The 2027 Kia Sorento Hybrid will offer two powertrain options: a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The standard hybrid setup combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 227 horsepower. This version comes with front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Both powertrains are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The plug-in hybrid variant utilizes the same turbocharged 1.6-liter engine but features a more powerful electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 261 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard on the PHEV model. The PHEV is equipped with an 11.8-kWh battery pack, providing an EPA-estimated 32 miles of electric-only range per charge.
In terms of performance, the conventional Sorento Hybrid achieved a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds in testing, while the PHEV model was slightly slower at 7.6 seconds. The hybrid Sorento has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the conventional hybrid is rated at up to 37 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, while the PHEV has a combined rating of 74 MPGe.
The Sorento Hybrid comes standard with three rows of seating, though the rearmost row is noted as being best suited for children. The interior features a large touchscreen and wireless smartphone mirroring. No changes are expected for the 2027 Sorento Hybrid model year.