2021 Kia Sorento (MQ4) Has A New Platform And 227 HP 1.6-Liter Hybrid Engine

Prior to the launch of the all-new Kia Sorento, codenamed MQ4, at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the South Korean automaker has detailed the SUV’s new platform and one of its engines.

Underpinning the Sorento is Kia’s new midsize SUV platform that incorporates a compact engine bay structure, shorter overhangs, and a longer wheelbase. Compared to the outgoing Sorento, the new model is 10 mm (0.3-inches) longer and features a 35 mm (1.37-inch) longer wheelbase that now measures 2,815 mm (110.8-inches). This results in “more room than in many other midsize SUVs.”

In North America, Europe, and Korea, this new platform supports the car manufacturer’s latest ‘Smartstream’ turbo-hybrid powertrain.

It combines a 1.6-liter T-GDI turbocharged engine, a 44.2 kW (59 HP / 60 PS) electric motor, and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack for a system output of 227 HP (230 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. A series of other petrol engines will be announced in the near future as will an additional plug-in hybrid variant.

Customers of the new Kia Sorento in Korea, the U.S. and Europe will also have some diesel engines available. In Korea and Europe, Kia’s 2.2-liter four-cylinder ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine with 199 HP (202 PS) and 324 lb-ft (440 Nm) will be paired with Kia’s new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission. Korean and U.S. customers will also be able to opt for Kia’s 2.5-liter T-GDi ‘Smartstream’ engine delivering 277 HP (281 PS) and 310 lb-ft (421 Nm) of torque, coupled with the same eight-speed transmission.

Elsewhere, the new Sorento includes Kia’s first Multi-collision Brake system that will apply the brakes when the airbags have been deployed after an initial collision in order to reduce the risk of a secondary impact. Also used by the new Sorento will be a remote smartphone Surround View Monitor that works alongside the in-vehicle Surround View Monitor to make parking that little bit easier.

Additional details will be released on March 3 when the 2021 Kia Sorento will celebrate its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.