2021 Kia Sorento PHEV: A Quick Overview
2021 Kia Sorento PHEV: A Quick Overview
Posted on September 4, 2020
Kia has lifted the lid on one of its new green cars, the 2021 Kia Sorento PHEV. It’s a plug-in hybrid variant of its very successful crossover that seeks to offer a greener alternative to buyers.
The 2021 Kia Sorento PHEV will use a turbocharged 1.6-litre four cylinder engine along with an electric motor to deliver a combined 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It will include a 13.8 kWh lithium ion battery pack that will be recharged by the engine. Electric-only range has yet to be revealed.
The 2021 Kia Sorento PHEV will use Hyundai's new CVVD (Continuously Variable Valve Duration) technology and deliver excellent efficiency. Combined with a new six speed automatic transmission and two-mode electric motor, the new vehicle should be quiet, smooth and a joy to drive.
New battery tech
Alongside the new 2021 Kia Sorento PHEV, the automaker is also released new battery technology. The batteries will use a fully independent water cooling solution that allows the batteries to manage their own heat and cool themselves to maintain optimum temperature, whatever the conditions.
It’s a brand new system that has been specifically designed to sit within this setup and not take up much space in the cabin.
Other changes for the 2021 Kia Sorento PHEV
Aside from some unique badging and the charging port, the PHEV version is no different than the standard. It uses the same sleek body shape with tiger nose, fluted side panels, nice alloy wheels, a slightly rising beltline and attractive rear end to great effect.
A smart set of vertical LED taillights remind us of Peugeot models in Europe and should go down well here.
Inside, aside from a slightly modified dashboard redesigned to house the EV elements, the interior is the same too. It has a large display, clear and concise instrument panel and robust-feeling controls. There will be an element in the dashboard for range and on the screen display to help locate a charging station.
The 2021 Kia Sorento PHEV looks to be a well-considered green vehicle with all the benefits of the standard models with none of the downsides of electric. While we don’t know the EV-only range or have a release date yet, there is a lot to look forward to here.
The 2021 Kia Sorento PHEV will be released in Europe and Asia in early 2021 but we don’t yet know when we will get it. I’ll update you when we know.
Register your interest at Grimsby Kia, 435 South Service Road Grimsby, ON L3M 4E8