The Kia Sorento will launch in India on September 4, 2026, becoming the brand’s new ICE-powered flagship SUV. It will be offered with strong-hybrid and diesel powertrains, with the hybrid confirmed to get all-wheel drive. Production has already begun at Kia’s Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh. Here’s all you need to know about the brand’s first hybrid and first three-row ICE SUV for India ahead of its arrival.
1. What will the Kia Sorento look like?
Upright SUV styling with Kia’s familiar design elements
The India-spec Sorento is based on the version that has been sold globally since 2023. It gets Kia’s Tiger Nose grille, vertically stacked LED headlamps with Y-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lights) and an upright SUV profile. The front bumper features a wide central air intake, LED fog lamps and vertical aero vents at the edges.
At the sides, the Sorento gets satin-finish trim on the front fenders and chrome window surrounds. The rear features vertically oriented tail-lamps with an inverted L-shaped LED signature, a roof spoiler and a two-tone bumper. Kia has not yet confirmed the exact wheel size for India, although the dual-tone alloys are expected to be 19-inch units.
2. How big is the Kia Sorento?
Larger footprint than the rival premium three-row SUVs
The global-spec Kia Sorento is 4,815mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,700mm high – longer by 54mm compared with the Skoda Kodiaq and by 23mm compared with the Volkswagen Tayron. Its 2,815mm wheelbase is 26mm longer than that of both SUVs.
3. What interior layout and features will the Kia Sorento offer?
Three-row cabin with Kia AI assistant
The Sorento gets a layered dashboard with a connected panel housing the infotainment and instrument displays. Kia has not yet confirmed the screen sizes for India, although the units are expected to be 12.3-inch displays. Unlike the Seltos and Syros, the Sorento does not get a separate third screen for the climate controls.
The centre console gets a wireless charger, chunky grab handles and a prominent drive selector with a premium, knurled finish. The India-spec SUV will also feature a Kia AI assistant, which allows occupants to interact with it using natural voice commands and control certain vehicle functions. This is a first for the Sorento globally.
Kia has also confirmed an ADAS suite, a powered tailgate and a 360-degree camera setup, among other features. Globally, the Sorento is available in five-, six- and seven-seat configurations. For India, it will have a three-row layout, with six- and seven-seat configurations expected to be offered.
4. What powertrains will the Kia Sorento offer?
Hybrid and diesel options for India
Kia has confirmed two powertrains for India: a 1.6-litre four-cylinder strong-hybrid petrol unit and a diesel engine. The hybrid is confirmed to get AWD. The hybrid powertrain produces 238hp and 380Nm and, in global specification, is paired with a 6-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the diesel option will use a 2.0-litre turbocharged mill paired with an automatic gearbox, producing 202hp and 441Nm.
5. How much will the Kia Sorento cost in India?
Expected price is around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom)
The SUV is being locally assembled at Kia’s Anantapur plant with high levels of localisation and is expected to be priced in the region of Rs 30 lakh-Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom).
6. Which SUVs will rival the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento will compete with the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron and Jeep Meridian. The Kodiaq and Tayron offer AWD, while the Meridian gets a four-wheel-drive system.
Uday Singh
Glenn Noronha
Dipan Sur
