Kia begins production of the new Sorento Hybrid

Aside from the new platform and intelligently packaged cabin and powertrain, Kia’s global flagship SUV, the Kia Sorento, expanded its variant range with a Hybrid option. Recently, Kia has started production of its new Sorento Hybrid. Its fourth-generation is manufactured at the brand’s Hwasung production facility in Korea, which ranges from the gasoline, diesel, and hybrid variant.

The first batch of Hybrid models to roll off the production line are mainly reserved for the European market given that European sales of the fourth-generation Sorento are due to commence in the third quarter of 2020. On the side note, the new Sorento is also set to enter Kia's North American production facility situated at West Point, Georgia, USA. Moreover, Kia also aims to maintain and strengthen its pillar for build-quality, that’s why the new model will benefit from the same high-production standards and quality controls as practiced on its predecessor. 

This Sorento is now based on the brand’s new-generation midsize SUV platform coupled with a larger body. The said pairing shall ensure better versatility and generous cabin space. All thanks to its new platform, the Sorento Hybrid is able to fit its battery under the floor without having such impact on cabin or luggage space. 

The aforementioned ‘Smartstream’ electrified powertrain combines a 1.6-liter T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine with a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and 44.2 kW electric motor. The said mill is able to produce a healthy 227 hp and 350 Nm of torque. As for the gearbox, it is shifted through a 6-speed automatic transmission via a transmission-mounted electrical device which allows the full power of the engine and motor to be transferred in parallel with minimal loss of energy. 

Since its launch back in 2002, more than 3 million Sorento units have been sold worldwide. It has already been a mainstay of Kia’s global line-up for almost two decades. As per, Kia the fourth-generation Sorento will be available to order in most of Kia’s global markets by the end of the year.