Latest news with #KiaMotors
Motor Trend
a day ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
The 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid provides six-seat versatility with the fuel-efficient benefits of a hybrid engine. Kia also sells the Sorento with non-hybrid gas engines and as a plug-in hybrid, but all have stylish design, high feature content, and a three-row seating layout. Introduced for 2021, this generation of Kia Sorento got its most recent update for 2024. Rivals to the Sorento Hybrid include the Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, and Mazda CX-90. What's New We expect the 2026 Sorento Hybrid will be mostly unchanged from the 2025 model. The Sorento got a major refresh for 2024, which brought updates including: New design details Larger standard infotainment touchscreen Revised interior controls and touchpoints Fresh paint and upholstery choices What We Think A Kia Sorento with better fuel economy—what's not to like? Well, not much. Although the 2026 Sorento Hybrid isn't as quick as Sorento models with the turbocharged engine, it's otherwise just as solid, versatile, and nice to drive. With its in-between sizing, the Sorento's third row isn't as spacious as in larger SUVs—yet the fact that the Sorento is smaller overall could be a perk. The Sorento isn't a three-row SUV for everyone, but for many drivers it's just the right size. The Sorento Hybrid's lack of power could be a concern, although we suspect that the SUV's improved fuel economy and long driving range will more than compensate for some buyers . Regardless of what's under the hood, though, the Kia Sorento is a great SUV. Performance and MPGs The Sorento Hybrid's powertrain consists of a 1.6-liter turbo-four paired with an electric motor. It makes 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. That output is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and AWD optional. In MotorTrend testing, a Sorento Hybrid FWD accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. Fuel economy rates at 36/36 mpg city/highway with FWD, and 34/34 mpg with AWD. Regardless, driving range on a full tank of gas is over 600 miles—impressive. Is the Sorento PHEV Better? Kia also sells the Sorento as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). This powertrain also uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4 but has a stronger electric motor that increases output to 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which reduces the 0-60 mph time to 7.4 seconds. It comes standard with AWD. Power isn't the point, though—efficiency is. The Sorento PHEV has a 13.8-kWh battery, which can provide up to 30 miles of all-electric driving range. If you can charge at home, the Sorento PHEV could yield significant fuel savings over the Sorento Hybrid. Read all about the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid here. Safety Ratings and Features When it was most recently crash safety tested for 2025, the Sorento Hybrid earned a five-star overall score, the best possible result, from NHTSA. Standard driver assist and active safety features in the Sorento Hybrid include: Front and rear automatic emergency braking Side cross-traffic alert Intersection collision avoidance Lane departure warning Lane keep assist Adaptive cruise control The higher-end SX Prestige model gains: Emergency evasive steering assist Blind-spot view cameras Low-speed collision mitigation Rain-sensing windshield wipers Semi-automated lane change functionality Cargo Space and Interior Room Part of the Sorento Hybrid's appeal is that it's not as huge as some three-row crossovers. Accordingly, however, it has less space inside than some other hybrid family SUVs. All Sorento Hybrid models are equipped in a six-passenger configuration with second-row captain's chairs. Technology The 2026 Sorento Hybrid is equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multi-device Bluetooth connectivity. Over-the-air updates keep the system fresh. In the base EX trim, a 4.0-inch display is positioned between analog gauges, while the SX Prestige model upgrades to a 12.3-inch all-digital gauge cluster screen. A wireless charging pad is standard, along with USB ports in all three rows of seats. The Sorento Hybrid EX gets a six-speaker audio system, and the SX Prestige has a Bose 12-speaker premium setup. Other tech upgrades on the Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige include a digital rearview mirror and 360-degree camera. EX vs. SX Prestige: What's the Difference? The entry-level 2026 Sorento Hybrid EX is expected to cost approximately $40,000. It will come equipped with a variety of features and amenities including a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, 12.3-inch touchscreen, a wireless charging pad and USB ports in every row, and a powered tailgate. Choosing the 2026 Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige, which costs about $48,500, brings upgrades like a 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row captain's chairs, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, faux suede headliner, LED interior lighting, premium audio, and a 12.3-inch gauge display, among other changes. Other Competitors to Consider: Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Mazda CX-90 PHEV Volvo XC90 PHEV
Top Gear
a day ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Buy Kia EV6 Price, PPC or HP
