**Thorough Evaluation of All Variants of the 4th Generation Kia Sorento**
The 4th generation Kia Sorento, globally unveiled in 2020, marks a substantial advancement in Kia’s midsize SUV offerings. Featuring a striking new design, cutting-edge technology, and a variety of powertrain choices, the newest Sorento is designed to satisfy a broad range of drivers. Offered in several trims and configurations, including gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, the 4th generation Sorento delivers an appealing combination of performance, efficiency, and adaptability.
This article presents a thorough evaluation of all key variants of the 4th generation Kia Sorento, emphasizing powertrain selections, trim options, features, performance metrics, and pricing.
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### 1. Introduction to the 4th Generation Kia Sorento
**Release Year:** 2020 (Global), 2021 (U.S. market)
**Framework:** N3 platform (shared with Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Carnival)
**Passenger Capacity:** 6 or 7 occupants
**Drive Configurations:** Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
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### 2. Powertrain Options
The 4th generation Sorento is presented with various powertrain configurations:
#### A. Gasoline (Internal Combustion Engine – ICE)
– **2.5L Inline-4 (Naturally Aspirated)**
– Power: ~191 hp
– Torque: ~181 lb-ft
– Transmission: 8-speed automatic
– Fuel Efficiency: ~24 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (FWD)
– **2.5L Turbocharged Inline-4**
– Power: ~281 hp
– Torque: ~311 lb-ft
– Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT)
– Fuel Efficiency: ~22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (FWD)
#### B. Hybrid (HEV)
– **1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 + Electric Motor**
– Combined Power: ~227 hp
– Torque: ~258 lb-ft
– Transmission: 6-speed automatic
– Battery: 1.5 kWh lithium-ion polymer
– Fuel Efficiency: ~39 mpg city / 35 mpg highway (FWD)
#### C. Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
– **1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 + Electric Motor**
– Combined Power: ~261 hp
– Torque: ~258 lb-ft
– Transmission: 6-speed automatic
– Battery: 13.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer
– Electric Range: ~32 miles (EPA-estimated)
– Fuel Efficiency (MPGe): ~79 MPGe combined
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### 3. Trim Levels and Features (U.S. Market)
Trim availability may differ based on the powertrain. Below is a summary of significant trims and their features.
#### A. LX (Base Trim)
– Available with 2.5L NA engine
– 17-inch alloy wheels
– Cloth seating
– 8-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
– Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
– Lane Keeping Assist
#### B. S
– 18-inch wheels
– Roof rails
– Heated front seats
– Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
– Optional AWD
#### C. EX
– Available with 2.5L Turbo or Hybrid
– 18-inch wheels (Turbo) / 17-inch aero wheels (Hybrid)
– Power liftgate
– Wireless phone charger
– Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
#### D. SX
– 20-inch wheels
– LED projector headlights
– Panoramic sunroof
– 10.25-inch touchscreen
– Digital instrument cluster (12.3-inch)
#### E. SX Prestige / SX-P
– Premium trim level
– Leather seating
– Bose premium audio system
– Ventilated front seats
– Surround View Monitor
– Offered in both Turbo and Hybrid/PHEV
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### 4. Performance Overview
| Variant | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 mph (est.) | Drivetrain Options |
|—————-|————|—————-|——————|———————|
| 2.5L NA | ~191 hp | ~181 lb-ft | ~9.0 sec | FWD / AWD |
| 2.5L Turbo | ~281 hp | ~311 lb-ft | ~6.8 sec | FWD / AWD |
| Hybrid (HEV) | ~227 hp | ~258 lb-ft | ~7.8 sec | FWD / AWD |
| Plug-in Hybrid | ~261 hp | ~258 lb-ft
