Ep 43. Kia Sorento Hybrid
- July 1, 2022
- 24 min
In season 41 episode 43 of MotorWeek, viewers are treated to a comprehensive review of the Kia Sorento Hybrid. Host John Davis starts off by noting that the Sorento has been around for over a decade, evolving over time into a mid-size SUV. The hybrid version is Kia's first attempt at hybridizing an SUV, and MotorWeek is keen to see how it stacks up against the competition.
The episode starts off by highlighting the exterior and interior of the Sorento Hybrid. The eye-catching grille and LED headlights give the car a sporty look. The interior is spacious and comfortable, and the car comes packed with features such as wireless phone charging, heated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The dashboard and infotainment system are easy to use, and the car comes with Kia's UVO link system that allows for remote start and control through a smartphone. The car also has plenty of storage space, with a total of 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
After discussing the general layout of the car, MotorWeek takes the Kia Sorento Hybrid for a spin. The car is reviewed on real roads, and MotorWeek examines how it handles twists and turns, how the steering feels, and how it performs on the highway. Along the way, viewers get to see visuals of the Sorento Hybrid in action, with Davis narrating as he goes. Through the review, it becomes clear that the Sorento Hybrid is comfortable, smooth, and easy to drive. The steering and braking feel natural, and the car has good acceleration that allows it to keep up with other cars on the road.
Following the road test, MotorWeek examines the Sorento Hybrid's fuel economy. The show notes that the car has a combined fuel economy rating of 37 mpg, a significant improvement over the regular Sorento's 24 mpg. In addition, the Sorento Hybrid can operate in electric-only mode at low speeds, which is not only eco-friendly but also provides a quiet, smooth ride.
In the final part of the episode, MotorWeek discusses the Sorento Hybrid's safety features. The car comes with a range of features such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control that adjust the car's speed based on traffic conditions. These features make the Sorento Hybrid a safe car for families, and MotorWeek notes that the car has received top marks from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in crash testing.
The episode concludes with a final summary of the Sorento Hybrid. Overall, MotorWeek is impressed with the car, noting that it has all the features that car shoppers would want in an SUV, plus the eco-friendly benefits of a hybrid. The car is well-designed, handles well, and has a range of safety features that make it an ideal choice for families. While the Sorento Hybrid is slightly more expensive than the regular Sorento, MotorWeek feels that the fuel savings and eco-friendliness make it worth the price.