Kia Reveals Engine Details of 2021 Sorento

Just as Kia revealed a new set of photos for the interior upgrade of the 2021 Sorento, the automaker also released details on the SUV’s engine options ahead of its official launch at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

According to the company, there will be two engine options offered in the United States: a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four and a hybrid drivetrain that pairs a 1.6-liter inline-four with an electric motor. A new eight-speed automatic transmission will be available to pair with the 2.5-liter engine.

The 2.5-liter turbocharged is the same Smartstream unit that powers Hyundai products such as the Genesis GV80 and Hyundai Sonata N-Line. It makes 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque for the Sorento. It’s slightly less powerful compared to other applications, but significantly more than the current Sorento’s optional 3.3-liter V-6 engine.

There are assumptions Kia will also offer a less powerful base engine in place of the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four, but the company has not said anything about it so far.

Instead, it shifts focus on the new hybrid drivetrain, which is a first for the Sorento. The combination of a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four and a 59-horsepower electric motor makes a combined 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while a 1.49-kWh battery pack supplies the juice.

According to Kia, a plug-in hybrid model will be arriving in the future, likely with a bigger battery pack. Meanwhile, a 2.2-liter turbodiesel will be available in Korea and Europe.

Other than drivetrain details, it has also been confirmed that the new Sorento will be bigger than the outgoing generation by 0.4 inches, while the wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer. The SUV also rides on a new platform, which the company promises to give the model additional cargo interior space as well as better ride and handling.

Following its debut next month, the redesigned 2021 Kia Sorento is expected to go on sale later this year.