Heading to your local dealer to check out the Kia Sorento for sale? You might think you’re just going to explore trims, like basic versus luxury versus sporty, and so on. You may be surprised that the first question the salesperson might ask you is this: do you want the internal combustion engine (ICE), the hybrid (HEV), or the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model? Perhaps you didn’t even know that this three-row SUV was available with three different powertrains.
You might be thinking that the powertrains are the only things differentiating these models. However, that isn’t true. You’re going to have vastly different options and experiences, depending on which one you choose. Figuring out which one makes the most sense for your needs and lifestyle will really help you narrow down your search. Below, I’m going to cover the key differences between these three variants of the Sorento. Hopefully, when I’m done, it will be clear which one will best fit your needs.
Consider Your Budget
First, I’ll touch on what’s often on a car shopper’s mind: price. There is a discrepancy in the starting prices across the ICE, HEV, and PHEV options. The ICE model starts at just under $32,000 with its base level LX trim and goes up to just over $47,000 with its X-Pro SX Prestige AWD model. Meanwhile, the HEV starts at nearly $39,000 and goes up to just under $47,000. The PHEV starts at just under $48,000 and goes up to about $53,000.
So, if you’re shopping on a budget, the ICE is clearly the best option. While the others will save you money in the long run thanks to their fuel-saving powertrains, if you need savings at the dealership, the ICE is simply the way to go. The HEV can offer a good mid-range option for those who want to see those fuel savings, while staying in the (barely) under $40,000 range. The PHEV’s starting trim is already pricier than the top trim of the ICE, so that’s not going to be the option for those looking for savings when they buy (though it can certainly deliver savings later, with its fuel efficiency).
What Are the Trim Options for Each Model?
If you want the option to explore a variety of models, it’s important to note that the ICE comes in eight diverse trims. Each model takes a small step up in terms of features and perks from the trim before it. Kia really made the ICE model accessible to many different driver types, with a variety of lifestyles and priorities. That is just not true for the PHEV and the HEV, each of which only comes in two trims, the EX and the SX Prestige. If moving away from an ICE model is what matters most to you, then maybe you won’t mind. But if you wanted to explore a plethora of trims, each with its own unique personality and perks, the ICE is the way to go.
Let’s Talk About Seating Capacities?
Next, let’s talk about seating capacity. This might be the thing that solidifies your choice, depending on the size of the group you typically travel with. See, the ICE is the only Sorento with available seating for seven. That’s going to come with a bench row for three passengers in the back row. It is available in the six-seat configuration, offering second-row captain’s chairs, too. But the ICE variant is the only Sorento that can seat seven. The PHEV and the HEV models are only available in the six-passenger configurations for the 2025 model year.
If you have a big family, or even a small one but your kids always want to bring friends along on road trips, then you might simply have to go with the ICE version. Similarly, if you drive professionally—maybe for a car service or ride share service—and need to maximize your income, you might choose the ICE due to that seven-seating capability. If you know you’ll never really need seven seats, then this doesn’t have to be a deciding factor for you.
Is All-Wheel Drive Important to You?
Okay, now let’s discuss all-wheel drive (AWD). Does it matter to you? Could you take it or leave it? I ask because, if you go with a PHEV Sorento, you’ll have no choice but to have AWD. Its two models come with AWD, standard. Meanwhile, if you’re looking at the HEV, AWD is just on the SX Prestige trim, but not on the EX trim. The ICE lineup has a variety of models that have that option, so again, you’ll have the most options with that model. If you live somewhere that sees a lot of rain or snow, or you even want to road trip somewhere with dirt trails, AWD likely matters to you. However, if none of that applies to you, it could just be a hindrance that comes with a dip in fuel economy and a price hike.
Examining Towing Capabilities
Plan on towing stuff? Well, what kind of stuff? If you’re talking about light items like small trailers, boats and two-person camping pods, you might do just fine with the PHEV or HEV. These two models can tow about 2,000 lbs. However, if your reason for getting the Sorento is that you need a great adventure vehicle for longer trips away and more thrilling excursions that call for larger vessels, you’ll be looking at the ICE. Only the ICE model can tow 4,500 lbs, when equipped with the available turbocharged 2.5L engine—more than twice that of the HEV and PHEV.
What Do Your Charging Options Look Like With the PHEV Sorento?
If you have narrowed it down to the HEV versus the PHEV, then how these two charge their batteries will be of interest to you. The HEV can only charge its battery through regenerative braking. However, the PHEV can be plugged in—like a pure EV — which gives you more freedom to charge the battery exactly when and where you want to (like at home, or at a public charging station). That also means you can make sure to keep that battery well charged at all times, to take advantage of the next important aspect we’ll talk about.
The PHEV Sorento’s Electric Range
Only the PHEV has an all-electric range, plain and simple. So if you’re hoping to utilize all-electric power sometimes—or at least want that option—the PHEV will be your only option. This can come in handy when you find that your gas tank is empty but you’re nowhere near a gas station. The PHEV has an all-electric range of 31 miles, meaning you can drive on just battery power for 31 miles, making it ideal for backup power, or just want to use it for short trips around town.
Three Sorentos, a Dozen Possibilities.
Between the ICE, HEV and PHEV Sorento, you can likely see by now that their powertrains are far from these SUVs’ only differences. Each one has some unique perks that the others don’t. You might also feel that you’re making some sacrifices with any of them. Ultimately, if you want maximum towing power and passenger capabilities, while on a budget, the ICE will be for you. If you want the flexibility of being able to plug in your hybrid and drive in all-electric mode, and you’re committed to AWD, the PHEV is for you. Want something in between, blending the affordability of the ICE and the fuel efficiency of the PHEV? Check out the HEV.
