Say hello to…
…the latest Kia Sorento which has seen the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant to the range. Even in PHEV form the full-size SUV Sorento retains its seven-seat set-up, but now becomes the fleet favourite thanks to a CO2 figure of 38g/km and an official range in EV mode of 35 miles. The result is a benefit-in-kind tax bracket of 12%.
As well as the electric motor, there’s also a 1.6-litre petrol engine to give a combined power output of 261hp. It shares much of its underpinnings with sister car the Hyundai Santa Fe.
The all-wheel drive Sorento is now only available in a single trim level with the option of three colours; white, grey and black.
The single Edition trim level includes 19-inch alloys, black leather interior, 10.25-inch infotainment screen, blind spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, remote parking assist, lane keeping, head-up display, clever cruise control, 8x USB sockets, Bose sound system, powered memory front seats and drive modes including off-road modes.
Is The Kia Sorento PHEV Suitable For My Fleet
Finding a large SUV that will seat seven and still sit in a low benefit-in-kind tax band isn’t easy. However, the Kia Sorento ticks all these boxes. At 4.8 metres in length, it can seat seven or seat five and take a seriously large amount of luggage (639 litres) in comfort and refinement. It’s also less expensive than the few premium alternatives, yet has all the luxury extras you’d expect.
In seven seat mode there’s still a small boot and the third row of seats can (just about) take adults.
Leasing A Kia Sorento PHEV
Intelligent Car Leasing is offering the Sorento PHEV for a very competitive £802 a month on a 3+36 contract with 20,000 miles a year. Running costs are likely to be £74 a month according to Gensen Reports with a Class 1A NIC liability of £65.
Driving A Kia Sorento PHEV
Keeping things simple with a single trim level for the latest Sorento is a great concept for the biggest Kia. Not only does it make picking the ‘right’ version simple (for fleets, all you have to make sure of is that it’s the PHEV) it means that every Sorento is fully loaded with equipment.
As a result as soon as you climb into the driver’s seat you’re aware of a premium feel, even if Kia’s not a premium badge.
Not only are there loads of luxuries such as heated and cooled seats, a large clear infotainment screen, head-up display and leather upholstery, but the materials used are high grade and the fit and finish is superb.
On the move the Sorento has been set up to waft rather than offer a sporty involving drive. This is exactly the right approach for a large SUV.
Traditionally a large SUV being powered by a 1.6-litre engine wouldn’t sound like enough. But coupled to an electric motor and there’s easily enough shove for any everyday job.
The automatic gearbox is smooth too. Within the drive modes there is a ‘sport’ option but there’s very few circumstances where you’d activate it.
Comfort mode is best and this is perfectly described. The suspension is quiet over bumps and potholes and while there is some roll to the body in corners, everything remains well-mannered with no surprises.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Kia Sorento PHEV
Impressively high quality seven seat SUV that’s refined, comfortable and sits in a lowly 12% tax band.
Kia Sorento PHEV
- Model: Sorento Edition PHEV
- Power: 261hp
- Torque: 350Nm
- Max speed: 120mph
- 0-62mph: 8.7s
- Official mpg: 176.6mpg
- Test mpg: 207mpg
- Official range: 35 miles
- CO2 emissions: 38g/km
- BIK tax band 2023/24: 12%
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Why not join the conversation on SME fleets – visit our LinkedIn SME Fleet Discussion page