Since the Mitsubishi Outlander does not have a new plug-in hybrid model, the brand will not participate in the Rebelle Rally with electric assistance this year. But Kia is taking the baton by entering not one, but two 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrids in the women-only off-road race.
The Sorentos have been beefed up for the rugged terrain and in keeping with the women-only theme, they were modified by the women-owned store, LGE-CTS. An inch spacer is mounted on the suspension for modest lift, along with fat all-terrain tires on 17-inch KMC wheels. Skid plates along the bottom for protection and tow hooks were fitted for possible storage. Speaking of recoveries, equipment such as gangways and shovels are stored on the aftermarket roof racks. Inside, the rear seats were removed to make room for a custom storage system.
With two Sorentos, Kia has two teams inside. One of them is Kia’s team from last year, consisting of Alyssa Roenigk and Sabrina Howells. The second team is new with rally driver Verena Mei and navigator Tana White. They will compete in the X-Cross class against vehicles such as the aforementioned Mitsubishi Outlander and even the VW ID.4. The Rebelle Rally is already underway and will end on October 16.
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