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Modified Kia Sorento PHEVs Finish Second and Third in Rebelle Rally X-Cross Class

Both of Kia America’s modified Rebelle Rally plug-in hybrid Sorento SUVs finished on the X-Cross class podium, with professional rally driver Verena Mei and navigator Tana White grabbing P2, and last year’s returning team, Alyssa Roenigk and Sabrina Howells, coming in third place overall, out of a total of 10 teams.
Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid models earn Rebelle Rally podium finishes 10 photos
Photo: Kia
Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid models earn Rebelle Rally podium finishesKia Sorento plug-in hybrid models earn Rebelle Rally podium finishesKia Sorento plug-in hybrid models earn Rebelle Rally podium finishesKia Sorento plug-in hybrid models earn Rebelle Rally podium finishesKia Sorento plug-in hybrid models earn Rebelle Rally podium finishesKia Sorento plug-in hybrid models earn Rebelle Rally podium finishesKia Sorento plug-in hybrid models earn Rebelle Rally podium finishesKia Sorento plug-in hybrid models earn Rebelle Rally podium finishesKia Sorento plug-in hybrid models earn Rebelle Rally podium finishes
The SUVs competed in the X-Cross class under the electrified program and were customized by women-owned LGE-CTS Motorsports in Southern California.

Mods included underbody armor, front bumper guards and skid plates, increased ground clearance courtesy of a 1-inch spacer lift, tow points for the front and rear bumpers, 17-inch KMC matte black wheels and Dynapro AT2 all-terrain tires, among other things.

“We are elated over the strong performances from both of our teams, who truly tested the Sorento PHEV’s mettle throughout the course of the punishing rally,” said Kia North America and Kia America president and CEO, Sean Yoon. “All four women embody Kia’s new slogan, ‘Movement That Inspires’ and their podium finishes prove that our rugged and capable SUVs can also be energy efficient adventure vehicles.”

Spanning roughly 1,500 miles (2,400 km) of rough terrain, the Rebelle Rally covered distances across Nevada, Arizona and California.

The 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV only recently went on sale in the U.S. with prices starting from $44,990 for the SX version, while the SX-P costs upwards of $47,890 – both eligible for a $6,587 Federal Tax Credit, as well as other incentives such as single rider carpool lane access in the state of California.

Power comes from the union of a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 90 hp (67 kW) electric motor, fed by a 13.8 kWh battery. Everything is channeled to the all-wheel drive system through a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Ultimately, the electrified SUV produces 261 hp (265 ps) and can travel for up to 32 miles (52 km) without using a drop of gasoline. Its EPA-estimated maximum range is 460 miles (740 km), with an average return of 79 MPGe.
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About the author: Sergiu Tudose
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Sergiu got to experience both American and European car "scenes" at an early age (his father drove a Ford Fiesta XR2 supermini in the 80s). After spending over 15 years at local and international auto publications, he's starting to appreciate comfort behind the wheel more than raw power and acceleration.
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