Kia Australia has told CarExpert the recent expansion of hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (HEV) powertrain availability across its Sorento lineup will not lead to the end of diesel power for the large SUV – nor other models in its lineup.

The Korean auto brand recently introduced more hybrid versions of the Sorento – Kia's rival for the Toyota Kluger , Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-80 – more than doubling the number of model grades now available with hybrid power.

But Kia says hybrids won't replace its existing diesel vehicles – at least not yet – despite its sister brand Hyundai doing exactly that with its Tucson , Santa Fe and Palisade SUV.

"Diesel is a strong fit for Sorento," Kia Australia general manager of product planning, Roland Rivero, told CarExpert .

"M

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