I have spent much of my career in the automotive industry and have seen SUVs change from rugged, basic machines into refined, high-tech family cars. In my own garage, I still keep a 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero, a 2008 Jeep Commander, and a 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan. Each of them represents a different stage in SUV history. When I drove the Kia Sorento 1.6 SX Turbo Hybrid AT AWD, I wanted to know if this new hybrid SUV could really combine efficiency and comfort with the kind of dependability that Filipino families look for.
Design: 4/5
The Sorento looks smart and confident. The tiger-nose grille, slim LED headlights, and 19-inch wheels make it modern and stylish, but not too flashy. The size feels just right, with enough presence on the road without being too bulky.
The cabin shows how far SUVs have come. Quilted leather seats, a wide panoramic sunroof, and soft ambient lighting make the interior feel premium. The infotainment screen is large and easy to use, and it works well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second row has good space even for tall passengers, while the third row is small but useful for kids or short trips. When the rear seats are folded, there is a lot of space for luggage or groceries. Compared to the interiors of my aged Pajero and Jeep, the Sorento feels more refined and updated.
Hardware: 4/5
The Sorento’s 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine works in tandem with an electric motor, producing a combined 235ps maximum power and 367Nm of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission ensures power delivery is smooth, avoiding the drone of CVTs that plague other hybrids. In heavy city traffic, the electric motor takes on the burden, saving fuel during stop-and-go situations. On the expressway, the turbo engine responds confidently when called upon, making overtaking a breeze.
The AWD system deserves mention. Torque is distributed intelligently between the front and rear wheels, providing assurance on slippery or uneven roads. I tested the Sorento during one of Manila’s sudden, heavy downpours that left some streets with gutter-level flooding. It powered through without fuss, the ground clearance and AWD grip providing calm where other vehicles might hesitate. On rougher roads, the suspension absorbed potholes and gravel surfaces without unsettling the cabin.
Kia has also equipped the Sorento with terrain modes—snow, mud, and sand—and a 4L (low gear) function. The latter is uncommon in hybrids and makes the vehicle surprisingly capable on inclines and tricky patches. While it is no Pajero in terms of ruggedness, it provides the kind of versatility that gives peace of mind when roads turn unpredictable.
User Experience: 4/5
The Sorento is easy to drive and does not require any special adjustment even if it is a hybrid. The switch between electric and gasoline power is very smooth, and you barely notice it. Inside, the cabin is quiet, and engine noise is kept low except during hard acceleration.
The driving position feels natural and gives good visibility. The 360-degree camera is a big help in tight parking spaces in the city. Steering is light at low speeds, making it easy to maneuver, and becomes more stable at higher speeds.
Comfort is one of its biggest strengths. The leather seats are supportive and have lumbar adjustment for the driver. The heated and cooled front seats are a welcome luxury in our climate, while the heated steering wheel is a pleasant surprise during cooler mornings in Tagaytay or Baguio. Second-row passengers enjoy ample legroom, independent climate controls, and charging ports. The third row is smaller but fine for children or quick trips. On long drives, the cabin remains comfortable and quiet, with the suspension keeping the ride smooth.
Kia paid attention to details that matter in daily use. I liked the power outlets in the rear console and luggage area, very useful for charging gadgets during trips. The two USB ports in the front center console and additional ports at the back of the front seats are practical for families with multiple devices. The Bose 12-speaker sound system delivers excellent audio quality, turning traffic jams into more pleasant experiences.
Not everything worked for me, though. I am not a fan of the rotary-type gear shift knob, as I still prefer the feel of a traditional shifter. But aside from that, the Sorento’s convenience features and comfort add up to a user experience that feels complete and well thought-out.
Technology also enhances driving without being distracting. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist make expressway driving less tiring. Blind-spot monitoring and the head-up display give extra confidence when changing lanes or checking speed. Even in heavy rain, the Sorento felt stable and reassuring. Compared to the heavier feel of my Pajero and Commander, it is clear that the Sorento was designed to make daily driving less stressful.
Value 3.5 / 5
At PHP2,888,000, the Sorento Hybrid AWD is undeniably positioned at the premium end of the midsize SUV segment. Yet, when you factor in its real-world fuel economy of around 14–16km/L, the suite of premium features, and its AWD capability, it makes for a strong proposition. Against the thirst of my Commander or even the Tiguan, the fuel savings are substantial.
Kia’s regular 5-year/160,000km warranty and an extended 8-year/160,000km battery warranty, should reassure those still hesitant about hybrid ownership. It is not a plug-in hybrid which, in my opinion, is not a disadvantage in the Philippine setting, where charging infrastructure remains limited. You simply refuel and let the system quietly handle the efficiency.
Bottomline
The Kia Sorento 1.6 SX Turbo Hybrid AT AWD illustrates how far SUVs have come. It doesn’t rely on brute force like my Pajero or Commander, nor does it chase European refinement in the way my Tiguan does. Instead, it strikes a balance: efficient, comfortable, and versatile, tailored to the needs of today’s Filipino family. In the city it is composed, on the highway it is confident, and when the roads get rough or the rains pour down, it proves itself capable. For those who want a forward-looking SUV without sacrificing practicality, the Sorento Hybrid stands as a very strong contender.
Reviewed by Arnel Doria
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 Issue No. 3