How Long Do Kia Sorento Hybrids Last? (12 Important Facts)

The first hybrid variant of the Sorento was introduced to the market in 2021 and a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) model was added in 2022.

The Sorento is one of the few SUVs of its size that offer third-row seating, making it a great family hauler.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Sorento Hybrid’s average lifespan.

Here is the short answer to how long the Kia Sorento Hybrid lasts:

With regular maintenance and conservative driving habits, a Kia Sorento Hybrid should last 200,000 – 300,000 miles on average. Based on an annual mileage of 15,000 miles, you can expect 13 – 20 years of reliable service from your Sorento Hybrid before requiring uneconomical repairs.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Kia Sorento Hybrid?

The first-ever hybrid Sorento only came out in 2021 so there’s not much data on longevity as of yet, however Kia has been building hybrid drivetrains for over a decade, so teething issues should be minimal.

Gas-powered Sorentos have had no problem going past 200,000 miles and you can expect the hybrid model to last just as long, if not longer, as the electric motors help reduce stress on the internal combustion engine (ICU).

Reaching 200,000 should be easily doable, and it may even live to see 300,000 miles depending on how well the vehicle is looked after. After such mileages, repair costs could well outweigh the value of the vehicle or despite repairs, it remains unreliable.

To ensure your Hybrid Sorento goes the distance it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, this will ensure you get the most life from both the battery and the engine, it will also mean more time on the road and less time in the shop.

The hybrid battery should last 10 – 15 years before requiring a replacement, this won’t spell the end for your vehicle but you should be prepared to pay upwards of $3000 (not including labor) for a new one.

Driving habits will also play a key role in longevity, with an emphasis on smooth use of the gas and brake pedals you can keep wear and tear on parts to a minimum.

Reassuringly, the Sorento Hybrid comes with a fairly long 5-year/100,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile hybrid powertrain warranty in case you run into any problems.

Since Kia is a part of Hyundai, the Sorento actually shares a lot of components and uses the same platform as the Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Hybrid — which also has a solid reputation for reliability.

Does the Kia Sorento Hybrid Rust Easily?

The Kia Sorento Hybrid should hold up very well against rust and corrosion, as it’s such a new model it will benefit from the latest in rustproofing technology. Additional rustproofing is not generally recommended.

That’s not to say they are immune from rust issues, no car is, however rust on a new car is out of the ordinary.

If you live by the coast where salty sea air is prevalent or in a region where the roads are heavily salted in the winter, it’s especially important to have regular car washes.

Dirt, grime and salt buildup will accelerate corrosion – keeping your Sorento clean, including the underside and wheel wells, will help it stay rust-free for longer.

After 5 years use, you might see some rust spots on under chassis parts, but these are all usually cosmetic and fairly common for a lot of vehicles of the same age.

Kia offers a 5-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty if any manufacturing defects cause excessive rust and corrosion.

Related: 9 Most Common Kia Sorento Hybrid Problems (Explained)

What is High Mileage for a Kia Sorento Hybrid?

A Kia Sorento Hybrid with 100,000 miles on the clock is considered high mileage. Hybrid vehicles use many of the same parts as gas-driven vehicles which will eventually need to be replaced as they accrue wear and tear with age.

The warranty for its hybrid battery and other hybrid components will have expired once it’s past 100,000 miles, so you’ll have to be financially prepared to cover all repair costs.

A used Kia also doesn’t have the same powertrain warranty as a brand new one, and is cut to half at 5 years/60,000 miles – the hybrid powertrain warranty stays the same though.

A Sorento Hybrid with 100,000 miles on the clock will still likely have lots of life left in the tank and could be a bargain purchase, however you shouldn’t judge a vehicle by mileage alone.

Consider the following:

1. Check that the car was properly serviced and the owner can provide evidence of this.
2. Have the car inspected by a mechanic who understands hybrids.
3. As a general rule, less previous owners is better. More owners usually means more wear-and-tear. A one-owner car that’s been regularly serviced on time is less likely to have issues and nasty surprises.
4. The condition of the interior tells the story of how well the car was maintained and cared for.
5. Mileage relative to vehicles age: A car that has done alot more, or a lot less than 15,000 miles per year on average is a red flag.

How Long Does the Kia Sorento Hybrid Last Compared to its Rivals?

In this section, we’ll compare the Sorento Hybrid to its competitors.

Kia Sorento Hybrid vs. Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is another midsize SUV with seating for seven people. 

It’s been available as a hybrid since the mid-2000s and Toyota has also always led the way in terms of sales and development in the hybrid space.

The Highlander Hybrid can last 300,000 to 500,000 miles or 17 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance.

• RepairPal gave the Highlander and Sorento the same reliability rating of 4/5 stars.
• The Highlander is slightly cheaper to maintain costing only $489 per year on average while the Sorento costs $533.
• Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the Highlander Hybrid a 4.9/5 for reliability while the Sorento got a similarly high 4.6/5.
• Edmunds’ owner reviews gave the 2021 Sorento Hybrid an overall rating of 4.1/5 which is almost the same as the Highlander Hybrid’s 4/5.
• JD Power gave the 2021 Highlander Hybrid a slightly higher 82/100 for Quality and Reliability while the 2021 Sorento Hybrid only got a fairly average rating of 77/100.

