2024 Kia Sorento Powertrains in Tempe, AZ

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Which Kia Sorento Powertrain Is Right for Me?

The 2024 model of the Kia Sorento is a versatile crossover SUV with several options, allowing car buyers to tailor it to their needs. The mid-size SUV is available in a total of eight trim levels, and each offers a generous list of standard infotainment, safety, and comfort features. In addition, the Sorento has four powertrain options. If you’re custom designing a Sorento, choosing a powertrain is the perfect way to get started.

Gas-Powered Sorento Options

Before you can choose a powertrain, you need to understand all the options available to you. The 2024 Sorento has two traditional, gas-powered options, which are listed below.

  • 191-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that generates 181 lb-ft of torque
  • 281-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that generated 311 lb-ft of torque

Both gas engines are paired with a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive (FWD). They provide a sturdy, confident driving experience and have towing capacities that range between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds. If you’re planning to take your SUV off-road, you’ll be happy to know that both gas powertrains are available with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Electrified Sorento Options

The Kia Sorento also has a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) option and a plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) option.

  • HEV: A 227-horsepower setup consisting of a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor.
  • PHEV: A 261-horsepower setup that consists of a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine and a more powerful electric motor.

Both electrified models are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The HEV model is exclusively FWD and relies on regenerative braking to refresh the battery. The PHEV, on the other hand, has standard AWD and can be charged at a Level 2 charging station.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Powertrain

There are four main questions you should ask yourself before choosing which Sorento powertrain you should purchase.

  1. What is your budget? The base engine has the most affordable starting MSRP, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less capable. It has more than enough power to navigate city streets and accelerates confidently on the highway. It also has above-average fuel efficiency for the three-row SUV segment and can tow up to 2,000 pounds. So, for frugal shoppers, the base engine is an excellent choice. The HEV is the second most affordable option, followed by the 281-horsepower gas engine. The PHEV has the highest starting MSRP.
  2. How important is fuel efficiency? Outside of monthly payments, fuel takes the most out of your transportation budget. The PHEV is the most fuel-efficient Sorento, followed by the HEV, the base engine, and finally, the 281-horsepower gas engine.
  3. Is eco-friendliness important? A PHEV model lets you use electric energy when you want to and only use gas when you have. That means you can complete some trips without producing any tailpipe emissions. HEVs aren’t as effective as PHEVs, but they still reduce your carbon footprint.
  4. Do you have access to a charging station? To get the most out of a PHEV model, you’ll need access to Level 1 or Level 2 charging. Tempe, AZ, has several charging stations scattered throughout the city, but if you live in an area where they’re few and far between and you can’t install one in your home, an HEV model might be best for you.

Answer these questions to find your perfect Sorento powertrain. Still unsure? Visit Tempe Kia for expert advice.