Kia Sorento (MQ4) Hybrid

When Kia launched the 4th generation Sorento early this year, only the diesel powertrain is offered at launch, but due to inconsistent demand, Kia finally added the cream of the crop of the 4th-generation Sorento; a hybrid powertrain unlike any other.

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid interior

The arrival of the first-ever Sorento Hybrid showcases Kia's new way to make hybrids more enjoyable to drive unlike its Japanese competitors such as the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 because what the Korean carmaker did is creating a new hybrid powertrain that will upset the boring Japanese ones.

How did they do it? Simple, really. They slapped a turbocharger to the hybrid powerplant. The Sorento Hybrid features the first ever Smartstream Turbo Hybrid powertrain where the turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine is bolted to a 44.4kW electric motor and a li-ion battery, while mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. With this, total power output is a high-performance-class 230PS, 35.7kgf-m of torque, and up to 15.3km/L of combined fuel economy for front-wheel drive variants.

Like the normal Sorento, it features a generic exterior design, spacious interior for six or seven people, high-tech dashboard with a Jaguar-esque rotary shift knob, new platform, reworked suspension setup, optional 4WD with Terrain Mode, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and so much more.

The Sorento Hybrid starts at 36,000,000 Korean Won, which is more expensive than the normal, diesel-powered model, but if you are growing unsatisfied over the new model's diesel powerplant like the rest of the world, consider the Sorento Hybrid the ideal alternative. Besides, with the turbo hybrid powerplant, the Japanese competitors are in for a world of disdain because while being another crossover in the neighborhood, the turbo hybrid powerplant will leave the Japanese rivals crying, wishing they had turbos and better gearbox like the Sorento's. The more you know.

Photo: Kia Motors