The final piece of the 2021 Kia Sorento’s engine puzzle has finally been revealed. The carmaker has now released details on the mid-sized SUV’s first-ever plug-in hybrid powertrain which results in remarkably low emissions and high power.

The second electrified Sorento variant (the first being a regular hybrid), the 2021 model combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter T-GDi engine with a high-output electric motor. Combine this with a high capacity battery pack and it can complete certain trips on all-electric power.

The internal combustion part is supplied by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 180 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque—strong in its own right. However, add to that an electric motor with 66.9 kW (about 91 horsepower) and 304 Nm of torque, and the Sorento PHEV produces a combined 265 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.


Kia hasn’t released the Sorento PHEV’s all-electric range, but they’re extremely confident that it’ll be able to complete short drives on electric power alone.

Visually, Sorento Plug-in Hybrid models retain the same modern exterior design as other variants in the line-up, with ‘eco plug-in’ badges and a charging port on the rear quarters standing out as the only points of differentiation.

So far, Kia has committed to sell this plug-in version in Europe first with other markets to follow.