The versatility of the Kia Sorento SUV comes from its wide offer of drivetrains. Nevertheless, for the next season, the crossover is dropping one engine. The smallest one, a 2.0-liter turbo-four is not part of the future lineup. However, the replacement is ready. We will see it under the hood of 2019 Kia Sorento Diesel. Well, this SUV is already available with such drivetrain in some countries. But, now it is time for the US debut.
The release date of the 2019 Kia Sorento Diesel is not set yet. However, buyers in the USA and Canada will eagerly wait to hear any rumors about price, mpg rating, and towing capacity of a diesel model. The Kia Sorento Diesel is spied and we have some clues about its drivetrain, but nothing is official yet.
2019 Kia Sorento Diesel Engine
According to our sources, the 2019 Kia Sorento Diesel will use a turbo-four unit as the source of power. Spy shots can’t unveil what is under the hood of the crossover. But, the prediction is that 2.2-liter unit will provide enough power for this SUV. Experts are sharing that opinion. Having in mind that Hyundai Santa Fe is already using the same powertrain, we can be sure that Kia Sorento Diesel could benefit from it.
Specs
A 2.2-liter turbo-four is good for 200 hp. That is more power than the base petrol unit is creating, but less than V-6 is capable to produce. Also, diesel means much better torque. While the big gasoline engine can make 250 pound-feet, its alternative is at the level 320 lb-ft. This will make the Sorento a better vehicle for an off-road drive and adventures on tough terrains.
Kia Sorento Diesel MPG and Towing Capacity
Besides the boost of twisting power, the 2019 Kia Sorento Diesel will add more towing capacity. Currently, the petrol units are not so bad in this segment. Well, the entry-level gasoline engine is more of a unit for compact SUV, not the mid-size one. With it, the crossover can tow just 2,000 pounds. The more serious towing capacity comes with V-6. It can compete with other models in the same class offering 5,000 lbs.
The new engine will be capable to boost the 2019 Kia Sorento Diesel towing capacity to 6,000 pounds. With it, this SUV will become one of the best in the class. There won’t be many other mid-size crossovers to match these outputs.
Fuel economy estimations are hard to predict. But, diesel can return better mileage than petrol units. We could see new Sorento diesel coming with 30 mpg combined.
Petrol Engines
Well, the Kia Sorento will offer other solutions to its buyers. The versatility was a key to its success. The most of this came from wide engine offer that included three engines. The 2019 Kia Sorento Diesel somehow replaces a 2.0-liter turbo-four mill.
The entry-level models are using a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated engine. It is capable to produce 185 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. That is 100 horses and 70 pound-feet less than the result a V-6 can achieve. On the other hand, the bigger 3.3-liter unit can’t match fuel economy advantage of its smaller sibling. Combined, its output is 21 mpg for FWD. A four-cylinder raises the bar to 25 mpg.
2019 Kia Sorento Diesel Styling
While we expect significant changes under the hood, the 2019 Kia Sorento Diesel is not going to change its exterior. Small cosmetic modifications will refresh this model. Possibly, some additions could draw the interest of old fans. Also, trim levels will remain the same. Some reorganization could lead to price change among them. Also, we still don’t know which versions will be available for the diesel variant of new Sorento.
Interior
Kia is upgrading its features in the last couple of years. That is another reason for their fast-growing and breakthrough. Whatsoever, the upcoming 2019 Kia Sorento Diesel will use all the highlighted accessories and equipment of its petrol sibling. The cloth is there for base trims, and upper levels are coming with leather seats and upholstery. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are an optional part of the UVO infotainment. Bigger touchscreen display with navigation will be available for mid-and top-range SUVs.
2019 Kia Sorento Diesel Release Date
The 2019 Kia Sorento Diesel is spied, but the release date of the crossover is still unknown. We could see the vehicle late in 2018 or early next year. The Korean carmaker wants to make everything perfect since the market and buyers are still shaken after VW emission scandal. Well, Kia’s engine will meet all requirements, so there is no need to worry about its arrival.
