Kia presents Sorento PHEV, gives the Stinger more features

MANILA: On August 26, Kia Motors brought to light the all-new Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for the first time. The following day, upgrades were also revealed for the Kia Stinger.

The Kia Sorento PHEV is an ultra-low emissions version of the leading global SUV of the brand. It is also regarded as the second electrified model in the all-new Sorento portfolio, along with the low-emissions Sorento hybrid.

The new variant combines a powerful turbocharged petrol engine with a high-output electric motor and high-capacity battery pack.

Its new architecture and wide body guarantee that the plug-in hybrid model boasts spacious luggage space and cabin, as well as five- and seven-seat configurations that characterize other models in the lineup.

Visually, the Sorento plug-in hybrid mode maintain the same contemporary exterior design similar to other variants as well, with a charging port and “eco plug-in” logos on the rear quarters that are prominent as the only areas of differentiation.

The core of its “turbo hybrid” powertrain is the 1.6-liter T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection) engine, which generates up to 265Nm of torque and 178hp.

The engine is mated to a powerful electric motor and a high-capacity 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, which generates 304Nm of torque. When combined, such components allow the powertrain of the Sorento plug-in hybrid to generate up to 350Nm of torque and 261hp.

Power is delivered to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, which enables the full power of the motor and engine for parallel transfer with limited energy loss. 

The array of the latest Smartstream advancements throughout the powertrain also guarantees that the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is the most innovative and efficient PHEV from Kia to date.

In terms of its interior, the cabin remains unaltered, but the 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster features a revised design. The vehicle also gets a powerful 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system and a cabin mood lighting system.

Aside from the inclusion of Kia Live services, the instrument cluster also offers drivers with information on possible on- and off-street parking, points of interest, weather forecasts, and live traffic information, aside from nearby vehicle charging points.

The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid provides a range of the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) of Kia, which include rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist (RCCA), rear-view monitor (RVM) with reverse parking collision-avoidance assist (PCA), highway driving assist (HAD), driver attention warning (DAW), lane following assist (LFA), smart cruise control with stop and go (SCC) and navigation-based SCC (NSCC), intelligent speed limit (ISLA), surround-view monitor (SVM) and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist (BCA), and the forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA) technology with the pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle detection, and FCA junction.

Other ADAS features of the Sorento include the safe exit assist (SAE) that helps prevent the opening of rear doors once hazards are perceived and the first multi-collision brake system that allows the vehicle to reduce the impact of secondary collisions.

Meanwhile, the Kia Stinger, which is a high-performance fastback sports saloon, flaunts a wide array of updates to highlight its “gran turismo” personality.

Aside from its revised design, the improved Kia Stinger features the newest driver-assist and safety technologies, as well as enhanced interior packaging for greater comfort and space.

A new variable exhaust valve for enhanced 3.3-liter T-GDi V6 from the Lambda engine family of Kia exists and remains unaltered. It is also deemed as the most powerful engine in the Stinger portfolio.

On top of improving the sound quality, the revamped exhaust flow path aids in the release of an additional 3hp from the engine for a total of 368hp. The engine also generates a torque of 510Nm that provides the Stinger with unmatched performance.

The engine is also paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, complementing the long-legged “gran turismo” character of the vehicle.

In the middle of the updated cabin of the Stinger is a new touchscreen system, which offers new functionality to fulfill the changing expectations of customers in terms of in-car technology.

Based on the specification and market, the updated Stinger is currently available with an optional new 10.25-inch touchscreen display.

A new 8.0-inch touchscreen display with a tapered bezel design is also present, supplanting the previous 7.0-inch system. The bigger display also provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The updated Kia Stinger also features the same ADAS as what was included previously, along with a range of new upgrades and features to offer better protection to the passengers, the driver, and other road users.

Among its standard ADAS are the RCCA, NSCC, DAW, BCA, FCA, and the lane-keeping assist (LKA).

New ADAS innovations and convenience features that are included in the Stinger for the first time are the rear occupant alert (ROA), highway driving assist (HDA), safe exit warning (SEW), the LFA, and the state-of-the-art blind-spot view monitor (BVM) technology of Kia.

The sales of the Sorento plug-in hybrid will begin in select European markets by early next year, with the exceptional seven-year, 160,934 km warranty as standard.

As for the updated Kia Stinger, it will be on sale in Korea during the third quarter of 2020, with sales expected to begin also in numerous global markets of the auto brand later this year.

Photos from Kia

Also read: 4th-gen Kia Carnival comes in 7-, 8-, and 11-seater trims, Kia updates Stinger with new lights, wheels, and cabin appointments