Kia has been making some serious strides in the electric and hybrid scene, and the new facelifted Kia Sorento Hybrid joins the ever-expanding lineup.
For those of you eyeing a practical 7-seater SUV, this one might just be the ride you’ve been waiting for.
This facelifted Sorento Hybrid looks sharp, with its sleeker, more defined front end. The revamped bumper, grille, and slimmed-down taillights resemble both the EV9 and the new Carnival.
Take a walk to the rear, and you’ll notice the previously separated taillights now gently bridged together at the top. Small changes, but they give the Sorento an even more commanding presence on the road.
Inside, the Sorento Hybrid has had a serious makeover. The dashboard now features what Kia calls a “single curved panel,” which elegantly merges a pair of 12.3-inch screens.
Kia’s hallmark switchable control panel sits right beneath, and the cabin now feels more premium.
If you remember, the original Sorento arrived in Singapore with a turbodiesel engine. But in this facelifted version, it’s all about petrol-electric power. And with the updated hybrid system, this SUV feels fresher, more relevant to the times we’re driving in.
Under the hood, the new Sorento Hybrid boasts a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, paired with a 64bhp electric motor. Combined, you’re looking at 212bhp and a beefy 366Nm of torque.
All this power is funnelled through a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, clearing the century sprint in a respectable 9.3 seconds. It’s slightly down on power compared to the pre-facelift version, but the extra electrical shove more than makes up for it.
Now, if you’re only focusing on those power numbers, you might miss the real magic – the hybrid efficiency. Kia claims an impressive fuel consumption of 19.6km/litre, which is amazing for an SUV of this size.
Tech-wise, this is the most advanced Sorento yet. The latest generation of driving assistance features is fully loaded as standard. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or navigating busy streets, you’ll have systems like Forward Collision Avoidance Assistance, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind-Spot Monitors working with you.
And if you’re upgrading to the SX Tech Pack, ambient mood lighting, a powered panoramic sunroof, and tunes blasting from a 12-speaker BOSE sound system are included.
Even if you opt for the base SX trim, you’re far from missing out. You get 8-way powered front seats with ventilation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and air-con vents for second and third-row passengers.
The SX Tech Pack just takes it all up a notch with extras like a head-up display and all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a top-tier variant.
With prices starting from $244,999 for the SX trim (COE included), the Sorento Hybrid is now available for viewing at Kia’s showroom.
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