Latest news with #KiaSorentoHybrid
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Automotive
- San Francisco Chronicle
Edmunds three-row hybrid SUV test: Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid and 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid are two three-row SUVs with compelling attributes if you're shopping for a family-oriented vehicle. First, they're both hybrids and get excellent fuel economy. They're also smaller and less expensive than many other three-row SUVs, such as the Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander. Not everyone needs a giant vehicle with a third-row seat that can fit full-size adults — something for occasional use by bigger kids or teens can easily suffice. If any or all of that sounds like what you're looking for, the Sorento and Highlander hybrids should fit the bill. But which one should you buy? Edmunds' car experts have tested both to find out. Interior space We've already indicated that the Sorento and Highlander have less third-row legroom than bigger three-row SUVs. They also have less cargo space when you raise their third-row seats. Of these two vehicles, the Highlander is bigger on the outside, although that doesn't entirely translate to a bigger interior. It's wider and comes standard with seating for six people. You can get a Highlander Hybrid with an optional second-row bench seat that increases capacity to seven. The Sorento Hybrid only comes with second-row captain's chairs and, as a result, it has a maximum six-passenger capacity. The Highlander can also fit slightly more stuff behind its third row — think an extra duffel or big grocery bag — and its advantage increases with each row lowered. On the other hand, the Sorento has slightly more third-row legroom and headroom. That's relative since only small people can fit in the way back of each. Indeed, the Highlander's advantage isn't that significant, and the Sorento's smaller exterior size is a benefit in terms of parking and maneuverability — two reasons one can contemplate this smaller three-row subset to begin with. Fuel economy and performance The Sorento Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in combined city/highway driving in its standard front-wheel-drive configuration. Opting for all-wheel drive drops that slightly to 34 mpg combined. Every Highlander Hybrid has all-wheel drive and gets an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined. You can pretty much consider this a tie. Performance differs, however. At the Edmunds test track, an all-wheel-drive Sorento Hybrid accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, which is a respectable time for a three-row hybrid SUV. It feels quick, too, thanks to the ample torque provided by the turbocharged engine and electric motor. It also has a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts quickly and smoothly. Having front-wheel drive standard is also nice as it lowers the cost of entry for those who don't need the winter-ready traction of all-wheel drive. The Highlander Hybrid went from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, which is slower than non-hybrid SUVs by about a second. Power is readily available and smoothly delivered, but Toyota's more typical hybrid powertrain features a continuously variable automatic transmission that makes the engine drone under hard acceleration. That engine is also not turbocharged. Advantage: Kia Sorento Hybrid Value and Technology The Kia Sorento Hybrid starts at $40,105, or about $8,000 less than the $48,315 Highlander Hybrid — adding all-wheel drive to the Kia only reduces the gap by $1,800. The Highlander does come with a few extra standard features to partially offset its higher price, but we don't think they fully justify the price premium. Moreover, the Highlander continues to be similarly more expensive when you compare each vehicle's more well-equipped trim levels. The Sorento also has a better infotainment system as standard, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen packing integrated navigation. The Highlander's standard unit is only 8 inches and lacks navigation. You can, however, add the 12.3-inch touchscreen that's standard on upper trims to the base trim as a stand-alone option. Feature content within the infotainment systems is comparable, but the Kia has multiple USB ports in each row whereas the Highlander has none in the third row. In terms of functionality, we score both the Toyota and Kia tech interfaces similarly strong in terms of usability. Safety technology content is similarly robust in both SUVs, but the Sorento's are superior in terms of performance, especially the adaptive cruise control system. Edmunds says The Sorento and Highlander hybrids are similar in concept, but our testing team ultimately scores the Kia higher. Moreover, the Toyota is so much more expensive regardless of trim level that it makes the Kia look like that much stronger of a choice. _____
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
WNBA All-Star: Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu meet in 3-point contest
The 3-point contest field includes two former champions, including Ionescu, who currently holds the 3-point competition record in the WNBA or NBA after the New York Liberty star knocked down 37 of 40 3s en route to a victory in 2023. Atlanta Dream All-Star Allisha Gray made history of her own last year when she became the first player in WNBA history to sweep the skills challenge and 3-point contest in the same season. She will defend both on Friday. Here's everything you need to know about the 2025 WNBA All-Star's festivities on Friday. 2025 WNBA STARRY(R) 3-Point Contest Rhyne Howard currently leads the league in made 3s this season (56), but with Howard sidelined from All-Star activities due to a left knee injury, the door is wide open. Gray is shooting 38.9% from beyond the arc in Atlanta, which marks the highest among the five participants. Clark is shooting 28.9% from 3 this season, down from her average of 34.4% last year, and is looking to snap out of a shooting slump. She has shot 23-of-74 from the field and 6-of-35 from beyond the arc in the past five games as she's dealt with left leg injuries. The 3-point competition will feature two timed rounds with money balls (two points) and Starry balls (three points) in play. This year, players will also get to place a special "all money ball" rack, where every ball is worth two points, anywhere among the five shooting locations. The top two from the first round will go head-to-head in a final round. Here's the full list of competitors: Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum Kia WNBA Skills Challenge The WNBA Skills Challenge features a timed obstacle course consisting of bounce passes, a chest pass, a 3-point shot from the top of the arc, an elbow jumper, a corner three, an outlet pass, speed dribbles and a final shot from anywhere on the court. To make it even more challenging, the WNBA is throwing a wrench into things by placing a 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid onto the court. The top two from the first round will advance to the final round. This year's participants are: New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins Atlanta Dream Guard Allisha Gray Seattle Storm guard Erica Wheeler Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news -- fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