While the Highlander Hybrid may have better reliability overall, it’s also more expensive than the Sorento Hybrid, whether you’re buying new or used.

The Sorento Hybrid does have a more modern look both inside and out, and usually offers better standard features for much less than what you get with the Highlander.

If you want more long-term reliability, the Highlander Hybrid will likely win out. But if you want modern features that you can enjoy today, the Sorento Hybrid might fit the bill a little better.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Toyota Highlander Hybrids Last?

Kia Sorento Hybrid vs. Honda CR-V Hybrid

The Honda CR-V has been wildly successful for over 20 years, but it only recently introduced a hybrid version in 2020. 

The CR-V Hybrid is also smaller than the Sorento Hybrid and doesn’t offer third-row seating. 

The Honda CR-V Hybrid will likely last longer than the Sorento Hybrid and be able to provide 250,000 – 350,000 miles or 15 – 17 years of useful service on average.

• RepairPal gave the CR-V a higher reliability rating of 4.5/5 stars compared to the Sorento’s 4/5.
• The CR-V is a little cheaper to maintain at only $407 per year on average compared to the Sorento’s $533.
• Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the CR-V Hybrid a 4.4/5 for reliability which is slightly lower than the Sorento’s 4.6/5.
• Edmunds’ owner reviews gave the 2021 CR-V Hybrid an overall rating of 4.2/5 which is almost the same as the Sorento Hybrid’s 4.1/5.
• JD Power gave the 2021 CR-V Hybrid a slightly higher 84/100 rating for Quality and Reliability while the 2021 Sorento Hybrid only got a fairly average 77/100.

It’s not surprising that the CR-V Hybrid has better reliability ratings overall compared to the Sorento Hybrid. 

But there’s also no doubt that the Sorento Hybrid offers a little more value with its slightly larger size and extra third-row seating for roughly the same price.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Honda CR-V Hybrids Last?

Kia Sorento Hybrid vs. Ford Explorer Hybrid

The Explorer has been around for much longer than the Sorento but it also only received a hybrid version recently in 2020.

Ford has a lot more experience than Kia when it comes to hybrids and they’ve learned a lot since developing the first generation Escape Hybrid in the early 2000s.

The Ford Explorer Hybrid should be able to last just as long as the Sorento Hybrid at roughly 200,000 – 300,000 miles or 13 – 15 years of solid use.

• RepairPal gave the Ford Explorer an average reliability rating of 3.5/5 stars compared to the Sorento’s respectable 4/5 stars.
• Ford Explorers are generally more expensive to maintain and cost an average of $732 per year while the Sorento only costs $533.
• Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index gave the entire Explorer lineup a 3.7/5 for reliability while the Sorento got a much higher 4.6/5.
• Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid an overall rating of 4.2/5 which is similar to the Sorento Hybrid’s rating of 4.1/5.
• JD Power gave the Ford Explorer a higher rating for Quality and Reliability at 81/100 compared to the Sorento’s 77/100.

The Explorer Hybrid and Sorento Hybrid should last about the same amount of time. But the Ford Explorer might be more expensive to keep on the road after several years. 

You can’t really go wrong with either choice. If you need more space, get the Explorer Hybrid. But if you’re looking for something smaller, fun, has better mileage, and is more modern, the Sorento Hybrid might be a better option.

Comparison Chart

* Ratings for entire model range (not specific to hybrid models)

Is the Kia Sorento Hybrid Reliable?

The Sorento is a pretty popular model for Kia and it’s proven to also be a quite reliable SUV.

The Sorento Hybrid should be as reliable as a standard gas-powered Sorento and in many cases, will require much less maintenance.

Kia also has the benefit of learning a lot from its earlier hybrids, like the Kia Optima Hybrid, so its hybrid system should be more than capable.

If any issues do occur with your new Sorento Hybrid, it has a very long warranty so you’ll be pretty well covered even after a several years of use.

More proof of how reliable the Sorento Hybrid can be:

• Looking at owner reviews for the new Sorento Hybrid on Kelley Blue Book, people seem to be very happy with their vehicles in terms of features and price, and its reliability is rated very highly at 4.6/5 stars. 
• JD Power gave the latest generation Sorento lineup a pretty decent Quality and Reliability rating of 77/100 which is average for the segment.
• RepairPal gave the SOrento an average reliability rating of 4/5 which is comparable to what other reliable SUVs from Japan typically get.

Reliability Compared to Other SUVs

The Best and Worst Years for the Kia Sorento Hybrid

The Kia Sorento Hybrid has only been available since 2021 so there are very few model years to choose from.

Let’s take a look at how the different model years have changed so far.

Worst Model Year

The 2021 Sorento Hybrid is the first model year of the vehicle so we consider it the worst model year.

