Emissions will start from 158g/km for the all-new Kia Sorento, thanks to a mild-hybrid system powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine.

A plug-in hybrid version of the new Sorento will go on sale later this year, with specifications yet to be published.

Representing the first application of electrified power in the Sorento line-up, the new hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol engine, 44.2kW electric motor and 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack.

The engine and motor produce a combined total power output of 226bhp and 265Nm of torque.

The battery pack is located beneath the passenger compartment, with no impact on cabin or luggage space, says Kia.

Buyers have a choice of three trim levels – ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘4’ – with CO2 emissions starting from 158g/km and a combined fuel economy figure of up to 40.9mpg using the latest WLTP tests.

The all-new Sorento hybrid can tow a braked trailer of up to 1,650kg in weight, with a maximum tow ball capacity of 100kg.

In addition to the hybrid drivetrain, there is new four-cylinder 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine, producing 199bhp and 440Nm of torque, and now featuring an aluminium cylinder block, reduced friction and more powerful, 2,200 bar injectors.

Acceleration to 60mph takes 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 127mph.

The diesel powerplant is paired with Kia’s new eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (8DCT), which was developed to offer the smooth shifting characteristics of a conventional automatic gearbox, while enhancing efficiency over dry dual-clutch transmissions, says the manufacturer.

Available exclusively with ‘3’ specification, the diesel engine achieves 42.2mpg on the combined economy cycle under the new WLTP testing regime, with CO2 emissions of 176g/km.

With a maximum towing weight of 2,500kg and a tow ball capacity of 100kg, the all-new Sorento diesel can haul a load that is half a tonne heavier than its predecessor.

Trim Levels

Buyers have a choice of one standard colour and five premium paint finishes to choose from, including a brand new ‘Mineral Blue’ colour, exclusive to hybrid models.

All models in the line-up, including the Sorento ‘2’, feature LED technology for the headlights and rear combination lights, daytime running lights, front and rear fog lights, high mounted brake light, 17-inch alloy wheels, a temporary space saver spare wheel, and roof rails.

Seven seats are standard on all editions of the all-new Sorento, with 60:40 split, remote folding and reclining for the second row and a 50:50 split and fold arrangement for the third row. USB charge ports are provided for all three rows.

Electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors feature integrated LED indicator lights, and there’s an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain sensing front wipers and automatic headlight control.

New to the Sorento is a 12.3-inch high-resolution digital instrument cluster, which is standard on every grade, delivering superb clarity and contributing to the fact that this is the most high-tech car that Kia has ever made.

There is a DAB radio with a multi-device Bluetooth connection and voice recognition and music streaming, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.

A reversing camera system with dynamic guidelines is integrated into the 8.0-inch touchscreen and includes front and rear parking sensors.

A suite of safety systems features on the all-new Sorento, with seven airbags that incorporates a front centre airbag, in addition to the usual driver and front passenger, twin curtain and pair of front side airbags.

Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) incorporates city, pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, the latter detects an oncoming car from the other side of the road when turning at a junction and, if a collision appears likely, applies the brakes to stop the car.

The system relies on the front camera and radar and it is dependent upon the indicators being operated, as doing so allows the system to understand the driver’s intent to turn across the traffic.

Lane Follow Assist (LFA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Manual Speed Limit Assist (MSLA), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW) all feature, along with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DAC) and an electronic parking brake (EPB) with Auto Hold functionality.

Drive Mode Select allows the driver to tailor the driving experience more to their tastes, with a choice of ‘Comfort’, ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’ and ‘’Smart’ modes, while Terrain Mode Select incorporates three modes – mud, snow, and sand. Multi-Collision Brake Assist (MCBA) is a new innovation for all-new Sorento, as is Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality and Ecall, which automatically summons the emergency services in the event of an accident.

Move up to ‘3’ specification and the alloy wheels are uprated to 19-inches, the radiator grille gains a more striking glossy black appearance, and a satin chrome finish is applied to the exterior door handles.

The LED headlights adopt bi-functionality and privacy glass is included as standard. Inside, the centre fascia adopts a premium etching finish that is both striking and classy.

The upholstery is upgraded to black leather, there’s eight-way power adjustment to both of the front seats and heaters are provided for the outer chairs on the second row.

The cabin’s Mood Lighting system allows users to tailor the cabin even further, with the interior illuminated in one of seven pre-set ‘core’ colours, or from a wider range of 64 shades.

The Sorento ‘3’ also includes Kia’s UVO Connect telematics system, connecting drivers by providing invaluable information via the in-car touchscreen and on their smartphone.

Featuring Kia Live services and accessible through the uprated 10.25-inch LCD widescreen, the system displays live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, and details of potential on- and off-street parking (including price, location and parking availability).

UVO Connect also enables drivers to send route directions to their car before a journey and check the location of their vehicle at any time. A wireless smartphone charger also sits at the base of the centre console.

An engine start/stop button with Smart Entry system adds to convenience, alongside a Smart power tailgate and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). There is also self-levelling rear suspension.

Top of the Sorento range is grade ‘4’, and this features fine black Nappa leather upholstery with a contemporary black headlining and 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with electric lumbar support and integrated memory system.

There’s ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide functionality and automatic electric roller blind.

A head-up display projects driving information onto the base of the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight.

A 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system is also included on the top-of-the-range ‘4’ grade.

Prices and specifications

Model	Price	Power bhp	Torque Nm	0–60 secs	Max speed mph	Combined mpg	CO2 g/km
'2' HEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD	£38,845	226	265	8.7	119	40.9	158
'3' 2.2 CRDi 8-speed auto DCT AWD	£41,245	199	440	9.1	127	42.2	176
'3' HEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD	£42,745	226	265	8.7	119	38.7	166
'4' HEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD	£46,945	226	265	8.7	119	38.2	168