Herald Sun
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Herald Sun
Aussie parents are splurging on new cars
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring. Followed categories will be added to My News. 'Thud-thud-thud.' The ultrasound confirmed two things: I was having a baby, and I desperately needed a car with 17 cup holders and five-star safety. Suddenly, my trusty old sedan felt like a deathtrap. No rear air vents. No boot space. And absolutely no way it was going to handle a pram, let alone a scooter, nappy bag, and the crushing weight of my new mental load. Like many expecting mums, I was hit by the overwhelming, rather irrational urge to upgrade my entire life. And that started with my ride. You've probably heard of nesting - the biological instinct that turns otherwise normal people into midnight drawer organisers, onesie washers and freezer-meal warriors. Well, for a growing number of Aussies, that instinct has now extended to the driveway. More Aussies than ever are upgrading their car before they have a baby. Picture: Supplied Because in 2025, baby prep goes beyond painting the nursery. It's about finding the safest, roomiest and most reliable car to bring your new human home in. And the numbers back it up. More Aussies than ever are upgrading their vehicles as their families grow, with 16 per cent listing it as their main reason for buying a new car - up from 11 per cent in 2021 according to Carsales. The data also reveals new families with kids under six care less about engine size or power… probably because hauling little ones, groceries, and a small army's worth of gear doesn't require drag-race speeds. So, what are they buying? SUVs - or as I like to call them, people movers with perks. Turns out we're a nation obsessed. In fact, these roomy rides make up around 60 per cent of all new vehicles sold, and it's easy to see why. They offer height, safety, and enough boot space to haul half the house. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid. Picture: Mark Bean And they come with features such as 'baby modes', built in rear sunshades, rear-seat reminders and seats that fold all the way down for a spontaneous roadside nap. In Australia, brands like Kia, Hyundai and Volvo are leading the way with clever features designed for parents, from quiet cabin tech to pram-friendly boots, integrated child seat anchors and hands-free tailgate that open with a swipe of your foot. Here are some of the most popular, all boasting a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Toyota is leading the charge with the award-winning RAV4 - crowned Australia's most popular SUV. A spacious cabin with clever storage and a massive safety focus. Featuring smart pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection technology, Active Cruise Control and Road Sign Assist. Toyota also takes second and third place with the iconic LandCruiser and Prado. While the Ford Everest is also a popular pick. 2025 BYD Sealion 7. Picture: Mark Bean Electric vehicles are also cruising into the baby bubble. Tesla's Model Y and the BYD Sealion 7 were the top two selling EVs in the first six months of this year - both mid-size SUVs targeted at families. The big question is - if you're expecting, do you really need a new car? It's easy to get swept up in the baby vortex, where suddenly your old car feels wildly unfit for the job ahead. Plenty of parents make it work with hatchbacks and clever boot Tetris. But for those of us deep in the nesting phase, a trip to the dealership feels just as essential as the trip to the hospital. I didn't need 59 muslin wraps, 15 booties or an electric bottle warmer. And technically, I probably didn't need a brand-new SUV either. But when you're facing sleepless nights, an avalanche of baby gear, and endless unknowns, sometimes it feels like a safer, bigger car is one of the few things you can control. For me, in an ironic twist, the new car ended up delayed for months due to a parts shortage. Well past my baby's due date. But hey, if parenthood has taught me anything, it's this: sometimes you just have to buckle up, grab a double shot coffee, and embrace the chaos… preferably from the comfy seat of a family-sized SUV. Originally published as Forget the pram: New parents are splurging on this instead
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This hybrid SUV offers over 630 miles of driving range — here's why it's perfect for road trips
Hybrid technology has completely changed the game in terms of fuel economy and driving range. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use electric motors and battery packs in tandem with a gas engine to aide acceleration and store power via regenerative braking. Hybrid vehicles are more efficient than typical internal combustion engine vehicles because electric motors and battery packs provide added driving range without burning fuel. So, the advent of HEV technology has expanded the range potential of modern automobiles. As a result, there are several cars, trucks, and SUVs on the market capable of traveling for over 600 miles on a single tank of gas. The Kia Sorento Hybrid has one of the highest driving ranges of all current production SUVs due to its large tank size and incredible fuel efficiency. The midsize three-row hybrid SUV seats six and achieves more gas mileage than many smaller SUVs and cars. The South Korean automaker's Sorento Hybrid earns an estimated 36 miles per gallon combined. It has a 17.7-gallon gas tank. Multiplying 36 miles