Review of 2021 Kia Sorento PHEV and V6 models delivers surprising win for green candidate
Kia has introduced a plug-in hybrid model to its 2021 Sorento range, so we put it head-to-head with his V6 sibling.
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When the Queen gets cranky, you know it’s time to listen.
The world’s leaders were in Glasgow this week for the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference, where the 95-year-old monarch deplored lip service. She declared now is the time to act.
“But we are doing this not for ourselves but for our children and our children’s children, and those who will follow in their footsteps,” the Queen said in a video address.
Carmakers are moving at pace to meet a changing world. Tightening emission targets on the automotive sector means alternative fuels will become the norm over the next decade as the combustion engine begins to fade into the history books.
Infrastructure in Australia needs to maintain the pace, which is why offerings like the new Kia Sorento PHEV are arriving.
This combination of petrol and electric power offers some of the new world benefits.
Our family went old and new school, sampling the V6 petrol Sorento and the hybrid offering.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
KEL: Getting into a Kia feels easy. We used to own a Sportage and I like how I can get in, plug in my phone and everything works without issue.
GRANT: Kia has made giant strides in styling and performance over the past decade. The Sorento is my current favourite big SUV on the market, and this new PHEV is an interesting proposition.
KEL: The cabin finishes are awesome. They really feel high-end.
GRANT: Take the badges off and I maintain many would think they were in a prestige European model. The PHEV is only available in top-shelf GT-Line specification, while the V6 we sampled was one rung down in Sport+.
KEL: Fancier quilted leather seats, rotary gear shifter, digital instruments for the driver and sunroof, I can see the differences, so what’s the price differential.
GRANT: For the petrol-powered Sport+ you’re in the traffic for just under $57,000. Step up into the PHEV with all the trimmings and it’s an extra $25,000.
KEL: Wow, that is a massive additional investment.
GRANT: The top-shelf Sorento petrol is $64,290 (the diesel version is $67,290) so going hybrid does require deep pockets. But there are few rivals in this realm, to get a plug-in seven-seater elsewhere you are looking at something like the Volvo XC90 Recharge that is north of $120k.
KEL: When you put that into the equation it sounds fairer, although you can buy a lot of petrol for $25,000.
GRANT: But that makes Greta Thunberg and the Queen frown. It’s time to embrace green.
THE LIVING SPACE
KEL: Nothing feels difficult with the interior design. I like the aluminium feature which runs across the doors and dash.
GRANT: Basic inclusions like man-made leather trim, heated seats, power tailgate and push button start in the Sport+ are good, but the GT-Line does feel far more special with its Bose sound system, higher quality Nappa leather, wireless phone charger and groovy mood lighting.
KEL: No matter what was under the bonnet you’d be most happy with the GT-Line version.
GRANT: Apart from the door drink bottle holders that require some extra muscle to fit into the slot, it’s a commonsense interior design.
KEL: My larger bidon fit into the console cupholders along with the takeaway coffees. Access to the USB ports was easy in front of the shifter while I also liked the fast access to aircon controls – some of the new cars we have tested choose less buttons and complicate what should be a fast process.
GRANT: The dual-phase vents are handy as well so you can send air in various directions.
THE COMMUTE
KEL: With the PHEV it’s almost split personalities. In pure electric mode it was quick off the line and silent. When the engine took control it felt more subdued and underpowered on occasions.
GRANT: The petrol engine steps in when you really flex your right ankle, or when the battery power is running low. Fully charged it’s good for about 60km … which is more than what most people travel in a day on average.
KEL: We do a lot of short trips with the kids so that sounds feasible. How long does charging take?
GRANT: Use a standard 10-amp power point using the supplied cable and you’re looking at about six hours. Buy the $2829 optional 3.3kW wall-mounted charger and you can nearly halve that time.
KEL: The V6 is quite gutsy but doesn’t have the same manners.
GRANT: It’s certainly hairy-chested, especially when pushed high into the rev range. Both have impressive road manners though and it’s one of the better handling large SUVs around.
THE SHOPPING
KEL: While it’s a big SUV, I didn’t have any parking issues.
GRANT: One advantage of the GT-Line is a 360-degree view to help ensure you’re within the lines. It also has a remote parking assistant that can slowly move the Sorento forward and backward if the space is too tight.
KEL: Boot space seemed similar and there was no problem accommodating the week’s groceries.
GRANT: The PHEV version loses about 12 litres of space in each seating configuration with the battery located under the second row of seats.
THE SUNDAY RUN
KEL: Head on the highway and it wouldn’t take long to run out of electric power.
GRANT: This is true, although with the engine supplementing the battery we managed less than 2L on one 100km trip. Our overall average for more than 600km was 4.4L/100km.
KEL: The PHEV was a nicer drive than the V6, with smoother performance as long as there was charge in the battery.
GRANT: My pick in the Sorento is diesel, but I agree, despite being heavier the PHEV loses nothing in dynamics and feels lithe when running on pure electricity. It doesn’t suit people undertaking regular long trips, but with so many working from home nowadays you can plug-in easily and remain on battery power for the quick, short journeys.
THE FAMILY
KEL: Having the option of seven seats is always useful, although the rear two are probably better suited to teens or nimble youngsters.
GRANT: It’s not alone in this genre. Most seven-seat SUVs are designed as occasional use, but the Sorento is one of the better ones for leg and head room.
KEL: USB ports located in the back of the front seats as well as another pair in the third row, along with cup holders for those not riding shotgun tick all the functional boxes.
GRANT: The Kia seven-year warranty applies, while the battery cover is also seven years but restricted to 150,000km. Capped price servicing looks expensive compared to some rivals, but it’s always worth checking the fine print of inclusions. Kia typically undertakes more under its service plan.
THE VERDICT
KEL: The Sorento remains an outstanding family choice for those wanting a seven-seat SUV. I’d happily have the PHEV over the V6, but I’d like to see a slightly longer range and faster charging at home.
GRANT: Those who make regular short trips can crunch the numbers for savings, but for those with solar power at home ultimately this could primarily be a greener choice. The PHEV is a smooth and quiet ride within an outstanding package. Diesel trumps the V6 petrol for efficiency and performance and that’s still my number one pick for large SUVs.
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