Kelley Blue Book ranked the best midsize SUVs of 2022 and 2023. Two plug-in hybrids made the cut. Both plug-in hybrids even outperformed the popular Hyundai Palisade midsize SUV.
Kelley Blue Book is digging the 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid midsize SUV that uses a turbocharged engine and an electric motor. The PHEV can travel on electricity alone, extending its overall range and making it more efficient overall.
The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid gets a power boost from its electric motor and can go the distance for less than many of its rivals. Its low refueling cost is part of the midsize SUV’s appeal. Kelley’s Blue Book ranked the 2022 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid over the Hyundai Palisade despite the Palisade’s close relationship with today’s most popular midsize SUV: the Kia Telluride.
So why does KBB like the Sorento PHEV so much? The 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid starts at $45,190. It uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to make 261 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid midsize SUV gets 34 mpg combined. It has a 32-mile electric-only driving range.
The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive. Includes standard keyless entry, leather steering wheel and heated front seats. The Sorento PHEV is an affordable midsize SUV that offers a lot of value as a family transportation vehicle.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid competes at the highest level
The Kia Telluride is expected to top Kelley Blue Book’s list of the best midsize SUVs of 2022 and 2023, but the runner-up winner is a bit of a surprise. The auto company ranks the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe plug-in hybrid just below the popular Kia Telluride.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV starts at $40K. Like the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, the midsize SUV uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 261 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid gets a combined 32 mpg, making it slightly less fuel efficient than its South Korean cousin. You can travel 31 miles using just electricity.
The Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV includes standard heated side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, a Hyundai Digital Key, and all-wheel drive. It offers great value for money at a more affordable price than Kia’s PHEV midsize SUV.
Why plug-in hybrid SUVs could become so popular
We have entered an interesting era on the road to electrification. Several major automakers have promised to electrify 40% or more of their portfolios in the coming decades. Car manufacturers like Toyota are not betting on EVs yet because there are many pitfalls to EV production. Electric vehicles are based on battery minerals that require deep-sea mining.
The charging infrastructure is not yet practical. Electric vehicles are also significantly more expensive than their gasoline-powered counterparts. PHEVs are a nice middle ground that fans of gas and electric vehicles can look up to.