When Kia announced it was launching the refreshed Sorento with a hybrid powertrain, the transition was exactly what I had expected. The Kia brand has always kept up with the times.

Years ago, the first-generation was a ladder frame SUV. While it was launched with a gasoline V6, the Korean automaker quickly saw that Filipino buyers preferred diesel power when it came to large SUVs.

Kia began offering CRDI turbo-diesel engines in subsequent generations of the Sorento. With the auto industry pivoting towards electrification, Kia went with the wave and launched the Sorento Turbo Hybrid for the fourth-generation model.

We already got to drive the top-of-the-line SX AWD variant last year and were impressed by all its toys, features, and intelligent driver aids, but we at AutoIndustriya always like to check out the entry-level models. So when we found out Kia had a Sorento EX 4x2 model available for a test, we jumped on the chance to take it for a spin. Will the most affordable Sorento Turbo Hybrid be able to replace good ol' turbo-diesel?

Despite being the “base” version of the lineup, the Sorento EX Turbo Hybrid did not look basic one bit. It has stylish LED headlights, the eye-catching Star Map signature lighting design, the signature Tiger Nose grille, massive 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels (standard across all variants), chrome door handles, functional roof rails, power-folding side mirrors, and the distinct taillights.

There are some subtle exterior changes and deletions on the EX, like multi-reflector LED headlights (LED projectors on the SX), the lack of a power tailgate (available only on the EX+ and SX models), and bulb-type taillights (LED on EX+ and SX). These minor changes, however, are something that we can easily live with and don’t exactly devalue the vehicle as a whole. Kia was able to make the base model EX still look like its more expensive siblings by making the changes hard to notice.

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Combined with its Snow White Pearl paint finish, the Sorento EX exudes style and sophistication despite being an entry-level model. Park it at an executive village alongside other luxury vehicles, and it won’t look out of place, with only the most badge-conscious crowd noticing the new logo of Kia on the hood or tailgate.

Open the doors, and it's clear Kia was still able to give the entry-level Sorento EX a well-equipped cabin. While it only has fabric seats instead of leather upholstery, they didn't cheap out, as it comes with a pair of high-definition 12.3-inch displays. One screen serves as the instrument panel while the other serves as the touchscreen infotainment system, which we’ll talk about later. Below that is a dedicated panel for the climate control system, which comes with dials & touch-sensitive controls and can quickly cool down a cabin despite the hot climate outside.

Further below the climate control panel are the USB-C and USB Type A charging/data ports. While it lacks a dedicated wireless charging pad, I much prefer the USB-C charging ports to charge my smartphone since these can charge my device quickly and more efficiently. As for the fabric seats, these are comfortable and have ample cushioning for your back, as well as your backside. Perhaps my only complaint with the seats is that these are pretty easy to stain due to the off-white finish. If anything, the interior of the Sorento EX is a “no eating” zone to keep spills at bay.

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In case you’re the kind that always forgets to bring data/charging cables to pair your phone with the infotainment system, fret not, as the Sorento EX supports both wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. The system is quick to recognize your device, so that before you even prompt your phone to connect, the touchscreen infotainment can already sense your device and will even request Android Auto or Apple CarPlay immediately.

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Given the Sorento’s massive size, the cabin is spacious for the driver and passengers. Whether you’re seated in the front or in the second row, those who value space above all else will be glad about the Sorento’s interior real estate. But what about the third row? Well, I’m happy to report I’m able to fit my 5’7" frame in the very back just fine. There's even an A/C vent, as well as charging ports. You can even slide the second row seats forward to give those in the third row some extra legroom, should they need it. It’s not the best seat inside the SUV, but it’s better than the third row seats you’ll find in frame-based midsize SUVs.

Need to load up on cargo? Like the SX, the Sorento EX can carry items up to 15 inches long, 54 inches wide, and up to 30 inches tall with ease, should all rows of seats be deployed. Fold down the third row, however, and the Sorento can easily swallow cargo that is up to 43 inches long. And should you want to treat the Sorento as the ultimate hauler, you can also fold down the 60:40 split second row seats, giving users up to 70 inches of cargo length.

The Sorento EX Turbo Hybrid is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged inline-four with an electric motor and a small lithium-ion battery pack. The engine alone makes 180 PS at 5500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque between 1500 and 4500 rpm. Meanwhile, the small electric motor provides additional oomph when needed and can also power the vehicle if its lithium-ion battery has sufficient charge. This gives the Sorento EX a combined system output of 235 PS and 367 Nm of torque.

