Eluru

•19w

Is the Sorento Hybrid coming to India in 2026?

•19w

Yes, the Kia Sorento Hybrid is slated for an India launch in August-September 2026, and Kia is clearly positioning it as a premium three-row SUV.

This Kia car comes with a 1.6‑litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor, with the system developing around 227 hp and over 350 Nm, driving through a 6‑speed automatic gearbox. Globally, it’s offered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, and that mix is likely to be mirrored for India as well.

It’s a properly spacious seven-seat SUV, roughly 4.8 m long and 1.9 m wide, so think bigger than a Kia Carens and right in the zone of the Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Fortuner in terms of footprint and cabin room. Expect a flexible three-row layout, generous boot space with the third row down, and the usual load of Kia kit - panoramic sunroof, ADAS, large screens, and connected-car features.

Price-wise, the Sorento Hybrid is expected to sit in the Rs 35-40 lakh (ex-showroom) band, and it will naturally tug buyers both up from something like a Mahindra XUV 7XO and away from the Skoda Kodiaq–Fortuner crowd.

Explore cars mentioned

Kia

Sorento

from ₹33.73 Lakh

Skoda

Kodiaq

from ₹44.58 Lakh

Toyota

Fortuner

from ₹41.89 Lakh

Mahindra

XUV 7XO

from ₹16.79 Lakh

•13w•

Is this still on track by August? I m in Delhi NCR needed a petrol 4x4/awd SUV and sadly there no options for 30l budget.

•19w•

Will Kia Sorento compete with XUV 7XO or Toyota Fortuner or Innova Hycross?

More posts on similar cars

•3d

Hi guys, I’m looking for a four-car garage that can fulfil some specific roles. I need an EV for city use in Bangalore, and I’m considering either the Tata Tiago EV or Punch EV. I also need a high-mileage family hauler, for which I’m thinking of the Toyota Innova Hycross VX(O). For a fun car for myself, I’m considering the Volkswagen Virtus GT. Finally, I want another SUV that doesn’t need to be as large as the Hycross, so I’m considering the Mahindra XUV 7XO, Kia Seltos or Mahindra BE 6. I’ll be travelling frequently between Bangalore, Hyderabad and Coimbatore, and I’m also planning a road trip across India. My overall budget for the four cars is around Rs 1-1.5 crore. I’m open to suggestions, so I’d really appreciate any recommendations. Thanks in advance!

•2d

Purely as a city runabout, get the smaller battery version of the Tata Tiago EV. It is compact, easy to drive, and is very capable commuter. Sure, the Punch EV, with its larger battery is would be our recommendation had it been your only car, but since your usage is specific, the Tiago EV makes more sense.As a high-mileage family hauler, the Toyota Innova Hycross VX (O) is a sensible choice. It is spacious, comfortable and reliable, and the hybrid powertrain will help keep running costs in check on your frequent long-distance trips between Bangalore, Hyderabad and Coimbatore. That said, if you don't plan to use the third row for adults as much, you could also consider the new Kia Sorento - diesel or hybrid, take your pick. It is a far more sophisticated, value-for-money option.The Volkswagen Virtus GT is a solid choice. It offers strong performance, a well-balanced chassis and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. But we'd suggest you either wait till the end of the year for the facelift, or pick the updated Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI instead, both of which will have minor cosmetic tweaks along with an upgraded air-con for better cabin cooling.The Mahindra XUV 7XO is quite a large car, which defeats its purpose since you'll already have the Hycross or Sorento. Instead opt for the Kia Seltos which is a relatively more compact alternative, with a premium interior, lengthy features list, and a refined character. Alternatively, you could consider a Toyota Hyryder hybrid too, which is even more compact, drives well, and is extremely fuel efficient.

