Customers from Europe also receive a 2.2-liter diesel.

Kia unveiled the new Sorento after a long teaser campaign. A few days later, the South Korean manufacturer published technical details on its completely redesigned SUV. Now we have all the official information and numbers. It looks very promising.

The new Sorento model is the first to get an electrified powertrain. Smartstream is a combination of a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline injection engine and a 1.49-kWh lithiumion polymer battery pack. It also features a 44.2-kW electrical motor.

Peak output is 227 horsepower (169 Kilowatts) with 258 pound-feet (353 Newton-meters). The transmission-mounted electric device and six-speed automatic transmission channel power to all four wheels. This allows “the entire power of the motor and engine to be transferred in parallel with little loss of energy.”

The Sorento Hybrid will launch in selected European markets, and Kia will introduce an plug-in hybrid version its family hauler. A 2.2-liter diesel engine with 199 horsepower (148 kW), and 325lb-ft (405 Nm) of torque will also be available on the Old continent. It is paired with an eight-speed dual-wet clutch automatic. The final fuel consumption ratings for the vehicle will be available closer to its on-sale date.

As a reminder, the new Sorento will also get a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 277 horsepower (207 kW) or 310 lbft (421Nm) in certain markets. This is mated to the same eight speed dual-clutch auto.

The 2021 Sorento offers a variety of safety and assist system technologies. These technologies vary depending on the trim level and available equipment. They include blind-spot and surround view monitors, forward collision avoidance aid, blind spot collision-avoidance assistance, adaptive cruise control, stop-and-go-function and adaptive cruise control.

The new Sorento will go to North America at Kia’s West Point plant in Georgia. Europe and other markets around the world will receive it from Kia’s Hwasung manufacturing plant in South Korea.