Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S, a fantastic SUV that's been making waves in the hybrid market. I've had the pleasure of spending some quality time with this car, and I'm stoked to share my detailed review with you. We'll be covering everything from its performance and fuel efficiency to its interior comfort and tech features. If you're in the market for a hybrid SUV, or even just curious about what the Sorento Hybrid S has to offer, you're in the right place! Let's get started, shall we?

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

First things first: let's talk about what's under the hood of the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S. This SUV is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor. This hybrid setup generates a combined output of 227 horsepower. While it's not the sportiest SUV out there, it provides ample power for daily driving, merging onto highways, and handling various road conditions. The electric motor provides a nice boost, especially from a standstill, making it feel quite peppy around town. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and responsive shifts. There's no continuously variable transmission (CVT) here, which some drivers might prefer for a more traditional driving feel.

Now, let's get to the good stuff: fuel efficiency. The Sorento Hybrid S excels in this department. It boasts impressive fuel economy figures, making it a great choice for those looking to save money at the pump and reduce their environmental impact. Expect to see around 39 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined fuel economy of 37 mpg. This is significantly better than many non-hybrid SUVs in its class and puts it in the running with other top hybrid SUVs. During my testing, I found these numbers to be quite achievable in real-world driving conditions, which is always a plus. The hybrid system seamlessly switches between the gasoline engine and the electric motor, ensuring smooth transitions and maximizing fuel efficiency. You'll barely notice the changeover, it's that refined. The regenerative braking system also helps to capture energy and recharge the battery, further enhancing the fuel economy. Overall, the performance is more than sufficient for everyday driving, and the fuel efficiency is a significant selling point for the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S. It's a great choice if you want a practical and efficient SUV without sacrificing too much performance.

Interior Comfort and Features

Alright, let's step inside and see what the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S has to offer in terms of comfort and features. The interior is well-designed, offering a comfortable and spacious environment for both the driver and passengers. The seats are supportive and provide good comfort, even on longer drives. The Sorento Hybrid S offers a decent amount of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, making it a comfortable option for families or anyone who frequently transports passengers. The materials used in the interior are of good quality, and the overall fit and finish are impressive for its price point. You won't find any cheap plastics here; Kia has clearly put effort into creating a premium feel.

The Sorento Hybrid S comes equipped with a range of features designed to enhance comfort and convenience. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, which allows both the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperatures. This is a great feature for those who have different comfort preferences. The infotainment system is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The Sorento Hybrid S comes with a touchscreen display, which is the hub for all your entertainment and connectivity features. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music streaming, and other apps. The system also includes a rearview camera, which is a must-have feature for any modern SUV. Other available features include heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. These options definitely add to the overall appeal and luxury of the Sorento Hybrid S. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S is a pleasant place to be, offering a good balance of comfort, space, and features. It's a well-rounded package that should satisfy most drivers and passengers.

Technology and Infotainment

Let's dive into the tech side of the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S. As I mentioned earlier, the infotainment system is a highlight. The touchscreen display is responsive, clear, and easy to use. The graphics are sharp, and the menu layout is intuitive, making it easy to access all the features. The system also includes voice recognition, which allows you to control various functions with voice commands, such as making calls, changing the radio station, or adjusting the climate control. Connectivity is a key focus, and the Sorento Hybrid S excels here. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, such as navigation, music streaming services, and podcasts. The system also supports Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls and audio streaming.

Beyond the infotainment system, the Sorento Hybrid S offers a range of advanced driver-assistance features. These features are designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind on the road. Standard safety features include forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Forward collision-avoidance assist can help to prevent or mitigate collisions by automatically applying the brakes if it detects an impending collision. Lane keeping assist helps to keep the vehicle in its lane by providing steering assistance. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, automatically adjusting the speed to maintain a safe following distance. Other available features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The inclusion of these advanced safety features is a significant benefit, making the Sorento Hybrid S a safe and reliable choice for families. The technology package in the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S is well-executed, offering a balance of user-friendly infotainment and advanced safety features. It's designed to keep you connected, entertained, and safe on the road.

Driving Experience and Handling

Let's talk about what it's like to actually drive the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S. The driving experience is generally smooth and comfortable. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in both city driving and on the open road. While it's not a sports car, the Sorento Hybrid S handles well and provides a confident driving experience. The hybrid powertrain delivers adequate power for most driving situations. The electric motor provides instant torque, which makes it feel peppy from a standstill. The transitions between the electric motor and the gasoline engine are seamless, making for a smooth and refined driving experience. You won't feel any jerks or hesitations as the system switches between the two power sources.

The Sorento Hybrid S is also a quiet and refined vehicle. Kia has done a good job of minimizing road and wind noise, creating a peaceful cabin environment. This enhances the overall driving experience, making it more relaxing and enjoyable. The available driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, further contribute to a comfortable and stress-free driving experience. Adaptive cruise control is especially useful on long highway drives, as it helps to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and reduces driver fatigue. Overall, the driving experience of the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S is positive. It's a comfortable, refined, and easy-to-drive SUV that's well-suited for daily commuting, family trips, and various driving scenarios. The smooth ride, responsive handling, and quiet cabin all contribute to a pleasant driving experience.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the good and the not-so-good of the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S. This will help you get a clearer picture of whether it's the right SUV for you.

Pros:

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: The hybrid powertrain delivers impressive fuel economy, saving you money at the pump.
• Comfortable Interior: The cabin is spacious, well-designed, and offers a comfortable environment for passengers.
• User-Friendly Infotainment System: The touchscreen display is intuitive and easy to use, with seamless smartphone integration.
• Advanced Safety Features: Comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features to enhance driver and passenger safety.
• Value for Money: Offers a lot of features and technology for its price, making it a great value.

Cons:

• Not the Sportiest SUV: While it provides adequate power, it's not designed for high-performance driving.
• Some Hard Plastics: While the interior is generally well-appointed, there are some hard plastics used in certain areas.
• Limited Electric-Only Range: The electric-only range is limited compared to some other hybrid vehicles.

Conclusion: Is the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S Right for You?

So, after spending time with the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S, what's the verdict? This SUV is a compelling choice for anyone looking for a fuel-efficient, comfortable, and well-equipped vehicle. It shines in its hybrid efficiency, the spacious and comfortable interior, and the user-friendly technology. The advanced safety features are also a major plus, providing added peace of mind. If you prioritize fuel economy, interior comfort, and a reasonable price point, then the Sorento Hybrid S should definitely be on your radar.

However, if you're looking for a sporty driving experience or if you need a vehicle with a long electric-only range, you might want to consider other options. But for most drivers, the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid S offers a great balance of practicality, efficiency, and features. It's a well-rounded SUV that's well-suited for families, commuters, and anyone who wants a comfortable and efficient vehicle. Overall, the Sorento Hybrid S is a strong contender in the hybrid SUV market and is definitely worth a test drive. I hope this review has been helpful! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below! Happy driving, guys!