High Hopes For Stateside Release: Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid's Power and Ingenuity

Earlier this year Kia had teased the notion of a Sorento PHEV when they made the announcement that revealed specifically which powertrains would be available for the redesigned crossover. Last week even more honed-in details made their way into the public eye regarding the plug-in hybrid variant. Everyone here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis was waiting intently for more news, but this particular event lacked any revealing information about the United States Market. Details have come to the surface about the Sorento PHEV for Europe, but there was no word on the States being graced with the reception of this innovative taste of the future.

What are some of the reasons we can't wait to see confirmation of the Sorento PHEV's arrival? For starters, it boasts more than satisfactory numbers in the power department: it uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and single electric motor, cranking out 260 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque combined. It uses Hyundai's brand-new CVVD technology for ultimately boosting power and efficiency, and the motor has seen improvements, using a two-stage lamination process to cut down on vibration and noise.

A six-speed transmission mans the shifting, and underneath it all lies a 13.8 kWH lithium-ion battery pack. Precise range estimates have not yet been made official, but Kia claims that this "all-electric range will be sufficient enough to enable drivers to complete most short drives on electric power alone." It is safe to assume that the EPA rating will be around 25 MPG, and exciting new battery technology will be introduced with this model as well. This Sorento Plug-in Hybrid will be the first Kia to use an independent battery pack water-cooling system, seeing to it that optimal heat management and battery pack efficiency are at peak levels.

As far as being able to drive the Sorento PHEV for yourself in the States, we would think that there would be no greater time than the present to introduce such a model. As many locations worldwide that are so vital to our ecosystem have undergone more damage to their climate this year alone, wearing Kia's eco plug-in badge will give any growing family or business a sense of conscious pride in their choice. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster now can key you into important engine information, and the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system will include the very useful charge port finder.

Brandishing a compact engine bay structure, shorter overhands and a longer wheelbase, this car will have a very stylish design and on-road manners, as well as comfortable ride and precision-sharp handling traits. Since for now we have incredibly high hopes that the PHEV will make its way here, we look forward to offering every new customer the benefit of a first-rate Kia warranty. A-year or 100,000-mile coverage blanket for the continued longevity of the car will preside, and we'll keep you posted here on the blog regarding arrival dates and various features!