Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S. This car has been making waves, and for good reason. It's a fantastic blend of fuel efficiency, practicality, and style, making it a compelling option in the crowded hybrid SUV market. I am excited to share a comprehensive review, covering everything from its performance and fuel economy to its interior features and overall driving experience.

Exterior Design

First impressions matter, right? The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S definitely catches the eye with its modern and somewhat muscular design. The front grille is unmistakably Kia, sporting their signature tiger-nose design. The sleek headlights and daytime running lights give it a sophisticated look, while the overall shape is undeniably SUV. The S trim adds some sporty touches, like unique alloy wheels and body-colored accents, enhancing its appeal. It’s not overly flashy, but it’s definitely a looker. The Sorento Hybrid S boasts a contemporary aesthetic, blending form and function seamlessly. The front fascia features a distinctive tiger-nose grille, flanked by sharp LED headlights that provide excellent visibility. The sculpted lines and smooth curves contribute to its aerodynamic profile, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing wind noise. The rear design is equally appealing, with stylish taillights and a well-integrated spoiler. Available in a range of attractive colors, the Sorento Hybrid S allows drivers to express their individuality. Beyond its visual appeal, the exterior is designed with practicality in mind. The roof rails provide ample space for carrying luggage or sports equipment, while the power-folding mirrors add convenience in tight parking spaces. The hands-free power liftgate makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze, especially when your hands are full. Overall, the exterior of the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S is a testament to Kia's commitment to design excellence, combining style, functionality, and attention to detail.

Interior and Technology

Step inside, and you'll find a well-designed and comfortable cabin. The materials used are of decent quality, especially considering the price point. The seats are supportive, making long drives a breeze. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a responsive touchscreen display. The S trim comes standard with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are must-haves in today's world. One of the standout features of the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S is its impressive technology package. The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, featuring a large touchscreen display with crisp graphics and seamless smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, allowing you to access your favorite apps, music, and navigation directly from the screen. The voice recognition system is also highly accurate, making it easy to control various functions without taking your hands off the wheel. The Sorento Hybrid S also offers a range of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features enhance safety and provide added peace of mind on the road. The blind-spot monitoring system is particularly useful, alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots, while the rear cross-traffic alert helps prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces. The interior of the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S is designed with both comfort and convenience in mind. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, providing ample comfort for long journeys. The spacious cabin offers plenty of legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making it a great choice for families. The panoramic sunroof adds a touch of luxury, allowing natural light to flood the interior and create a more open and airy feel. The Sorento Hybrid S also offers a range of practical storage solutions, including a large center console, door pockets, and a hidden storage compartment under the cargo floor. These features make it easy to keep the cabin organized and clutter-free.

Performance and Handling

Now, let's talk about how it drives. The Sorento Hybrid S is powered by a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 227 horsepower. It's not a sports car by any means, but it offers adequate power for everyday driving. Acceleration is smooth and linear, and the transition between electric and gasoline power is seamless. The handling is decent, with a comfortable ride quality. It's not the most engaging SUV to drive, but it's certainly not boring either. The Sorento Hybrid S strikes a good balance between comfort and responsiveness, making it a pleasant companion for both city commutes and long road trips. The hybrid powertrain delivers a smooth and quiet ride, with the electric motor providing instant torque for quick acceleration. The regenerative braking system helps to recapture energy and recharge the battery, further enhancing fuel efficiency. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback from the road. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections with ease. The Sorento Hybrid S also offers a variety of driving modes, allowing you to customize the driving experience to your preferences. The Eco mode prioritizes fuel efficiency, while the Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and steering for a more engaging drive. The Smart mode automatically adjusts the driving parameters based on your driving style and road conditions. Overall, the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S offers a well-rounded driving experience that is both comfortable and efficient. It's not the fastest or most exciting SUV on the market, but it's a practical and reliable choice for families and commuters alike.