Buying What should I be paying? The base EV6 Air starts from £39,235 – conveniently dipping underneath the £40k threshold that'd otherwise cost you an extra £2k ish road tax over five years – but you'll have to make do with the smaller battery. Stepping up to the bigger battery brings you up to £45,585. After that you're climbing the trim ladder. The mid-spec GT-Line costs from £48,585, while upgrading to AWD inflates that to £52,085. Advertisement - Page continues below GT-Line S is the top-of-the-range model: the RWD one is £53,685 and the AWD one costs £58,185. Adding the heat pump here costs the best part of a grand – cheeky, but we'd recommend it because the long-term savings will be worth it. Grr. The GT is £59,985, plus a bit more for paint that isn't white. Yacht Matt Blue is lurvely, if you can stretch to £1,500 for it. Finance deals start at just over £600 per month for the 84kWh base model on a three-year deal with a 10,000-mile limit and a £5,000 deposit. Want the same terms on the top-spec GT-Line S with all-wheel drive and a heat pump? That'll be just over £850 each month. What do you get for the money? As standard, all EV6s get the cool stuff: big battery and 800v charging system, plus the 12.3in screens, LED headlights, vegan leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, aircon, parking sensors, reversing camera, lots of driver assistance systems, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and all the usual electronics. A smattering of USB-C ports, too. Advertisement - Page continues below EV6 Airs come on 19in alloys and get body-coloured door handles, plus a six-speaker audio system. Actually, all you can choose at this level is the paint, which is red as standard. Or there are three others for £675. GT-Line variants also get 19in wheels but add black suede seats with white bolsters, electric seats with a folding 'relaxation' option, rear privacy glass, fancier LEDs, a three-spoke steering wheel and wireless phone charging pad. GT-Line S adds 20in wheels, a panoramic sunroof, artificial suede seats, cooled front heats, heated outer rear seats, a Meridian 14-speaker stereo, an HUD, a digital key, 360-degree camera, a powered tailgate and the option of the heat pump (we're still bitter about that). Last up, GT models get that astronomical powertrain, 21s with unique alloys, artificial suede bucket seats, many neon garnishings and the GT-specific drive modes that also extend to launch control. Nought-to-queasy in just a couple of heartbeats. For the caravanists out there, they all tow up to 1,800kg. Range will suffer. Duh. What's the best spec? To be honest, you won't go wrong with the EV6 Air: it's more than quick enough and has the best potential range. You'll miss having ventilated seats, but only for a handful of days a year.
Top Gear
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Yikes! The 502bhp Kia EV9 GT will cost £82,185
Electric Pray silence please, the age of the £80k+ Kia is now upon us Skip 6 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Kia has announced pricing for the new EV9 GT here in the UK, and the headline is that it's chuffing expensive. Prices start at £82,185 for the seven-seat version, and £83,185 for the posher six-seater. Of course, you get a whole lot of car for the money. The standard EV9 is already a monstrous thing, and the GT ups the ante even further by pairing those ginormous dimensions with a twin-motor electric powertrain producing 502bhp and 546lb ft of torque. Advertisement - Page continues below That may be slightly less than the 641bhp of the newly updated EV6 GT, but it's still enough to fling the big flagship SUV from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is 136mph. The GT shares its whopping 99.8kWh battery with the rest of the EV9 range, although the distances you'll be able to cover will suffer as a result of all that power, so you're looking at 280 miles of WLTP range on a single charge. You might like Kia does refer to this as a 'grand-touring SUV' though, chiefly because the 800-volt architecture should allow you to top up from 10 to 80 per cent in just 24 minutes if you can find a 350kW rapid charger. Once back on the move, if you're trying to burn through those electrons as quickly as possible with some spirited driving you'll be pleased to know that there's a dedicated 'GT' drive mode. There's also adaptive dampers and a 'Road Preview System' that scans the road ahead and prepares the suspension for potholes and broken road surfaces. Advertisement - Page continues below The GT also gets an uprated braking system with neon green calipers behind exclusive 21in alloy wheels. Inside there are sports seats trimmed with Alcantara inserts and more neon green touches, and you get paddles behind the wheel that can control a 'Virtual Gear Shift' system a la Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and EV6 GT. Essentially this gives you a fake six-speed paddleshift gearbox, a rev counter, redline and fake engine noise to try and add in a bit of driver engagement. We like it in the 5 N. Order books are open now and cars should start arriving in the UK later this year. White paint will be standard, with five other colours available for £725 a pop. Yep, the £80,000+ Kia is here… Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Daily Telegraph
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Telegraph
Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Review: Specs, price and efficiency
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring. Followed categories will be added to My News. Kia has introduced Australia's most loved mid-size SUV in four powertrains, four trim levels, 12 variants, and nine colours from Clear White to a slick new Wolf Grey and Heritage Blue. With options ranging from a $37,990 (plus on-road-costs) front-wheel drive 2.0-litre petrol to a GT-Line AWD hybrid ($60,000 plus-on-road costs). There's no shortage of choice, with the line-up including a 2.0-litre petrol, 1.6-litre turbo petrol, a 2.0-litre turbo diesel (AWD only) or a 1.6-litre hybrid, in either front or all-wheel drive, and across four trim levels (S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line). The auto giant has also kept the diesel, which means its one of the only brands offering it among its direct competitors, following the exit of the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. MORE:Car prices set to plummet Kia's Sportage line-up offers something for every Aussie drive. Picture: Supplied MORE:EOFY 2025 ultimate motoring guide for car sales The exterior has had some tasteful updates including new front and rear bumpers, restyled LED headlights and a revised LED tail-light signature. Every variant now gets a two-spoke steering wheel which feels a little chunky for someone with small hands but looks great. Plus a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging is now included from SX+ upwards. The GT-Line now features a curved 12.3-inch digital driver display, ambient mood lighting and heated rear seats. MORE: Bad news for electric vehicles in Australia A new two-spoke steering wheel design gives the cabin a modern edge. Picture: Supplied MORE:Aussies stunned by Chinese ute While