Choose Always Lock, Lock While Charging or Do Not Lock in the charging-cable settings and verify the behavior before leaving the cable unattended.
Check that your vehicle has it.
Verified only for the 2025 U.S.-market Sorento Plug-in Hybrid in Kia's shared HEV/PHEV manual. The non-plug-in Hybrid has no external charging inlet.
Does the documented scope match your car?
This check combines the verified year, any source-supported powertrain scope, source-named trim/package and required equipment. It does not read a VIN or factory build record.
Published availability and qualifications
Verified only for the 2025 U.S.-market Sorento Plug-in Hybrid in Kia's shared HEV/PHEV manual. The non-plug-in Hybrid has no external charging inlet.
- 2025 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid models with the AC charging connector-lock setting
Know what kind of control to look for.
This original category diagram is an orientation aid, not a picture of your exact trim. Use the written labels and your vehicle manual to identify the real control.
Step by step.
- 01
Park the Sorento PHEV and open its Eco Vehicle or charging settings.
- 02
Open Locking Charging Cable or the charging-connector lock setting.
- 03
Choose Always Lock to secure the connector from insertion until all doors are unlocked.
- 04
Choose Lock While Charging for release at completion, or Do Not Lock when cable security is not needed.
- 05
Connect the cable and test the selected behavior before leaving the vehicle.
Important limits
- Do Not Lock leaves the connector removable and offers no cable-theft deterrence.
- Always Lock can relock if the cable is not removed shortly after the doors are unlocked.
- Press the connector release before pulling to avoid damage.
Quick checks.
- ✓If Always Lock will not release, unlock all doors and press the connector release again.
- ✓If Lock While Charging remains locked, confirm charging has finished.
- ✓If normal release fails because of battery discharge or an electrical fault, use only the emergency procedure in the owner's manual.
What happened on your vehicle?
Your response is stored on this device. If you separately allow analytics, a non-account-linked guide/result event may also be measured. No VIN or personal information is requested.
2025 Kia Sorento HEV/PHEV Digital Owner's Manual — AC Charging Connector Lock
Relevant section or page: Hybrid system overview — Charging the plug-in hybrid vehicle — AC charging connector lock. We use the written official source to determine the steps and applicability shown above.
Reviewed with a visible trail.
Scope and steps were checked by Car Cheat Codes Editorial Review. A guide is narrowed or corrected when the source does not support a broader claim.
- Published
- Last modified
- Source checked
Guide change history
- Initial verified publication.