Some of you will argue that other hybrid models can consistently do 20+ km/l. Yes, but those models only seat five people, and more importantly, are significantly lighter because they do not have a transfer case, center differential, and an extra driveshaft for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) layout.

You might think, well, what’s the benefit of an AWD? We’ll get to that in the drive section of this review, but unless the Strait of Hormuz opens up within the next four weeks, having a family mover that gives you more kilometers for every liter is your ticket out of this looming fuel crisis.

Launched last year (February) in the Philippines, the hybrid Sorento takes the body of the fourth-generation model, albeit with a few exterior enhancements inspired by the EV9. This top-of-the-line SX comes exclusively with four-cube LED vertical headlamps and a panoramic sunroof. But don’t feel bad if you’re eyeing the more affordable EX and EX+ trim as these come standard with LED front and rear fog lamps, LED daytime running lamps, rain-sensing wipers, 19-inch wheels, and load-bearing roof rails. The power tailgate with proximity sensor (opens when you approach the rear and closes when you leave) is only on the EX+ and SX.

I like how this seven-seater sits low to the ground, so whatever your OOTD is, climbing in and out of the cockpit is easy. The Sorento’s design isn’t cutting-edge and certainly won’t stand out in a beauty contest, but new exterior elements and matching angular cues give it a distinguished presence. Plus, those chrome accents add a touch of sophistication, so the Sorento SX hybrid doesn’t look out of place parked in front of BGC hotspots. I just wish Kia gave its electrified models, such as this Sorento, more visual cues to signal its hybrid powertrain. For now, the only distinctive mark is the small HEV badge on the bottom right of the power tailgate.

Inside is a two-tone interior. Be careful not to soil the upholstery because it could leave a mark on the beige leather. The way the cockpit is laid out underscores the advanced equipment it comes to play with. I love the dual 12.3-inch colored cluster and infotainment screen, but for my height and steering wheel position preference, the top of the speedometer is obscured. Only USB Type-C ports are available in front. If you need a Type-A port, you can find them on the side of the front seat backrests. Or you can just ditch the wires and use its wireless charging pad. It comes with front ventilated seats (perfect for the summer of 2026), a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a driver-only option (for better fuel economy), and rear manual aircon. The two rear rows have contoured bench-type seats, but they are nothing to rave about. As expected, the third row offers the least legroom. If you have small items of value, store them in the spacious center console. The cabin’s two best features are wireless Apple CarPlay (it worked 100%glitch-free) and the 12-speaker Bose sound system.

What justifies the Sorento’s P2.888-million price tag is its hybrid powertrain. It combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a 1.49-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 44-kW permanent magnet synchronous motor. Total output of 235-horsepower and 367-Nm of torque goes to the four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

The weight of the extra millimeters for a third row and the AWD components pulls its fuel economy down. Thankfully, there are upsides. This family-mover is spacious, impressively quiet, and comfortable. A young family of seven going out of town will have sufficient space for luggage and some pasalubong. If the kids are grown up, the third row will be a tight squeeze. Dad, you’ll love the AWD. It propelled this SUV swiftly, purposefully, and confidently, even on Eco mode. It will also give you confidence to drive over wet roads (when the rainy season arrives) and loose surfaces (light off-roading) because it reduces wheel spin for superior traction and stability.

Because it has a small displacement engine, maintaining 100 km/h on the highway isn’t ideal as the revs hover close to 2,000-RPM. But to find out how the Sorento Hybrid performs without hypermiling techniques, I kept it at the speed limit on SLEX. Over seven days and across highway and city roads, I still averaged 16.2 km/l.

This review features the range-topping Kia Sorento 1.6 SX. If you want to avoid diesel (because of price increase) but need a seven-seater and can live without an AWD, automatic fifth door, fancy lighting, and various creature comforts, you can still enjoy the fuel savings this mid-size hybrid offers with the EX (P2.188 million).