Launched in 2021, Rebelle Rally’s Electrified Designation is an authentic challenge for EVs, plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids. The 2022 Sorento PHEV will demonstrate its ability to off-road on plug-in power in a number of special sections.
“The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid plays a pivotal role in the launch of Kia’s Plan S electrification strategy and the Rebelle Rally is the ultimate proving ground for us to showcase our commitment to sustainable mobility, even off the beaten path,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. “We’re proud to have two incredible teams put the Sorento PHEV through its paces and introduce Kia consumers to a new, electrified way of outdoor exploration.”
In 2020, a Kia-sponsored Telluride came in a close second in the X-Cross class, and for 2021, driver Alyssa Roenigk and navigator Sabrina Howells are pairing up once again. Their goal is to outdo their incredible performance from last year when they dominated several stage wins, even outpacing the 4×4 group in the Imperial Sand Dunes on the final day of competition. Piloting the second Sorento PHEV is professional rally driver Verena Mei, who despite being new to Rebelle Rally, is poised for success given her impressive background in motorsports and above all, her masterful navigator Tana White, who is no stranger to the rigorous off-road challenge.
“We are honoured to have Kia return and continue to support us,” said Emily Miller, founder of the Rebelle Rally. “This partnership is a natural fit considering we both share the same values in sustainability, and we are eager to experience seeing the Sorento PHEVs withstand the elements in our electrified program.”
The Sorento Plug-in Hybrids competing in the rally will be minimally modified and sport a design inspired by previous Kia outdoors and adventurous concepts. Powered by a 66.9 kW electric motor and a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that combine to achieve 261 horsepower, the 2022 Sorento PHEV has an EPA-estimated 32-mile pure electric driving range, the best of any 3-row PHEV SUV.1 With an EPA-estimated combined overall range of 460 miles, it achieves an EPA-estimated 79 MPGe combined rating and features standard torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive.
The new Sorento PHEV is offered with a 66.9 kW electric motor and a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that combine to achieve 261 horsepower. The Sorento PHEV has a targeted 32-mile pure electric driving range, the best of any 3-row PHEV SUV, with a projected combined overall range of 460 miles, helping it achieve a targeted 79 MPGe combined rating. Enhancing Sorento’s capabilities is standard torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive, offering go-anywhere confidence.
The Sorento PHEV delivers an upscale and feature-rich cabin accommodating up to six passengers. Its 143.8 cubic feet of passenger space and second-row legroom better any other PHEV SUV.2 Furthermore, it is the only mainstream PHEV SUV to offer three-row seating.
A Modern Design
The exterior of the 2022 Sorento PHEV is defined by the same sharp, modern lines and high-tech details as the rest of the Sorento range. PHEV-specific elements include:
Specialized rear badging
Plug port located at rear quarter panel
Standard 19-inch wheels
The Sorento PHEV offers 143.8 cubic feet of passenger space, the most of any PHEV SUV. It also has more second-row legroom than any PHEV SUV. In addition to its roominess, premium feel, and vast feature content, the Sorento PHEV’s interior offers the following highlights:
Standard three-row seating with second-row captain’s chairs
Standard Syntex synthetic leather seating or available perforated leather seats
Available aluminum sport pedals
If you’re interested in test driving a 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV, please click the button below. Depending on current conditions, traditional test drives may not be available so we’ll contact you to discuss what is possible. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.
Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.
