2020 Kia Sorento will get Smartstream turbo hybrid powertrain and a new platform

Kia Motors Corporation has revealed details of the next-generation Sorento’s new platform and powertrains today. The new Sorento will be the first Kia SUV to be based on new platform when production commences later this year.

When the first-generation Sorento was launched in 2002, it was underpinned by a robust body-on-frame chassis, maximizing space and all-road ability. The shift to a monocoque structure for the second-generation Sorento in 2009 marked a step change in the car’s on-road character and behavior. Kia’s new midsize SUV platform represents a similarly important leap forward for the next-generation Sorento.

For Korea, Europe and North America, the structure and layout of the platform accommodates the Sorento’s potent new ‘Smartstream’ turbo hybrid powertrain. The new powertrain comprises a 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, 44.2 kW electric motor and 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. The engine and motor produce a combined total output of 230 ps power and 350 Nm torque. The new platform allows the battery pack to be located beneath the passenger cell, with no impact on cabin or luggage space.

Additional powertrains will be announced in future, including gasoline engines and a powerful new plug-in hybrid variant.

Interior of the 2020 Kia Sorento SUV

Korean and European customers can also specify the Sorento’s new four-cylinder 2.2-liter ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine, producing 202 ps and 440 Nm torque. This is paired with Kia’s new 8-speed wet double-clutch transmission (8DCT), developed to offer the smooth shifting characteristics of a conventional automatic while enhancing efficiency over dry clutch DCTs.

A powerful ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-litre T-GDi engine will also be available from launch in Korea and North America, developing 281 ps and 421 Nm torque. Matched with the new 8DCT, the 2.5-liter turbo engine combines direct injection and multi-point injection technology.

The overall length of new Sorento has been extended by 10 mm than its predecessor, while the wheelbase is up 35 mm to 2,815 mm.

In addition to its new platform and powertrains, the new Sorento implements a range of high-tech safety and convenience features, differentiating it further fromother midsize SUVs.

Kia’s first Multi-collision Brake system enables the Sorento to mitigate the severity of secondary collisions. It automatically applies vehicle brakes when theairbags have been deployed after an initial collision, further protecting occupants from secondary frontal or side impacts. The Multi-collision Brake system will beavailable depending on market with a total of eight airbags to further enhance collision safety, including front seat center side airbags and knee airbags.

Depending on market, the Sorento is also available with a remote smartphone Surround View Monitor. This allows users to check the vehicle’s surroundings with theirsmartphone in conjunction with the in-vehicle Surround View Monitor to maximize parking convenience.

The new Sorento will make its debut on March 3 at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show.