Tata Tiago EV

Tata Punch EV

Toyota Innova HyCross

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

I am planning to buy a new vehicle for myself and my parents. I have seen the new Audi Q3 2026 and am quite interested in it, but I am not fully convinced about the petrol-only option. I was hoping for a hybrid version, especially considering fuel efficiency at this price point. Secondly, I am also looking for a 4x4 and am currently waiting for the new Fortuner. However, I am confused because many people are suggesting the new Scorpio N or Thar Roxx, saying that if the primary purpose is off-roading, there is no need to spend so much on a Fortuner. Please suggest what would be the better option for my requirements.

•1d

The Audi New Q3 is a good choice if you want a premium, comfortable SUV, but I would not buy it expecting a hybrid. The India-spec Q3 is expected to use a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 204hp, a 7-speed DCT and quattro AWD, with no confirmed hybrid version for India.If your requirement is genuine 4x4 capability, the Toyota Fortuner remains a very different proposition. The next-generation Fortuner is already being tested and is expected in India by early 2027. It is expected to retain petrol and diesel engines, 4x4 capability and the ladder-frame construction, while gaining a much more modern cabin and ADAS.The Mahindra Scorpio N is the sensible alternative if you want a capable 4x4 without spending Fortuner money. The Thar Roxx makes more sense if off-road ability is the priority, but it is less comfortable and practical as a family SUV.For parents, the Q3 will be considerably easier to live with in the city, while the Fortuner is better suited to long-distance touring and serious rough-road use.

I am planning to buy a 7-seater car and am confused between the Kia Carens Clavis HTX (O) Petrol DCT and the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5 Diesel. My confusion is mainly around a few points. The XUV 7XO has better looks and more power than the Clavis, while the Clavis offers better third-row space and a more spacious cabin. I do not have a very high annual running either. With my current car, I drive around 12,000-14,000km a year, including both city and highway driving, with occasional hill trips. This has left me confused about whether I should opt for a diesel or petrol. The XUV 7XO petrol is also not known for particularly good mileage, which makes the decision even more difficult. With the diesel option, I am also concerned about potential DPF-related issues, especially given my relatively low annual running. Since the car will primarily be driven in NCR, there is also some uncertainty around the applicability of BS6 diesel vehicles when GRAP Stage 4 restrictions are in force, as government regulations can change. Another concern is the DCT transmission. I have heard about DCTs facing heating issues in bumper-to-bumper traffic, although I am not sure how significant this issue is with the Carens Clavis. During my test drive, I also felt that the Clavis seemed somewhat underpowered in Normal mode, particularly when starting from a standstill. I had to press the accelerator pedal quite hard to get it moving more quickly. Is this simply a characteristic of the DCT and its calibration, or could it be specific to the particular test-drive car? I would really appreciate any suggestions or experiences that could help me clear up these doubts before making a decision. Thanks in advance.

•1d

Go for the Kia Carens Clavis HTX (O) Petrol DCT. Your annual running of 12,000-14,000km with a mix of city, highway and occasional hill drives is pretty healthy actually, but given your other concerns like DPF regeneration and NCR policies, petrol is the safer long-term choice. A turbo petrol gives you the punch you need out on the highway and in the hills, while also the benefits of a petrol engine that you're looking for. The Mahindra XUV 7XO is the more powerful and more rugged SUV, but the Clavis is the better family car. It has a more usable third row, a more spacious and practical cabin, and a more comfortable ride for everyday use. On the DCT, yes, it can feel a bit hesitant at low speeds and in bumper-to-bumper traffic, but Kia’s DCT is one of the better ones in the market, and it is not a deal-breaker. The slight lag you felt in Normal mode is more to do with the car’s tuning than the gearbox itself. Switch to Sport mode and it feels much more responsive. The Clavis is not as powerful as the XUV 7XO, but it is quick enough for family use and much easier to live with in the long run. And as you pointed out, the heavier, more powerful XUV 7XO petrol is is nowhere near as efficient as the Clavis.

