Automotive

Family drives just got electrified with the new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid

’tis the SUV that makes every family drive an upgrade!

Published

on

Kia Philippines has just unveiled the new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid, marking a major milestone in the brand’s push for sustainable mobility.

For the first time in its 23-year history, the iconic Sorento gets a hybrid powertrain, giving Filipino families the best of both worlds — eco-friendly driving without sacrificing power, luxury, or all-wheel-drive capability.

All about that bass, err, performance

Under the hood, the Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid packs a 1.6-liter turbocharged Smartstream Gasoline Direct Injection engine. It’s paired with an electric motor and a lithium-ion traction battery.

With a combined output of 235 PS and 367 Nm of torque, this powertrain delivers smooth acceleration, efficient fuel consumption, and dynamic performance via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

City streets or off-road trails? This SUV is built to handle it all.

Drivers can choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) variants, plus selectable drive modes — Eco, Sport, and Smart — to match their driving style.

For adventure lovers, terrain-specific modes — Snow, Mud, and Sand — ensure maximum traction on different surfaces.

The Electrification Vehicle Motion Control (E-VMC) system enhances handling and ride comfort.

It also improves safety with E-Handling, E-Ride, and E-Evasive Handling Assist features that make every drive smoother.

The Sorento Turbo Hybrid is also smart about energy use. With its Smart Regeneration feature, the system automatically adjusts regenerative braking based on road conditions to keep the battery operating at peak efficiency.

And with fuel efficiency of up to 23 km/l, you’ll spend less time at the pump and more time on the road.

Comfort, connectivity

Step inside, and it’s all premium everything.

Leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats with ventilation, and dual 12.3-inch digital displays make sure you’re riding in style.

Also, the EX+ and SX variants get a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system for that concert-like audio experience on every drive.

The tech-savvy will appreciate the 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making connectivity seamless.

Wireless charging, a Smart Tailgate, and — on the SX variant — mood lighting, reverse auto-tilt side mirrors, and a panoramic sunroof all take convenience to the next level.

The Sorento Turbo Hybrid isn’t just about luxury. It’s about smart design.

It comes with a power-folding second-row seats, and a walk-in and slide function for the third row. Families will also enjoy a massive 2,139 liters of cargo space (with the rear seats folded).

Safety that’s always one step ahead

Kia DriveWise, the brand’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), is standard on the EX+ and SX trims. These features keep you safe on every journey:

  • Smart Cruise Control System w/ Stop and Go
  • Blind Spot View Monitor
  • Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Follow Assist
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • 360-degree Surround View Monitor
  • Rear Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist & Safe Exit Warning (SX variant)

Pricing, colors, and warranty coverage

The new Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid comes in three variants:

  • EX Turbo Hybrid FWD: PhP 2,188,000
  • EX+ Turbo Hybrid FWD: PhP 2,588,000
  • SX Turbo Hybrid AWD: PhP 2,888,000

Choose from four stylish colors: Volcanic Sand Brown, Aurora Black Pearl, Silky Silver, and Snow White Pearl.

Kia Philippines backs the Sorento Turbo Hybrid with a 5-year/160,000-km vehicle warranty, a 5-year/160,000-km electric motor warranty, and an 8-year/160,000-km traction battery warranty.

Plus, with Kia’s 40-dealership network and 24/7 roadside assistance, you’re covered wherever the road takes you.

Automotive

BYD expands PH presence with entry of DENZA luxury EVs

4 initial showrooms planned

Published

on

BYD Group premium sub-brand DENZA is officially entering the Philippine market.

The move marks a strategic shift to capture the luxury “new energy vehicle” (NEV) segment, beyond the company’s existing mass-market offerings.

This expansion follows a period of rapid growth for BYD in the Philippines under its distributor, ACMobility.

By introducing DENZA, the group aims to offer a tiered ecosystem of electrified transport that ranges from budget-friendly options to high-output luxury ones.

The sub-brand’s initial lineup could possibly include the high-end MPV, DENZA D9.

It features a triple-motor system and high-capacity batteries that provide significant electric-only range before the gasoline generator engages.

Potentially, SUVs DENZA B5 and DENZA B8 will also be introduced locally, positioned as plug-in hybrid EVs.

Offerings under the DENZA sub-brand will be distributed locally by BYD Philippines Corp.

Advanced technology, comfort

DENZA’s entry focuses on “passenger-centric engineering” rather than traditional luxury excess.

The vehicles will feature two of BYD’s flagship technologies: the DiSus system and e3 platform.

The first is an intelligent body control system that manages vehicle motion to balance executive-level ride comfort with sharp handling.

Meanwhile, the e3 Platform is a high-performance architecture utilizing a three-motor drivetrain.

This setup lets drivers pull off advanced maneuvers such as “crab-walking” and “compass turns,” while enhancing stability during high-speed travel or emergency situations.

