2021 Kia Sorento PHEV Boasts Plenty of Power, Electric Motor Tech, and Same Stellar Looks

The all-new Kia Sorento PHEV will soon be running alongside the Sorento hybrid, transforming Kia's well-equipped and eco-friendly midsize SUV into one of the most efficient of its kind! Offering plenty of power and ample utility, the Sorento PHEV should definitely be well-received and immensely popular. The turbo-hybrid powertrain derives the juice from a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine paired to a 66.9 kW electric motor, generating 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

This SUV also includes a 6-speed automatic transmission and AWD, and is fed by a water-cooled 13.8 kWh battery pack that is supposed to provide a range "sufficient to enable drivers to complete most short drives on electric power alone". Seeing as how far you can drive on a charge is a huge selling point, the actual range is being saved for disclosure this time for the launch date. The new platform that the Sorento is assembled on was designed specifically to accommodate the PHEV powertrain, and the battery's presence doesn't have an effect on the storage space.

This Sorento is still offered as a 5 or 7-seater, and the 1.6-liter engine onboard incorporates Hyundai's new CVVD technology to see gains in power and efficiency. The motor also benefits from a two-stage lamination process that helps minimize vibration levels and reduce noise. The plug-in hybrid was the first Kia to use an independent battery pack water-cooling system and saw success based on its practicality, low running costs, and high power. The incoming PHEV will be the lowest-emitting Sorento, carrying the torch properly with the generous cabin and luggage space along with the versatility today's savvy crossover customer demands.

There have been so many revolutionary advancements over just the last few years as far as engine technology is concerned, and this engine features Kia's latest "Smartstream" innovations, including Continuously Variable Valve Duration Technology. This smart feature regulates the duration that the intake valves open and close, allowing the engine to operate on different combustion cycles, boosting fuel efficiency and engine performance. The 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster has been redesigned, with dials providing drivers an indication of the powertrain's status as well as new graphics. 

It also offers Kia's innovative UVO Connect telematics system, which connects drivers by providing weather forecasts, points of interest, and nearby vehicle charging stations. A powerful 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system is also available, along with a cabin mood lighting system with up to 64 colors for users to choose from. Everyone here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis is proud of all the exciting "firsts" that the last few years have offered in design: the new Sorento also implements the first Multi-Collision Brake system, applying life-saving vehicle brakes after airbags have been deployed.