Which Kia Sorento Powertrain Is Right for Me?

The 2024 Sorento is Kia’s versatile mid-size crossover. Depending on the interior configuration, the spacious SUV can seat between six and seven passengers in cushy seats with plenty of head and legroom. A total of eight trim levels offer varying amounts of convenience, safety, and driver assistance features, as well as a range of exterior styling options, and even the base model provides a wealth of amenities. In addition, the Sorento has four powertrain options, and if you’re trying to decide which Sorento to buy, picking a powertrain is a good place to start.

Gas-Powered Kia Sorento Powertrain Options

Before we explore ways to decide which powertrain is right for you, let’s review the available options. For the 2024 model year, the Sorento has two gas-powered engine options.

• 191-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that generates 181 lb-ft of torque
• 281-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that generated 311 lb-ft of torque

Both gas options have an eight-speed automatic transmission, standard front-wheel drive (FWD), and optional all-wheel drive (AWD).

Electrified Kia Sorento Powertrain Options

In addition to the traditional engine options, the Kia Sorento has two electrified powertrains available.

• Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor that produces a combined 227 horsepower. The hybrid setup is exclusively FWD.
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): This vehicle has a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine and a more powerful electric motor that produces a combined 261 horsepower. AWD is standard.

Both electrified models are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Making the Decision.

Like anything else about car shopping, knowing what option is right for you depends on your preferences and needs. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of Sorento’s powertrain options, here are a few things you should consider.

What is your budget?

In ascending order of price, the base engine is the most affordable Sorento, followed by the HEV, then the more powerful gas engine, and finally, the PHEV, which has the highest starting MSRP.

The base powertrain provides more than sufficient power for riding around town and confident acceleration that won’t let you down when merging onto the highway. It also returns above-average fuel efficiency compared to other models in the three-row SUV segment. So, if price and monthly payments are the most important factors for you, the base engine is a great option.

How important is fuel efficiency?

While monthly payments can take a big chunk out of your transportation budget, so can your energy costs. The most fuel-efficient powertrain the Sorento offers is the PHEV, followed by the HEV, the base engine, and lastly, the 281-horsepower gas engine.

Is environmental friendliness a factor?

In electric-only mode, the PHEV produces zero tailpipe emissions, and the HEV model, although not as effective as the PHEV, will still significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

Do you have access to a charging station?

Regardless of your eco-friendly goals, you’ll need regular access to Level 1 or Level 2 charging to fully realize the PHEV model's energy-saving and environmental benefits. Thankfully, there are several charging stations in Alcoa, TN, and the surrounding communities. However, if you live in an area that lacks an easily accessible charging station and you’re unable to install one in your home, an HEV Sorento will be more beneficial for you.

Once you’ve answered these questions, deciding which Kia Sorento powertrain is right for you will be much easier. However, if you’re still not sure, speak with a representative at the Rusty Wallace Kia Alcoa dealership to learn more about the pros and cons of each.