, and family-friendly features. Here's a detailed overview:
Overview
The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is designed for families and individuals who want a spacious SUV with the added efficiency of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It features a modern design, advanced technology, and a combination of gasoline and electric power.
Prices
Base Model (Sorento PHEV SX): Starts around $51,000.
Sorento PHEV SX Prestige: Starts around $56,000.
Fully loaded models can approach $60,000 with additional options and packages.
Battery and Electric Range
Battery Capacity: 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Electric Range: Approximately 32 miles on electric power alone, depending on driving conditions.
Charging: The battery can be fully charged in about 3.5 hours using a 240V Level 2 charger. A standard 120V outlet will take around 12 hours for a full charge.
Fuel and Electricity Consumption
Hybrid Mode Fuel Efficiency: Combined fuel economy of around 34 MPG when using both gas and electric power.
Electric-Only Efficiency: Equivalent to about 79 MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent) in electric mode.
Gasoline Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Dimensions
Length: 189.4 inches (4,810 mm)
Width: 74.8 inches (1,900 mm)
Height: 66.7 inches (1,695 mm)
Wheelbase: 110.8 inches (2,815 mm)
Ground Clearance: 6.9 inches
Cargo Space: 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 75.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down.
Type Defects and Considerations
Limited Electric Range: While the electric range is decent for daily commutes, it might not be sufficient for longer trips without relying on the gasoline engine.
Cargo Space: The PHEV variant has slightly reduced cargo space compared to the non-hybrid version due to the placement of the battery pack.
Price Premium: The PHEV is more expensive than the standard gasoline or non-plug-in hybrid Sorento models, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Weight: The added weight of the battery pack can slightly impact handling and acceleration compared to the non-hybrid variants.
Fuel and Electricity Costs
Electricity Cost: Assuming an average electricity rate of $0.13 per kWh, it would cost approximately $1.80 to fully charge the battery, providing around 32 miles of range.
Fuel Cost: With an average gasoline price of $3.50 per gallon, and assuming a combined fuel efficiency of 34 MPG in hybrid mode, the cost per mile when using the gasoline engine would be around $0.10.
Overall Costs:
Electric Driving: At $1.80 for 32 miles, the cost per mile in electric mode is approximately $0.06.
Hybrid Driving: The cost per mile in hybrid mode is around $0.10, so using electric power is more economical for short trips.
Conclusion
The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is a versatile and efficient choice for those needing a family-friendly SUV with the benefits of electric driving. Its electric-only range is sufficient for most daily commutes, and its fuel efficiency in hybrid mode is commendable for its size. However, the higher purchase price and the reduced cargo space might be drawbacks for some buyers. Despite these considerations, the Sorento PHEV offers a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and modern technology.
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Overview
The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is designed for families and individuals who want a spacious SUV with the added efficiency of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It features a modern design, advanced technology, and a combination of gasoline and electric power.
Prices
Base Model (Sorento PHEV SX): Starts around $51,000.
Sorento PHEV SX Prestige: Starts around $56,000.
Fully loaded models can approach $60,000 with additional options and packages.
Battery and Electric Range
Battery Capacity: 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Electric Range: Approximately 32 miles on electric power alone, depending on driving conditions.
Charging: The battery can be fully charged in about 3.5 hours using a 240V Level 2 charger. A standard 120V outlet will take around 12 hours for a full charge.
Fuel and Electricity Consumption
Hybrid Mode Fuel Efficiency: Combined fuel economy of around 34 MPG when using both gas and electric power.
Electric-Only Efficiency: Equivalent to about 79 MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent) in electric mode.
Gasoline Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Dimensions
Length: 189.4 inches (4,810 mm)
Width: 74.8 inches (1,900 mm)
Height: 66.7 inches (1,695 mm)
Wheelbase: 110.8 inches (2,815 mm)
Ground Clearance: 6.9 inches
Cargo Space: 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 75.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down.
Type Defects and Considerations
Limited Electric Range: While the electric range is decent for daily commutes, it might not be sufficient for longer trips without relying on the gasoline engine.
Cargo Space: The PHEV variant has slightly reduced cargo space compared to the non-hybrid version due to the placement of the battery pack.
Price Premium: The PHEV is more expensive than the standard gasoline or non-plug-in hybrid Sorento models, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Weight: The added weight of the battery pack can slightly impact handling and acceleration compared to the non-hybrid variants.
Fuel and Electricity Costs
Electricity Cost: Assuming an average electricity rate of $0.13 per kWh, it would cost approximately $1.80 to fully charge the battery, providing around 32 miles of range.
Fuel Cost: With an average gasoline price of $3.50 per gallon, and assuming a combined fuel efficiency of 34 MPG in hybrid mode, the cost per mile when using the gasoline engine would be around $0.10.
Overall Costs:
Electric Driving: At $1.80 for 32 miles, the cost per mile in electric mode is approximately $0.06.
Hybrid Driving: The cost per mile in hybrid mode is around $0.10, so using electric power is more economical for short trips.
Conclusion
The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is a versatile and efficient choice for those needing a family-friendly SUV with the benefits of electric driving. Its electric-only range is sufficient for most daily commutes, and its fuel efficiency in hybrid mode is commendable for its size. However, the higher purchase price and the reduced cargo space might be drawbacks for some buyers. Despite these considerations, the Sorento PHEV offers a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and modern technology.
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