the GT-Line grabs headlines, it's a little pricey, asking for over $60,000 in hybrid AWD form, that's $13,000 more than the base petrol S. That's why the SX+ hits the mark, priced at $47,080 (plus on-road costs) for the turbo petrol AWD, it comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, Harmon Kardon premium audio, wireless phone charging and smart key and hands-free power tailgate. While the diesel still appeals to many buyers and the base petrol remains the most affordable entry point ($37,990), new emission regulations mean the petrol may be on its way out, which makes the Hybrid the sweet spot. The Hybrid is now offered in SX and GT-Line trims and for the first time you can opt for either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. MORE:How Apple will take over your car The Kia Sportage Hybrid SX stands out as the smart pick of the range. Picture: Supplied MORE: World's ugliest car brand reborn I tested the hybrid and was genuinely impressed by how well it handles everyday driving. The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 44.74kW electric motor delivers a combined 173kW and 367Nm, the most powerful configuration in the Sportage line-up. Around town, it's calm and composed, with the electric motor doing most of the heavy lifting at low speeds. Acceleration is smooth and surprisingly punchy when you ask for it. It's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and feels refined. The hybrid claims 4.9L/100km combined for FWD and 5.3L/100km for AWD, real world figures weren't far off. Boot space is generous with 586 litres (seats up) and 1827L with seats down, perfect for families. There's also a full size spare wheel in petrol and diesel models. Kia Sportage SX 1.6T HEV AWD. Picture: Supplied Safety is consistent across the board with all trims offering Kia's full suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including AEB with junction assist, lane following assist 2, and blind spot collision avoidance. Verdict The Kia Sportage offers plenty of choice for Aussie families, whether you want petrol, diesel or hybrid, front-wheel or all-wheel, basic or luxurious, there's something for every buyer. Just be ready to do your homework. If you want something under $50k, efficient with plenty of technology and comfort, I'd opt for the hybrid FWD (1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric motor), trim level SX for approximately $46,450 plus on road-costs, certainly seems like the sweet spot. Originally published as Kia Sportage line-up expands but one variant and trim hits the mark
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Kia Sportage line-up expands but one variant and trim hits the mark
Kia has introduced Australia's most loved mid-size SUV in four powertrains, four trim levels, 12 variants, and nine colours from Clear White to a slick new Wolf Grey and Heritage Blue. With options ranging from a $37,990 (plus on-road-costs) front-wheel drive 2.0-litre petrol to a GT-Line AWD hybrid ($60,000 plus-on-road costs). There's no shortage of choice, with the line-up including a 2.0-litre petrol, 1.6-litre turbo petrol, a 2.0-litre turbo diesel (AWD only) or a 1.6-litre hybrid, in either front or all-wheel drive, and across four trim levels (S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line). The auto giant has also kept the diesel, which means its one of the only brands offering it among its direct competitors, following the exit of the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. MORE: EOFY 2025 ultimate motoring guide for car sales The exterior has had some tasteful updates including new front and rear bumpers, restyled LED headlights and a revised LED tail-light signature. Every variant now gets a two-spoke steering wheel which feels a little chunky for someone with small hands but looks great. Plus a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging is now included from SX+ upwards. The GT-Line now features a curved 12.3-inch digital driver display, ambient mood lighting and heated rear seats. While the GT-Line grabs headlines, it's a little pricey, asking for over $60,000 in hybrid AWD form, that's $13,000 more than the base petrol S. That's why the SX+ hits the mark, priced at $47,080 (plus on-road costs) for the turbo petrol AWD, it comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, Harmon Kardon premium audio, wireless phone charging and smart key and hands-free power tailgate. While the diesel still appeals to many buyers and the base petrol remains the most affordable entry point ($37,990), new emission regulations mean the petrol may be on its way out, which makes the Hybrid the sweet spot. The Hybrid is now offered in SX and GT-Line trims and for the first time you can opt for either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. I tested the hybrid and was genuinely impressed by how well it handles everyday driving. The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 44.74kW electric motor delivers a combined 173kW and 367Nm, the most powerful configuration in the Sportage line-up. Around town, it's calm and composed, with the electric motor doing most of the heavy lifting at low speeds. Acceleration is smooth and surprisingly punchy when you ask for it. It's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and feels refined. The hybrid claims 4.9L/100km combined for FWD and 5.3L/100km for AWD, real world figures weren't far off. Boot space is generous with 586 litres (seats up) and 1827L with seats down, perfect for families. There's also a full size spare wheel in petrol and diesel models. Safety is consistent across the board with all trims offering Kia's full suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including AEB with junction assist, lane following assist 2, and blind spot collision avoidance. Verdict The Kia Sportage offers plenty of choice for Aussie families, whether you want petrol, diesel or hybrid, front-wheel or all-wheel, basic or luxurious, there's something for every buyer. Just be ready to do your homework. If you want something under $50k, efficient with plenty of technology and comfort, I'd opt for the hybrid FWD (1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric motor), trim level SX for approximately $46,450 plus on road-costs, certainly seems like the sweet spot.
