Kia Sorento Hybrid.
The Kia Sorento seven-seater SUV, which was previously only available with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel powertrain, is now also offered as a hybrid.
This petrol-electric variant offers lower consumption and even better performance than the diesel model. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine paired to an electric motor, delivering 227hp (230PS) and up to 350Nm.
The Sorento Hybrid manages a combined average of 18.5km/L, compared to 17.5km/L for the turbo-diesel. It’s marginally quicker, too, needing 8.8 instead of 9 seconds to reach the century mark.
With regard to running costs, the road tax for the Sorento Hybrid is much lower compared to the Sorento Diesel, which attracts over $2k annually.
SIMILAR EQUIPMENT LEVELS
The Sorento Hybrid is only available in SX Tech Pack trim, which gives it a relatively long list of standard amenities.
Key safety features, such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane keeping assist and Smart Cruise Control are all included.
Driver convenience features, such as ventilated front seats, Head-Up Display, and a Bose 12-speaker hi-fi system are all standard.
Like the Sorento Diesel, the cockpit also has a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen interface for the infotainment system, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Sorento Hybrid’s closest rival is its “cousin”, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, which has the same petrol-electric drivetrain and identical outputs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Kia Sorento Hybrid SX Tech Pack 1.6 (A)
ENGINE 1598cc, 16-valves, inline-4, turbocharged, hybrid
MAX POWER 227hp (230PS)
MAX TORQUE 350Nm
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 8.8 seconds
TOP SPEED Not available
CONSUMPTION 18.5km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE From $205,999
AGENT Cycle & Carriage
Click here for our Kia Sorento 2.2 Diesel review
Check out our Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid review here
