Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid's 4 unique features vs. most midsize SUVs

The midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment is one of the tightly-contested categories in the Philippine automotive market. This division has the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nissan Terra, and Ford Everest — all known to be fully equipped with numerous features based on their common tasks.

Then, like a young kid eager to earn his stripes, the Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid bravely entered the arena. But does it have what it takes to earn the attention of car buyers in the country?

During a recent three-day event, Kia Philippines — with the help of the very able team of Ramirez and Cutter Incorporated — devised a media drive to Benguet that highlighted some of the new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid’s advantages over its competitors.

Here’s what we found out about the vehicle during the drive and learned four things that midsize vehicle models can do away while remaining to be ideal options under the category.

Height

Part of the drive was to traverse rough and tricky patches of mountain and dirt road to and from Lake Lubo, the new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid’s 174-millimeter ground clearance proves that it can cover off roads same to most midsize SUV models.

However, the vehicle would have ended up with some scratches (and probably dents) all around if not for the surround view that helped drivers easily check the vehicle’s perimeters.

Body construction

While most contenders in the segment sport a ladder-on-frame design that made them more rigid, the new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid features a monocoque construction that assures convenience to passengers. Having my time to sit in the second row, I noticed that the vehicle provides sufficient head- and legroom complementing the vehicle’s overall size.

To note, the new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid has the following measurements:

Overall dimensions (length, width, height; in millimeters [mm>)	4,815 x 1,900 x 1,700
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,815
Minimum turning radius (in mm)	5.78
Gross vehicle weight (in kilograms)	2,580- 2,640
Seating capacity	Seven

Canyon carving capabilities

This same feature — complemented by the suspension system made up of McPherson Struts with Stabilizers (front) and Multi-link type (rear) — allows the new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid to attack corners with stability and comfort.

Meanwhile, its 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 tires provide the much-need grip on the road while its stopping power is guaranteed by disc brakes.

Powertrain

Another notable feature about the vehicle is powertrain configuration.

As many of us are accustomed to driving diesel-propelled midsize SUVs, the new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid is equipped with a 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Inject engine with electric motor mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Such a powertrain combination has the capacity to give a combined churn of:

• Maximum output: 232 horsepower
• Peak torque: 367 Newton-meters

The said mill also has three drive modes: Eco, Smart and Sport.

Climbing Kennon Road on the first day then having some going to Kibuyan was easy as the mill does not lack power. Given that the engine does not also cut on fuel consumption. After being driven aggressively for more than 600 kilometers, the new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid did around 12.4 kilometers per liter.

Verdict

The new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid is a strong contender in the midsize SUV market.

It will surely be an uphill climb for the Korean nameplate but trust us, the vehicle has what it takes to be noticed in the market dominated by the Japanese and American models (if marketed correctly).

Kia’s latest offering is available in three variants that carries the following price tags:

X Turbo Hybrid	P.2188 million
EX+ Turbo Hybrid	P2.588 million
SX Turbo Hybrid AWD	P2.888 million

Also read:

Kia PH to bolster NEV lineup with forthcoming Sorento Hybrid

2024 Kia Sorento gets tougher look, new tech

UK public votes for Kia Sorento as ‘Best 7-Seater’