It is, indeed, the era of hybrids. According to vehicle registration statistics from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, hybrids accounted for more than 30% of vehicles sold by domestic automakers for the first time last year. It reflects continued public preference for a vehicle that combines the stability of internal combustion with the strong fuel economy of an EV. We test-drove the top-selling model, which made up 17% of hybrid sales last year. The star is Kia's 2026 Sorento 1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid.
The Sorento hybrid, a midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV), comes in four trims depending on specifications: ▲ Prestige ▲ Noblesse ▲ Signature ▲ X-Line. The test vehicle was the Signature trim.
It measures 4,815 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,695 mm high. Compared with the class rival Renault Korea Grand Koleos Hybrid, it is slightly longer and wider but a bit lower. The wheelbase, the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels that hints at cabin space, is 2,815 mm, similar to the Grand Koleos (2,820 mm).
The exterior emphasizes the SUV's toughness to the fullest. The front radiator grille is wider than before and uses a three-dimensional pattern for a solid impression. Vertically arranged headlamps and T-shaped daytime running lights (DRL) flowing from them make the body look wider.
On the side, a character line runs from the tip of the headlamps past the door handles to the taillamps, creating a visually elongated effect. A wide skid plate at the lower rear bumper provides sturdy support to complete the robust look.
The view from the driver's seat was wide open without obstructions. Starting with the 2026 model year, the steering wheel has four spokes connecting the center hub to the rim. This adds a more stable yet dynamic feel. Another feature is the ambient light flowing along the dashboard, which extends to the front doors.
The instrument cluster and center display were integrated as one, and the gear selector was a dial on the center console. There are three driving modes—Eco, Sport, and Smart—and a button right below the gear dial lets you adjust them conveniently without looking away while driving.
Some models have a head-up display that is partially obscured depending on seat position, but the Sorento hybrid's head-up display was clear from any position. The seats were synthetic leather, but they did not feel cheap.
The test vehicle was a six-seater, and the second-row sense of space was particularly impressive. Opening the entire panoramic roof that extends to the third row maximizes the sense of openness. If you assume the third row will not be used, the second-row space is very generous.
Second-row heated seats are standard starting with the base Prestige trim. The second row consists of individual captain's chairs with armrests, which looked very comfortable for passengers in daily use. Most midsize SUVs have only up to the second row, so a bench layout is common.
However, to use the third row, you have to slide the second row forward quite a bit. When an adult sat in the third row, knees did not touch the back of the second row, but long trips seemed impractical.
It is also a drawback that the trunk space virtually disappears when the third row is unfolded. This model suits a family of four who want to use the cabin generously.
Using the plus (+) and minus (-) paddles on both sides of the steering wheel, you can set the EV level from 0 to 3. This adjusts regenerative braking; the higher the level, the faster the deceleration, reducing the need to step on the brake. It does require getting used to the pulsing feel, though.
You also see the battery charging indicator on the cluster more often. However, when set to level 3 in stop-and-go urban traffic, the accelerator and brake pedals felt sensitive, resulting in a somewhat jerky ride.
In Eco or Smart mode, you feel minimal road harshness. That said, it could be judged overly soft, as if sitting on a spring.
Switching to Sport mode firms up the suspension, making it feel ready to run. The Sorento hybrid combines a 180-horsepower engine with a 47.7 kW electric motor for a maximum 235 horsepower. Combined torque, which dictates instant acceleration, is 35.7 kg·m. Pressing the accelerator shows speed building in a stable manner.
As a family car, there will not be many moments that call for cruising over 120 kph. However, above that speed, the engine note becomes noticeably louder. Wind noise from outside is also substantial enough to require turning up the music volume. When taking sharp corners quickly, the body feels slightly lifted, but the seats hold the torso firmly enough that it did not feel overly unsettling.
Fuel economy lived up to its standing as the No. 1 hybrid model. With Smart mode engaged, we drove from highway to city streets, and despite the fuel-economy penalty of 19-inch wheels, the cluster showed up to 19.9 km per liter.
That outperforms Kia's official combined city-highway figure of 14.8 km/L. In city driving, the battery recharged frequently, leaving little need to use fuel.
Prices for the Sorento 1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid, based on 2WD (two-wheel drive), are ▲ Prestige 38.96 million won ▲ Noblesse 42.17 million won ▲ Signature 44.67 million won ▲ X-Line 45.59 million won.
For 4WD (four-wheel drive) models: ▲ Prestige 42.25 million won ▲ Noblesse 45.46 million won ▲ Signature 47.95 million won ▲ X-Line 48.88 million won. Prices reflect a 3.5% special consumption tax, and for 2WD models they also include eco-friendly vehicle tax benefits.
Compared with peers, it is pricier than the domestic Grand Koleos Hybrid (38.14 million to 45.81 million won) but about half the price of the imported Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid (91.2 million won).