Pakistan’s premium SUV market is rapidly shifting toward electrified mobility, and Lucky Motor Corporation just made a massive move and has officially launched the highly anticipated KIA Sorento PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) in Pakistan.
This launch officially expands the Sorento lineup to three distinct powertrain options: the traditional 3.5-liter V6, the 1.6-liter turbo hybrid, and now, the 1.6-liter turbo plug-in hybrid. Here is everything you need to know about the newest addition to the D-segment market.
KIA Sorento PHEV
1. What is a PHEV?
If you are confused about the terminology, a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) sits right between a standard hybrid and a fully electric vehicle (EV).
Unlike the standard Sorento hybrid, which only charges its battery through regenerative braking and engine power, the PHEV model can be plugged into a wall outlet or charging station. This allows drivers to complete shorter daily commutes entirely on electric power without burning a single drop of petrol, while still retaining the gasoline engine for long-distance highway travel.
2. Powertrain and Range Specs
Under the hood, the Sorento PHEV packs a serious punch while prioritizing fuel efficiency.
- Engine & Output: It utilizes a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 13.8 kWh high-voltage battery. Combined, this setup produces a very capable 249 horsepower and 367 Nm of torque.
- Electric Range: According to Kia’s claimed figures, the Sorento PHEV offers an all-electric, zero-emissions driving range of up to 66 kilometers on a full charge.
- Charging Time: If you install a standard 3.3 kW onboard AC charger at your home or workplace, you can recharge the battery from 15% to 95% in approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes.
- Total Range: When combining a full tank of petrol with a fully charged battery, the vehicle offers an approximate combined driving range of 800 kilometers.
3. Premium Cabin and Features
Since entering the Pakistani market in 2021, the Sorento has challenged the idea that 7-seater SUVs have to be rugged and uncomfortable. The new PHEV variant continues this focus on refinement.
Kia has engineered the PHEV with enhanced acoustic insulation to drastically reduce road noise. Inside the cabin, drivers are greeted by dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays, a Head-Up Display (HUD), and a premium 12-speaker BOSE sound system. The seating features heating, ventilation, and memory functions, ensuring maximum comfort for the driver and passengers.
On the safety front, it includes Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which utilizes cameras and radar to offer over 25 safety features, alongside dedicated terrain modes for snow, mud, and sand via its All-Wheel Drive system.
Verdict
The launch of the Kia Sorento PHEV is a perfectly timed response to Pakistan’s current automotive climate. With fuel prices remaining volatile and public EV charging infrastructure still in its infancy, a plug-in hybrid offers the absolute best of both worlds. It allows urban drivers to commute on cheap electricity while entirely eliminating the “range anxiety” associated with pure electric vehicles on long road trips.