The Sorento is Kia’s first hybrid car to hit the Indian market. A few weeks earlier, MG Motor India also launched its first hybrid model, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV. The Sorento is a strong hybrid, meaning it has a relatively small battery pack and isn’t designed for extended periods of pure-electric driving. On the other hand, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV is a plug-in hybrid, which means it gets a much larger battery that delivers a usable all-electric range.
If you’re looking to purchase a 7-seater hybrid SUV under the Rs 30 lakh price point (ex-showroom), the Sorento hybrid’s base variant (HTE) and the Hector Tomahawk PHEV’s top-spec variant are both within your reach. We examined their spec sheets closely to find out which of them is more value for money.
Kia Sorento hybrid base-spec vs MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV top-spec: Dimensions
Sorento is larger overall, while Hector Tomahawk PHEV has a bigger boot
*Measured with third row up.
While the Sorento is a good 70mm longer than the Hector Tomahawk PHEV, the difference between their wheelbases is just 5mm. The Kia SUV is 50mm wider and 15mm taller too, but the Hector Tomahawk PHEV has a slightly larger boot.
Kia Sorento hybrid base-spec vs MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV top-spec: Powertrains
Sorento has a more powerful engine, while Hector Tomahawk PHEV offers more electric range
The Sorento is the first car in India to offer a turbo-petrol strong hybrid powertrain, while the Hector Tomahawk PHEV is the first plug-in hybrid to be available in the mass-market segment. In terms of pure combustion power, the Sorento’s direct-injection turbo-petrol engine is much stronger than the Hector Tomahawk PHEV’s naturally aspirated mill. The MG’s electric motor makes over three times more power than that of the Sorento but less torque.
Kia has not yet disclosed the combined output of the India-spec Sorento hybrid, so it’s difficult to compare it with the Hector Tomahawk PHEV in this regard. The Hector Tomahawk PHEV gets a substantial 20.5kWh battery pack, which can supply a claimed all-electric range of over 115km (overall driving range is rated at 1,100km+) and can be charged via AC or DC wallboxes. On the other hand, the Sorento’s self-charging hybrid system means the engine mainly charges the battery. The increased dependence on the engine means the Sorento’s fuel tank is larger.
Kia Sorento hybrid base-spec vs MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV top-spec: Exterior features
Hector Tomahawk PHEV offers LED tail-lamps, rear fog lamps and powered tailgate
The Hector Tomahawk PHEV easily takes the win here, offering equipment such as LED tail-lamps, rear fog lamps, a powered tailgate and an illuminated logo over the Sorento. The MG SUV also offers dual-tone exterior finishes, while the Sorento comes in monotone colours only.
Kia Sorento hybrid base-spec vs MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV top-spec: Interior features
Hector Tomahawk PHEV packs several more goodies than the Sorento
Expectedly, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV edges ahead of the Sorento on this front too. The MG has a larger screen, a digital driver’s display, ventilated and powered front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a superior sound system, ambient lighting, a cabin air purifier and more. The Sorento’s only listed advantage against the Hector Tomahawk PHEV is the inclusion of a dual-zone climate control system.
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Kia Sorento hybrid base-spec vs MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV top-spec: Driving features
Sorento gets virtual engine sounds, while Hector Tomahawk PHEV offers adaptive cruise control
The Sorento holds its own in this department, matching the Hector Tomahawk PHEV in most aspects and even additionally offering virtual engine sounds. However, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV gets adaptive cruise control, which can automatically adjust the speed based on proximity to the vehicle in front, whereas the Sorento features conventional cruise control with manual speed-limit adjustment.
Kia Sorento hybrid base-spec vs MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV top-spec: Safety features
Sorento has 7 airbags, but Hector Tomahawk PHEV gets ADAS, 360-deg camera and more
Both SUVs are pretty well-matched when it comes to safety features, but again, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV pulls ahead by offering Level 2 ADAS and a 360-degree camera. The Sorento, on the other hand, comes with an additional airbag.
Kia Sorento hybrid base-spec vs MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV top-spec: Prices
Hector Tomahawk PHEV is more affordable by Rs 1.69 lakh
If all the extra bells and whistles weren’t enough, the top-spec Hector Tomahawk PHEV turns out to be the more affordable option too, undercutting the base Sorento hybrid by Rs 1.69 lakh. Therefore, if you want a sedate, refined SUV that offers EV efficiency for city commutes and ICE dependability during highway trips, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV is our pick. On the other hand, if you can forgo a lot of the Hector Tomahawk PHEV’s features in pursuit of better performance, the Sorento hybrid is worth a look.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
