SUVS

Only 2 Plug-in Hybrid SUVs Are Featured on KBB’s Best Midsize SUV List

Kelley Blue Book classified 2022 and 2023. Two plug-in hybrids made the cut. Both plug-in hybrids even outperformed the popular midsize Hyundai Palisade.

Kelley Blue Book is digging the 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid | duck

It is a plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV that uses a turbocharged engine and an electric motor. The PHEV is capable of traveling on electricity alone, extending its total driving range and making it more efficient overall.

ranked the 2022 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid over the Hyundai Palisade despite the Palisade’s close relationship with the current most popular midsize SUV: the Kia Telluride.

So why does KBB like the Sorento PHEV so much? The 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid starts at $45,190. It uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor to produce 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The midsize plug-in hybrid SUV gets 34 miles per combined gallon. It has an all-electric driving range of 32 miles.

The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive. Includes standard keyless entry, a leather steering wheel and heated front seats. The Sorento PHEV is an affordable midsize SUV that offers plenty of value as a family hauler.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid competes at the highest level

A mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid is driving off the road.
The Hyundai Santa Fe plug-in hybrid | Hyundai

It’s expected to top Kelley Blue Book’s list of the best midsize SUVs of 2022 and 2023, but the second-place winner is a bit of a shock. The automaker ranks the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid right below the popular Kia Telluride.

Starts at $40K. Like the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, the midsize SUV uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 261PS and 258Nm of torque. The Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid gets 32 miles per combined gallon, making it slightly less fuel-efficient than its South Korean cousin. It can travel 31 miles using electricity alone.

The Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV includes standard heated side mirrors with LED turn signals, Hyundai digital key and all-wheel drive. It offers great value at a more affordable price point than Kia’s PHEV midsize SUV.

Why plug-in hybrid SUVs could become very popular

A white Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid midsize SUV is in charge.
The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid | duck
Related

We have entered an interesting era on the road to electrification. Several major automakers have pledged to electrify 40% or more of their portfolios in the coming decades. Automakers like Toyota aren’t betting everything on EVs just yet, because there are many pitfalls to EV manufacturing. Electric vehicles rely on battery minerals which require deep sea mining.

The charging infrastructure is not yet practical. Electric vehicles are also significantly more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. PHEVs are a nice middle ground that fans of gas and electric vehicles can admire.

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