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
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.
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 AAA.com. 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
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
