Driving over 600 kilometers in three days sounds like a challenge—unless you’re doing it in the new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid. From Manila’s city streets to the sharp bends of Benguet’s mountain roads, this electrified SUV didn’t just handle the journey—it made it something to look forward to. Smooth on the expressway, confident on the climbs, and efficient all throughout, the Sorento delivered a drive that felt less like a test and more like a reward.
Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged Smartstream gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery, the Sorento Turbo Hybrid puts out a combined 235 PS and 367 Nm of torque. That’s more than enough for Baguio’s steep ascents and hairpin turns—all while keeping fuel stops to a minimum. Some of us clocked in close to 23 km/L on more eco-conscious stretches, thanks to the hybrid system’s efficiency.
A beast on the road
The drive kicked off at Solaire Resort North, and right out the gate, the Sorento showed it was more than up for the 600-kilometer adventure ahead. It breezed through the expressway toward brunch at Baker J in Mimosa, then powered through the mountain roads to Baguio—conquering Day 1’s 257-kilometer leg like a warm-up. Spacious, tech-savvy, and easy on the eyes, the Sorento made every kilometer feel like part of the fun.
Day 2 brought us to Lubo Lake in Kibungan, Benguet—a secluded spot formed from an old mining pit. The road there was narrow and rugged, with dirt patches and sharp turns, but the Sorento handled it all with ease. After logging another 104 kilometers, we returned to The Manor still relaxed and still impressed.
The final stretch brought us back to Manila via Luisita, closing the loop on another 257-kilometer leg. Fatigue never really set in—thanks to the hybrid powertrain and a surprisingly crisp Bose sound system (Mariah Carey’s high notes came through crystal clear—even with the volume cranked up).
What stood out most was the Sorento’s balance: solid power, smart design, and fuel-sipping performance that didn’t come at the expense of comfort.
A polished, premium ride
Inside, the Sorento Turbo Hybrid leans toward upscale without feeling overdone. Leather seats, ventilated front chairs, and dual 12.3-inch digital displays (in the EX+ and SX trims) set a refined tone. Smart features like wireless charging, a hands-free Smart Tailgate, easy third-row access, and power-folding second-row seats made packing and unpacking in the Baguio fog much easier. With all the seats folded down, cargo space opens up to 2,139 liters—enough for all your luggage and pasalubong.
Driving aids like the Smart Regeneration system—which automatically adjusts braking intensity downhill—and Kia’s Electrification Vehicle Motion Control (E-VMC) system also quietly enhance ride quality and handling. Drive modes like Eco, Sport, and Smart let you dial in your preferences, while terrain settings like Snow, Mud, and Sand are ready if you ever go off the grid.
Available in three trims—EX Turbo Hybrid FWD at P2,188,000; EX+ Turbo Hybrid FWD at P2,588,000; and SX Turbo Hybrid AWD at P2,888,000—the Sorento Turbo Hybrid is more than just efficient. It’s equal parts powerful and polished, versatile and refined. And if it can handle Baguio’s twisting roads with grace, it’s ready for just about anything.
