2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid GT-Line Priced From AU$81,990 In Australia

Kia has launched the 2022 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid GT-Line in Australia.

This new variant of the popular SUV is fitted with a 1.6-liter turbocharged Smartstream four-cylinder engine producing 177 hp (132 kW) and 195 lb-ft (265 Nm) of torque. Coupled to this engine is an electric motor producing 90 hp (67 kW) and 224 lb-ft (304 Nm), resulting in a combined output of 261 hp (195 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Elsewhere, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is equipped with a 14 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack that allows it to travel up to 68 km (42 miles) on electric power alone. The SUV is also equipped with a Type 2 charging socket that can charge the battery from 15 to 95 per cent in 3 hours and 25 minutes.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid sold in Australia comes only in GT-Line guise and sports a Terrain Mode that allows owners to choose between Mud, Snow, and Sand modes. Standard equipment also includes 19-inch wheels, unique badging, and battery and charging displays in the digital instrument cluster.

Other standard features of the 2022 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid GT-Line are a 12.3-inch gauge cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, quilted Nappa leather upholstery and a 360-degree camera.

“The Sorento PHEV promises to push boundaries as one of the most versatile, practical and spacious plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market, and with the Sorento being an award-winning package, I couldn’t think of a better time to introduce the PHEV into the line-up,” Kia Australia chief operating officer Damien Meredith said in a statement. “Along with Niro range, the Sorento PHEV is another stride in the right direction towards a greener future. With the introduction of Sorento HEV and the highly anticipated EV6 next year, Kia will be lifting the electric vehicle benchmark to an all-time high.”

Local pricing for the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid GT-Line starts at AU$81,990 (US$60,000) drive-away, making it AU$14,700 (~US$10,800) more expensive than the priciest diesel variant.