Kia PH to bolster NEV lineup with forthcoming Sorento Hybrid

MANILA: Kia Philippines is set to expand its new energy vehicle lineup to four with upcoming introduction of the new Sorento.

Based on the invitation sent to Zigwheels Philippines, the upcoming sport utility vehicle (SUV) will be officially revealed on February 6.

The arrival of the soon-to-be-retailed model will boost the automotive distributor’s electric vehicle stable to four — joining Kia Carnival HEV (which is hybrid electric vehicle), as well as the EV6 and EV9 (which both run solely on electric motors).

With the arrival of the new Kia Sorento and the brand’s global electrification thrust, it is possible that the days of the model’s diesel-powered option are numbered.

Here are some details about the new Kia Sorento as seen in markets abroad.

Powertrain

In the United States, the new Kia Sorento comes in two electrified powertrain options: hybrid and plug-in hybrid. However, let's focus on the HEV kind which has the same powertrain as the Philippine-retailed Carnival HEV.

Powering the US-spec Kia Sorento HEV is a 1.6-liter SmartStream Turbo-Hybrid powertrain with Drive Mode Select system that can dish out the following output:

Maximum output (in horsepower)	227
Peak torque (in Newton-meters)	350

Power is sent to the wheels via the six-speed Shift-by-Wire automatic gearbox. The electric motor component might be matched to a 1.49-kilowatt-hour battery pack ().

Exterior

While it is a refreshed version, the forthcoming Kia Sorento Hybrid comes with noticeable updates in the aesthetics department.

Similar to the marque’s hybrid people carrier, its front fascia wears a T-shaped illumination system flanking its distinct grille pattern to match its overall boxy layout. Meanwhile, the new Kia Sorento tail lamps carry a familiar shape, but with a more aggressive twist.

Interior

For its cabin, the new Kia Sorento Hybrid welcomes occupants with leather appointments fitted in the seats, three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, shift knob and door panels.

 Possible comfort and convenience amenities that might become available in the new Kia Sorento Hybrid are the following:

• 12.3-inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity
• Four-inch cluster with panoramic display
• Power-adjustable front seats (10-way with lumbar support for driver and eight-way for passenger)
• Wireless charging pad
• Dual-zone air-conditioning system
• Remote start
• Push button ignition

Technologies

The new Kia Sorento Hybrid will likely be fitted with a ton of features.

Among numerous technologies that are in the US-retailed version of the SUV include:

Hill-start Assist Control	Safe Exit Assist and Power child locks
Downhill Brake Control	Parking Distance Warning — Forward and Reverse
Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go — Curve	Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Cyclist Detection and Junction Turning	Driver Attention Warning
Highway Driving Assist	Auto emergency braking with lane change oncoming
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist	Blindspot avoidance assist

Pricing

The new Kia Sorento Hybrid’s probable pricing might not be far from the P2-million mark as the existing model is already pegged at P2.2-2.4 million.

More details will be shared soon.

Also read:

2024 Kia Sorento gets tougher look, new tech

Here are the Kia Sorento's 3 conservative colors

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