2027 Kia Sorento PHEV Drops EX Trim, Raises Price in US

Kia America has discontinued the Sorento PHEV EX grade, leaving the X-Line SX-Prestige AWD as the sole PHEV offering for 2027 at a manufacturer’s suggested price of $53,890 before a $1,495 destination charge.

The change both simplifies the PHEV lineup and raises the entry point sharply. The X-Line SX-Prestige carries a $400 increase versus the 2026 model and gains a head-up display as standard equipment. By contrast, last year’s EX with all-wheel drive began at $48,290, so buyers seeking a factory PHEV in the US now face a $5,600 higher starting price compared with the EX last year.

Equipment and powertrain

The lone 2027 Sorento PHEV retains the same hybrid hardware: a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four paired with electric assistance and a six-speed automatic transmission rather than an eCVT. Kia America lists combined system output at 268 horsepower and peak torque at 270 pound-feet, or 366 Newton-meters under ideal conditions. The company also publishes a 0 to 62 miles per hour time of 8.6 seconds.

Battery capacity is about 14 kilowatt-hours, which Kia says enables 31 miles, or approximately 50 kilometers, of electric-only driving on the US-spec test cycle. With full gasoline and a full high-voltage battery, the manufacturer rates combined range at roughly 440 miles, or 708 kilometers. Fuel-economy figures are 74 miles per gallon equivalent with electric assistance and 33 miles per gallon, or 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers, in gas-only operation. A Level 1/Level 2 charging cable is included.

Inside, the X-Line SX-Prestige layer of content aims to justify the premium. Standard features called out for 2027 include the head-up display along with a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and heated front seats, and perforated leather across all three rows. The driver’s seat offers 14-way power adjustment with a thigh extension while the front passenger gets 10-way power adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs and a split-folding third row produce a six-seat layout. Trim details such as X-Line embossing on the front seatbacks and open-pore inlays are also included, and rear occupants get retractable sunshades.

Infotainment and convenience items remain comprehensive: a 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless phone charging, and a power liftgate are standard equipment. The X-Line exterior package adds 19-inch wheels, darker exterior detailing and unique bumpers. Paint availability changes slightly as well, with Steel Gray replaced by Pale Gray in the palette for 2027.

Chassis, safety and packaging

Kia lists ground clearance for the PHEV at nearly 7.0 inches, or 176 millimeters. Driver assistance technology includes Highway Driving Assist 2, rear parking collision avoidance, surround view camera, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control as standard items. The compact third row offers 29.6 inches, or 752 millimeters, of legroom with 12.6 cubic feet, or 357 liters, of cargo space behind it. Folding the third row opens cargo volume to between 38.5 and 45.0 cubic feet, or 1,090 to 1,274 liters, depending on configuration.

One practical note for buyers: the Sorento PHEV continues to include the charging cable in the delivery package and uses a conventional multi-gear automatic rather than an eCVT, details some buyers will weigh against the higher starting price.