Kia Sorento adds hybrid, plug-in for U.S.

LOS ANGELES — Kia’s fourth-generation Sorento, unveiled in Euro-spec trim in March, is coming to the U.S. with new hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

The hybrids use a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine for greater power and efficiency.

All of the midsize crossover’s powertrain choices are updated with the latest generation, and the highest-output engine gets a new wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. The dual-clutch eight-speed unit adds quicker shifts compared with the outgoing conventional eight-speed automatic.

While the base engine on the redesigned 2021 Sorento remains a non-turbo four-cylinder, it’s bigger at 2.5 liters vs. the outgoing 2.4-liter base. It gets a 6-hp power bump to 191 hp, Kia said.

IMG-01The base Sorento offers optional all-wheel drive. It comes standard with a conventional automatic transmission with eight gears — a gain of two gears over the outgoing base automatic.

The numbers start to get more interesting with the standard hybrid, which is new to the lineup. It uses a 1.6-liter turbo engine and a 44-kilowatt electric motor mated to a 1.5 kilowatt-hour battery for 227 hp.

The standard hybrid, offered only with front-wheel drive, is expected to deliver 37 mpg in combined city and highway driving, Kia said.

The plug-in hybrid uses the same turbo engine but has a bigger electric motor at 66.9 kilowatts and a much larger battery at 13.8 kilowatt-hours. The combination makes 261 hp, according to Kia. The plug-in comes with awd standard and an estimated 30 miles of all-electric range.

Kia claims the estimated 37 mpg of the plug-in hybrid in combined city and highway driving is a segment best for a three-row crossover. Both hybrids use a conventional six-speed automatic transmission.

The top gasoline engine in the Sorento lineup is a new four-cylinder, 2.5-liter turbo that makes 281 hp. It replaces the current non-turbo V-6 engine that makes 290 hp. Kia expects an improvement of 3 mpg in combined driving compared with the V-6.

Kia also said a new X-Line trim offered on the Sorento increases ground clearance by 1 inch for greater off-road capability. The X-Line also has a more advanced snow mode and a beefier roof rack.

All 2021 Sorento versions will go on sale later this year, Kia said, with the exception of the plug-in hybrid that will be available next year. Kia said pricing will be announced closer to the showroom debut.