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When the recently updated Kia Sorento came out, one model was missing a crucial upgrade. But the 2022 Kia Sorento has corrected this issue. There are also a few other notable changes for the 2022 model year. 

The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid gains all-wheel drive 

The 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV driving on the road
2022 Kia Sorento PHEV | Kia

When the Kia Sorento Hybrid debuted in 2021, it couldn’t be paired with an all-wheel drive powertrain. This put a damper on things for those who wanted more fuel efficiency and needed to drive in slippery conditions such as snow, gravel, or dirt. 

Ideally, the most efficient model should also be equipped for off-roading, right? Well, Kia listened because the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid is now available with AWD. It’s now better equipped to go camping and to face the elements. 

The Sorento Hybrid begins at about $33,990, and you can add AWD for $1,800. It has an EPA-estimated range of about 39 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. It has a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 67 kW electric motor. It generates 177 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. 

The Sorento PHEV is here 

The 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV is officially here too. It’s a plug-in hybrid model, so it has a little more juice than the regular hybrid model, which doesn’t plugin. The Sorento PHEV is expected to begin at about $40,000, but the official price hasn’t been released. 

You can get the Sorento PHEV in the fall. It’s expected to get an estimated 32 miles of electric driving range with 460 miles combined on a single tank and full charge. Buyers will also be eligible for a $6,587 federal tax credit

The Sorento PHEV also has more power. It has a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine that’s paired with an electric motor and a 13.8-kWh battery pack to generate 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It may have a faster acceleration than the hybrid model. 

If you go for the PHEV, it comes standard with 19-inch wheels, second-row captain’s chairs, and synthetic leather upholstery. You can upgrade to genuine leather seats. It also has a rear charging port and model-specific badging. 

What else is new for the 2022 Sorento? 

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid off-roading in water
2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid | Kia

The 2022 Kia Sorento only has one exterior update. The old Kia logo is being replaced with the new Kia badge, providing a fresh and sleek look. However, the Sorento was recently remodeled, so it doesn’t need exterior updates yet. 

You can now get the Kia Sorento X-Line package on the EX and S trims. It costs $2,000 and lifts the ground clearance to 8.3-inches and dark grey 20-inch wheels. It also provides beefier-looking bumpers and faux skid plates. 

The new 10.25-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation and telematics is now standard on all trim levels starting with the S trim. The top of the line SX Prestige trim now comes with 14-way power-adjustable memory seats with tight extends. Also, heated seats are in the second row. 

You can get started in a new Sorento for about $29,490. It costs about $100 more than the outgoing modeling. The prices don’t include the destination fees or dealership markups. We will keep you updated as we learn more about the new PHEV model.

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