The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid isn’t just the lowest-emitting model in the Sorento line-up in Europe, but also the most powerful. The beating heart of its ‘turbo hybrid’ powertrain is its 1.6-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine, which, on its own, produces up to 180ps and 265Nm torque. The engine is paired with a high-capacity 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and a powerful electric motor which produces 66.9kW and 304Nm torque.
Combined, these powertrain components enable the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid’s powertrain to produce up to 265ps and 350Nm torque.
The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid’s all-electric range will be sufficient to enable drivers to complete most short drives on electric power alone. Its all-electric range and CO2 emissions are pending homologation and will be confirmed by Kia closer to the car’s on-sale date.
Power is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission allows the full power of the engine and motor to be transferred in parallel, with minimal loss of energy. The result is immediate acceleration response at any speed, and direct access to available battery power at higher speeds.
A range of innovations throughout the powertrain also ensure the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is the most advanced, efficient PHEV to-date from Kia. The new model represents Kia’s first use of an independent battery pack water-cooling system in a PHEV, ensuring optimal heat management and efficiency for the high-voltage battery pack. For the 66.9 kW electric motor, the rotor benefits from a new two-stage lamination process to reduce noise and vibration levels.
The engine features Kia’s latest ‘Smartstream’ innovations, including Continuously Variable Valve Duration technology, which regulates the duration that the intake valves open and close depending on driving conditions. This enables the engine to operate on different combustion cycles, seamlessly optimising engine performance and fuel efficiency.