per gallon by its 17.7-gallon gas tank gives you an estimated combined city/highway driving range of 637 miles. To put that number into perspective, the most popular gas SUV in America (the Toyota RAV4 according to Kelley Blue Book) has a 435-mile driving range. The Sorento Hybrid's driving range is particularly extraordinary because of its large size. Midsize SUVs tend to achieve some of the worst fuel economy numbers behind massive full-size models because of their heft. So, automakers are completely changing the narrative, making these passenger and cargo-friendly models both spacious and efficient. The Sorento Hybrid has 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space and 45 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear row of seats folded. It has plenty of space for travel supplies. The Kia Sorento Hybrid's cabin is roomy, offering ample space according to a vehicle review by U.S. News & World Report. It also comes with plenty of great standard safety and driver-assistance features that make it safer and more convenient for road trips. Blind-spot collision warning Forward-collision avoidance assist with pedestrian, cycling, and junction turning detection Park distance warning-rear Navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go/curve Driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert Kia's midsize hybrid SUV comes in two trims: the EX and SX Prestige. The SX Prestige final trim is slightly less efficient (34 miles per gallon combined), but comes with more standard features including all-wheel drive. The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid starts at $38,690 for the EX base model. SX Prestige models start at $46,890. The final configuration includes a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot view and surround-view monitor, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. The national average gas price at the time of writing is $3.22 a gallon according to Since the Sorento Hybrid has a 17.7-gallon tank, it currently costs around $56.99 ($3.22 a gallon x 17.7 gallons) to refuel the midsize SUV. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (619 miles) Lexus RX 350h (614 miles) Toyota Highlander Hybrid (598 miles) Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (584 miles) Toyota Crown Signia (551 miles) There are several hybrid SUVs on the market with exceptional driving ranges thanks to fuel efficiency and large gas tanks. These models are great for road trips in the sense that they can travel greater distances without refueling compared to less efficient vehicles. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why this Kia hybrid SUV is perfect for summer road trips Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
USA Today
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
This hybrid SUV offers over 630 miles of driving range — here's why it's perfect for road trips
Kia's midsize hybrid SUV goes the distance because of unique powertrain. Hybrid technology has completely changed the game in terms of fuel economy and driving range. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use electric motors and battery packs in tandem with a gas engine to aide acceleration and store power via regenerative braking. Hybrid vehicles are more efficient than typical internal combustion engine vehicles because electric motors and battery packs provide added driving range without burning fuel. So, the advent of HEV technology has expanded the range potential of modern automobiles. As a result, there are several cars, trucks, and SUVs on the market capable of traveling for over 600 miles on a single tank of gas. How much driving range does the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid have? The Kia Sorento Hybrid has one of the highest driving ranges of all current production SUVs due to its large tank size and incredible fuel efficiency. The midsize three-row hybrid SUV seats six and achieves more gas mileage than many smaller SUVs and cars. The South Korean automaker's Sorento Hybrid earns an estimated 36 miles per gallon combined. It has a 17.7-gallon gas tank. Multiplying 36 miles per gallon by its 17.7-gallon gas tank gives you an estimated combined city/highway driving range of 637 miles. To put that number into perspective, the most popular gas SUV in America (the Toyota RAV4 according to Kelley Blue Book) has a 435-mile driving range. The Sorento Hybrid's driving range is particularly extraordinary because of its large size. Midsize SUVs tend to achieve some of the worst fuel economy numbers behind massive full-size models because of their heft. So, automakers are completely changing the narrative, making these passenger and cargo-friendly models both spacious and efficient. Why the Kia Sorento Hybrid is a great road trip vehicle The Sorento Hybrid has 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space and 45 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear row of seats folded. It has plenty of space for travel supplies. The Kia Sorento Hybrid's cabin is roomy, offering ample space according to a vehicle review by U.S. News & World Report. It also comes with plenty of great standard safety and driver-assistance features that make it safer and more convenient for road trips. Kia Sorento Hybrid standard features Kia's midsize hybrid SUV comes in two trims: the EX and SX Prestige. The SX Prestige final trim is slightly less efficient (34 miles per gallon combined), but comes with more standard features including all-wheel drive. How much does the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid cost? The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid starts at $38,690 for the EX base model. SX Prestige models start at $46,890. The final configuration includes a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot view and surround-view monitor, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Kia Sorento Hybrid fuel cost The national average gas price at the time of writing is $3.22 a gallon according to Since the Sorento Hybrid has a 17.7-gallon tank, it currently costs around $56.99 ($3.22 a gallon x 17.7 gallons) to refuel the midsize SUV. Other SUVs with high driving ranges There are several hybrid SUVs on the market with exceptional driving ranges thanks to fuel efficiency and large gas tanks. These models are great for road trips in the sense that they can travel greater distances without refueling compared to less efficient vehicles.