Kia Carens Clavis

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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Popular discussions right now

•4d

I currently drive a Hyundai i10 CNG, with daily running of around 6 km in Gurgaon city traffic and a monthly highway drive of around 200 km. I am now planning to upgrade my car, with an on-road budget of Rs. 12 lakh for a petrol sub-4-metre SUV, up to Rs. 14 lakh for a petrol midsize SUV, and Rs. 15 lakh for an EV. I live in a rented apartment on the second floor, so I am apprehensive about getting an EV. I prefer an EV, but installing a charger could be complicated due to the sanctioned load. My running could increase to nearly 800 km per month in the future. My key priorities are: - Good suspension and ride comfort, as I have a back problem - Decent fuel efficiency in heavy city traffic - Low to medium maintenance costs - Auto hold and ventilated seats would be good to have I sometimes consider buying a manual, but I mostly prefer an automatic. I am currently considering the Maruti Brezza, Baleno AMT, Fronx AMT/AT, Sonet iMT, Exter AMT, and even the upcoming Inster, VF3, and Bayon. I am open to other suggestions as well. Note: I had a bad driving experience with the Punch AMT, as it caused back fatigue.

•3d

Given your priorities of ride comfort, fuel efficiency and low maintenance, the Maruti Brezza automatic is the most sensible upgrade. It offers a comfortable ride, a proven naturally aspirated petrol engine and Maruti's strong service network, which keeps long-term ownership costs in check. The torque converter automatic is smooth in city traffic, and the Brezza's higher seating position will help with your back issues. The Sonet iMT is not the right choice here. While it is a good car, the iMT is not a true automatic and will not offer the same ease of use in Gurgaon traffic. The Baleno AMT and Exter AMT are also not ideal given your back issues and the fact that AMT gearboxes are not as smooth as torque converter automatics in stop-start conditions.On the EV front, your apprehension about charging is valid. Without a straightforward home charging solution, an EV will add unnecessary complexity to your ownership experience. The upcoming Bayon is interesting and if you can wait a few weeks you would have a better picture before making a decision. For now, the Brezza automatic strikes the best balance between comfort, efficiency and hassle-free ownership.

Hi, I’m confused between the Skoda Kylaq and Tata Punch EV and would like some advice on which one to buy. The car will primarily be used for city driving, with occasional highway trips. The budget is Rs 10-14 lakh on-road. I previously owned a Volkswagen Polo GT TDI, so I’m looking for a car that can offer a similar level of driving satisfaction while also being practical for everyday use. I’m currently confused between these two options and would appreciate some guidance.

•2d

Go for the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI. With your budget of Rs 10-14 lakh, mostly city usage and occasional highway runs, the Kylaq is the better fit. It offers a familiar driving experience coming from a Polo GT TDI, with a punchy turbo petrol engine, solid build quality and a sorted ride and handling balance. The Tata Punch EV is a good city car, but the Kylaq is more versatile for occasional highway trips and long-term ownership. The Kylaq also offers better rear seat space and a more premium feel overall. The Punch EV makes sense only if your usage is almost entirely city-based and you have reliable home charging. Given your budget and usage pattern, the Kylaq is the more balanced and sensible choice.

Skoda Kylaq

Tata Punch EV

•2d

As first time buyer, I want to ask which is the safest and most compact SUV? Is Punch the better choice for new drivers between Punch, Exter, 3XO and Kylaq?

•1d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO. It is the safest compact SUV in your shortlist, and it is also the better choice for a first-time buyer. The 3XO has a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, a wide cabin that makes it a genuinely comfortable 5-seater, and a compact footprint that makes it easy to drive and park. It also offers strong value for money with a good feature set and a proven ownership track record.The Tata Punch is a good car for new drivers, but it is a smaller SUV with lesser space, a less powerful engine and doesn't feel as premium as a package. The Hyundai Exter is also a good option, but it is not as spacious or as well-equipped as the 3XO. The Skoda Kylaq is a strong contender for driving enthusiasts, but the 3XO offers a better balance of safety, space and value for a first-time buyer.The 3XO is the most complete package out of all the options you're considering.

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