Fuel Efficiency

One of the main reasons people consider a hybrid is fuel efficiency, and the Sorento Hybrid S doesn't disappoint. It boasts an impressive EPA rating of 39 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. In real-world driving, I found these numbers to be pretty accurate. The hybrid powertrain works seamlessly to maximize fuel economy, making it a great choice for those who want to save money at the pump. The Sorento Hybrid S achieves its impressive fuel economy through a combination of factors, including its efficient gasoline engine, electric motor, and regenerative braking system. The gasoline engine is designed to deliver optimal performance and fuel efficiency, while the electric motor provides additional power and torque when needed. The regenerative braking system captures energy that would otherwise be lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery, further extending the driving range. In addition to its efficient powertrain, the Sorento Hybrid S also features a number of aerodynamic enhancements that help to reduce drag and improve fuel economy. These include a streamlined body design, a rear spoiler, and underbody panels. The tires are also designed for low rolling resistance, which helps to reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency. Overall, the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. It offers a compelling combination of performance, practicality, and fuel economy, making it a great choice for those who want to save money at the pump without sacrificing comfort or features.

Pricing and Value

Let's talk about the money. The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S offers excellent value for its price. It's competitively priced compared to other hybrid SUVs in its class, and it comes with a long list of standard features. Kia also offers a generous warranty, which provides added peace of mind. Considering its fuel efficiency, practicality, and features, the Sorento Hybrid S is a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers. The Sorento Hybrid S offers exceptional value for its price, combining affordability with a wealth of features and capabilities. Its competitive pricing makes it an attractive option in the crowded hybrid SUV market, offering a compelling alternative to more expensive rivals. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the Sorento Hybrid S doesn't skimp on features. It comes standard with a range of advanced technology and convenience features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and a suite of driver-assistance systems. The interior is well-appointed and comfortable, with ample space for passengers and cargo. In addition to its affordability and features, the Sorento Hybrid S also offers excellent long-term value. Its impressive fuel economy helps to save money at the pump, while its reputation for reliability reduces the risk of costly repairs. Kia's generous warranty provides added peace of mind, covering major components for an extended period. Overall, the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S is a smart investment for budget-conscious buyers who are looking for a practical, efficient, and feature-rich SUV. It offers a compelling combination of affordability, value, and peace of mind, making it a standout choice in its class.

Pros and Cons

To sum it up, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• User-friendly technology
• Competitive price
• Great warranty

Cons:

• Not the most exciting to drive
• Some may find the design a bit bland

Conclusion

Overall, the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S is a fantastic choice for those looking for a fuel-efficient, practical, and well-equipped SUV. It offers a compelling combination of features, value, and efficiency, making it a top contender in its class. If you're in the market for a hybrid SUV, the Sorento Hybrid S is definitely worth a look. The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S stands out as a compelling option in the competitive hybrid SUV market, offering a unique blend of efficiency, versatility, and value. Its impressive fuel economy makes it an ideal choice for eco-conscious drivers and those looking to save money at the pump. The spacious and comfortable interior provides ample room for passengers and cargo, making it well-suited for families and road trips. The user-friendly technology and advanced driver-assistance systems enhance safety and convenience, while the competitive price and generous warranty provide added peace of mind. While it may not be the most exhilarating SUV to drive, the Sorento Hybrid S delivers a smooth and comfortable ride that is perfect for daily commutes and long journeys. Its well-rounded performance and practical features make it a smart choice for a wide range of drivers. If you're considering a hybrid SUV, the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S is definitely worth a closer look. Its combination of efficiency, versatility, and value sets it apart from the competition and makes it a top contender in its class. Whether you're looking for a fuel-efficient commuter, a spacious family vehicle, or a reliable road trip companion, the Sorento Hybrid S has something to offer. Its well-designed interior, advanced technology, and comfortable ride make it a pleasure to drive, while its impressive fuel economy and competitive price make it easy on the wallet. Overall, the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S is a smart and sensible choice that delivers on its promises. It's a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling blend of features, value, and efficiency, making it a top pick in its segment.