With nearly two metric tons of vehicle to move, I was initially apprehensive if the turbo-hybrid powertrain could actually motivate the Sorento with ease. How happy I was to be proven wrong, since upon startup, the electric motor was able to move this 1,936 kg midsize crossover SUV like it was nothing.

If there’s enough charge from the 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery, the Sorento can cover certain distances with just the electric motor. In fact, you might sometimes not notice it right away when you pull out of a parking spot or out of the garage in the morning. Keep a light foot on the accelerator, and you’ll be surprised that it can hit 60 km/h (and beyond) on just battery power with no engine revs whatsoever. The only time you will notice that the system engages the turbocharged engine is when you need to overtake or speed up, wherein you will feel a slight judder or vibration, and the engine revs suddenly, turning on via the digital instrument cluster.

With the engine turned on, both it and the electric motor are essentially working in unison. The engine can power the wheels and, at the same time, charge the electric motor’s battery pack. Meanwhile, the electric motor can deliver extra power during overtaking, as well as provide regenerative braking to recharge the battery while also simultaneously extending the life of your brake pads.

In light city driving at an average speed between 30 km/h and 40 km/h, I was easily able to average up to 17 km/L with the engine only turning on for several seconds. That’s because the Sorento Turbo Hybrid rewards drivers who don’t have a heavy right foot. It actually forced me to be gentle with the accelerator pedal because in Eco and Normal drive modes, light pedal effort keeps the hybrid system in EV mode. In slightly heavier traffic conditions, the electrified Sorento can still return up to 14 km/L, which the turbo-diesel version can only dream of achieving in gridlock.

In case you do need to overtake, the powertrain will gladly deliver that extra power when needed. Bury your foot and the electric motor immediately delivers additional torque to the engine, resulting in turbo-diesel-like torque without the black soot making a smokescreen in your rearview mirror. It’s actually easy (and fun) to overtake with the Sorento EX despite its size, thanks to the electrified powertrain and slick-shifting 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Once you’ve had your fill of fun overtaking other cars and finally decide to relax on the highway, the Sorento EX can easily return up to 22 km/L, which makes the midsize hybrid SUV as efficient as a Mirage G4 or a City Hatchback. That’s because just like in city driving, the electric motor can drive the front wheels at highway speeds. I was surprised when I noticed that the Sorento HEV was able to maintain 90 km/h with the engine turned off. As I said before, the Sorento will teach you (or force you) to be easy on the accelerator pedal.

Handling-wise, the Sorento EX can handle itself well through some corners. Yes, it’s a midsize crossover SUV, but its unibody construction and independent suspension (McPherson and multi-link setup) allow the Sorento some degree of finesse and composure. It’s no RAV4 or CR-V by any means, but it’s surprisingly light on its feet if you know what you’re doing.

The Sorento has a pliant ride despite having massive 19-inch alloy wheels. The Sorento’s long wheelbase and soft dampers give this midsize crossover high levels of comfort. Combined with its top-notch NVH and spacious cabin, I dare say the Sorento EX punches above its weight when it comes to ride comfort and its hushed cabin. It may not have the 12-speaker Bose sound system from the SX, but the 6-speaker sound system in this base model is more than enough.

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With a sticker price of PHP 2.188 million, some might say the Sorento EX is on the expensive side of things. But if you look at the price of its closest sibling, the Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T HEV is only available in the top-of-the-line Calligraphy and is selling for PHP 3.33 million. Heck, the Sorento EX even undercuts the Honda CR-V VX e:HEV, which currently retails for PHP 2.488 million and is only a five-seater compact crossover SUV.

For those who are looking at a relatively affordable hybrid 7-seater midsize crossover SUV for compact crossover money, the Sorento EX delivers great value. While it may not have the 4WD capability of frame-based SUVs, midsize vehicles like the Sorento rarely go off the beaten path and mostly spend their days as a tall wagon, ferrying passengers to and from their destinations in comfort.

While I had my doubts about the Sorento EX, I was glad to be proven wrong. And with a price tag of less than PHP 2.2 million, the Sorento EX offers great value for a 7-seater midsize hybrid from an established brand.

And yes, there is replacement for (turbo-diesel) displacement with a turbo-hybrid.