Though no complaints have been logged on the CarComplaints website or on the NHTSA database as of yet, it might be more susceptible to first model year problems that a lot of new cars are plagued with.

Best Model Year

The 2022 Sorento Hybrid is the best model year so far as it adds the top-of-the-line Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models to the mix.

As the fourth-gen Sorento gets updated, newer models of the hybrid versions will likely surpass the 2022 model in terms of features and overall reliability.

Model Year and Number of Complaints

The Sorento Hybrid has not recorded any complaints on the CarComplaints website or the NHTSA database so far.

What About Recalls for the Sorento Hybrid?

The Kia Sorento Hybrid has not had any recalls so far.

• 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid: 0
• 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid: 0

You can always check if your Kia Sorento Hybrid has been subjected to a recall campaign by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the Kia recall site or the NHTSA recall database.

Recalls are manufacturing faults repaired at no charge to the consumer.

Kia Sorento Hybrid Model Year List

Though the Kia Sorento has been sold since 2003, a hybrid version was only released in 2021 at the same time the fourth generation Sorento was introduced.

2022 saw the introduction of a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) variant in addition to the regular hybrid version of the Sorento.

First Generation (2021 – present):

• 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid 
• 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid 

Is the Kia Sorento Hybrid Expensive to Maintain?

The Kia Sorento Hybrid should cost around $533 per year in maintenance which is lower than the average for other SUVs.

Gas powered Kia Sorentos don’t really cost that much to keep on the road, so we predict that the newer Sorento Hybrid will be just as affordable.

The Sorento also has a 10-year hybrid battery warranty so you won’t have to worry about issues with the hybrid system for a very long time.

Source: Repair Pal

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

The Kia Sorento Hybrid’s brake pads should last around 100,000 miles before needing replacement. 

The Sorento Hybrid uses regenerative braking to charge its batteries, and slow down the vehicle at the same time, whenever you take your foot off the accelerator.

This means you don’t use the brakes as much and will have longer maintenance intervals.

• The front pads tend to wear down faster so you’ll probably have to replace them sooner than the rears. 
• The brake rotors could also get rusted out relatively quickly especially if you live in rust-prone areas. Some cars might need replacement brake rotors well before 100,000 miles.

How Long Do the Tires Last?

The Sorento Hybrid’s tires should be able to last around 45,000 miles or 3 to 5 years with normal use.

Tires on older generation Kia Sorentos typically last this long and the hybrid versions won’t be that much different.

Tips to will help you preserve the life of your tires:

• Rotate tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.
• Driving on rough terrain will wear tires out faster
• Check your tire pressure every few weeks to make sure they’re at the correct tire pressure.
• Check your wheel alignment every 6 months.

How Long Do the Transmissions Last?

The Kia Sorento Hybrid uses a traditional 6-speed automatic which should last well over 200,000 miles.

Traditional automatics are considered more reliable and are much less finicky than newer CVTs or dual-clutch transmissions.

How Long Will the Sorento Hybrid’s Electric Motors Last?

The Sorento Hybrid’s electric motors and powertrain should last over 300,000. 

Electric motors need less maintenance and are generally more reliable than internal combustion engines.

You’re more likely to need a major engine or transmission repair before the motors start acting up due to age.

How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?

The Kia Sorento Hybrid’s 1.6-liter turbocharged engine needs new spark plugs every 42,000 miles or 3 to 5 years.

You may need new spark plugs sooner if they look too worn down or fouled up during the car’s regular inspection 

How Long Do Kia Sorento Hybrid Batteries Last?

The Sorento Hybrid’s batteries should last well over 100,000 miles and even past 200,000 miles. 

Batteries degrade with age aside from extended use, so any hybrid battery that’s 10 years or more won’t perform anywhere close to its original design specifications.

The Sorento Hybrid’s battery comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty in case of any premature failures.

If you do have to replace the hybrid battery out of pocket, you’ll likely be able to get aftermarket replacements that cost much less than what a dealership charges very easily.

What About Insurance Costs?

According to Insuraviz’s estimates, the Kia Sorento costs an average of $1,572 per year or roughly $131 per month to insure. 

Insurance costs can vary from person to person, so be sure to shop around to find the best possible deal for your Sorento Hybrid.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Kia Sorento Hybrid

• Practice smooth and safe driving habits.
• Keep up to date with factory-recommended maintenance.
• Use quality parts and fluids.
• Keep on top of repairs to prevent them from developing into larger problems.
• Regularly wash your Sorento Hybrid to remove dirt and grime, as well as to protect the paint and undercarriage from rust.
• Keep your Sorento stored in a garage to help protect it from extreme heat and cold.
• Read the owner’s manual to learn the location of important components, what your SUV needs and in what quantities, and to understand the symbols and dashboard warning lights.

Sources

https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/sorento

https://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/sorento

https://www.kbb.com/kia/sorento-hybrid/

https://www.edmunds.com/kia/sorento-hybrid/2021/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/kia/sorento

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Kia/Sorento_Hybrid/

https://insuraviz.com/vehicles/kia/kia-sorento-insurance/