Strategic presence

DENZA will establish a dedicated retail network separate from standard BYD showrooms to support its positioning.

The sub-brand is planning four initial locations in Makati, Greenhills, Alabang, and Cebu.

Once it officially rolls out, DENZA expects to compete against luxury vans like the Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM.

Continue Reading

Automotive

Ford Philippines kicks off the year with Drive Now, Pay Later

Get offers up to three months of free amortization!

Published

on

Ford Philippines opens the year with a strong push for drivers ready to start fresh. Introducing Drive Now, Pay Later, the program is designed to make stepping into a new Ford feel lighter and more timely.

At the center of the offer are two of Ford’s most in-demand nameplates. Customers can take home the Ford Everest Trend today with three months of free amortization.

Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger lineup brings even more flexibility. The Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 comes with four months of free amortization, and the Ranger Sport 4×4 is offered with three months free.

These offers allow buyers to drive their new vehicle now and begin bank financing only after several months. This eases the transition into ownership at the start of the year.

More ways to save this January

Beyond deferred payments, Ford Philippines is extending a wide range of January offers that focus on value and flexibility.

The Ford Everest comes with cash savings of up to PhP 95,000 this month, alongside an all-in option priced at PhP 69,000 on select variants for customers seeking simpler entry costs.

Across the Ranger lineup, buyers can enjoy cash discounts reaching up to PhP 155,000 or opt for a PhP 69,000 all-in down payment on select variants.

The Ranger XLS AT remains one of the most accessible ways to enter the lineup, with a starting price of PhP 1,379,000.

Performance-focused customers can also take advantage of extended January offers for the Ford Raptor. Options include cash discounts or bundled savings with the 5-Star Care Package, depending on the variant.

Electrified and premium options

For drivers ready to explore electrified mobility, the Territory Hybrid Trend starts at PhP 1,399,000. This January, customers may choose between a PhP 20,000 discount or a complimentary three-year Scheduled Service Plan.

Ford’s larger SUVs are also part of the month’s offerings. The Ford Explorer is available with a PhP 99,000 all-in option or 0 percent interest with 20% down payment for 60 months. The Ford Bronco carries the same flexible choices, too.

Availability

The Drive Now, Pay Later program runs across all Ford dealerships nationwide until January 31, 2026. Customers can visit Ford Philippines’ official website or social media channels to explore the full details.

Continue Reading

CES 2026

NAVEE expands smart mobility beyond the city at CES 2026

A broader vision for mobility!

Published

on

At CES 2026, NAVEE signaled a clear shift in direction. Known for smart urban mobility, the global brand used the Las Vegas stage to show how its technology now stretches beyond city streets and into outdoor living, recreation, and adventure.

Rather than focusing on a single hero product, NAVEE presented a growing ecosystem built around intelligent engineering and lifestyle flexibility. The message was simple and confident. Mobility today is not limited to commuting. It is part of how people move through work, play, and downtime.

A smarter take on electric mobility

Leading NAVEE’s CES lineup was the UT5 MAX electric scooter. Built on the UT5 platform, it was designed with both urban reliability and outdoor capability in mind.

With a range of up to 100 kilometers and support for fast charging and external batteries, the UT5 MAX feels ready for longer rides, varied terrain, and real-world use that goes beyond short city hops.

The focus here is practicality. It’s a scooter that fits daily routines while also making room for spontaneous outdoor plans.

Technology finds its way onto the fairway

NAVEE also stepped into a more unexpected space with the Birdie 5X electric golf push cart. An evolution of the Birdie 3X, this new model introduces ultra-precise UWB-powered automatic follow.

The result is a smoother, more intuitive experience on the course, where the tech quietly supports the game rather than distracting from it.

It’s a clear example of how NAVEE is applying intelligent mobility thinking to lifestyle-specific environments.

From land to water, and everything in between

The outdoor expansion didn’t stop on the road or the green. NAVEE revealed the WaveFly Flyer Car, a playful take on water-based mobility designed to bring a sense of adventure to lakes and coastal settings.

Alongside it was a high-end electric camping wagon built for hauling gear, supplies, and everything that comes with outdoor weekends.

Together, these products paint a bigger picture. NAVEE is positioning itself as a brand that supports movement across different terrains and moods, from utility to leisure.

A broader vision for mobility

What stood out at CES 2026 was not just the hardware, but the intention behind it. NAVEE is building toward a future where intelligent mobility blends naturally into everyday life, whether that means navigating city streets, spending time outdoors, or finding new ways to enjoy familiar activities.

As the brand continues to grow its portfolio, the direction is clear. Mobility is no longer confined to getting from point A to point B. It’s becoming part of how people experience their lifestyle, wherever that may take them.

Continue Reading

Trending