Kia India has entered the premium three-row SUV segment with the Sorento, which is built on the brand’s N3 platform and sits above the Seltos in its line-up. In this article, we see how the Sorento stacks up against the Jeep Meridian, Volkswagen Tayron and Skoda Kodiaq on paper.
Kia Sorento vs rivals: Dimensions
Sorento is the largest in its class
By a fair margin, the Kia Sorento is the largest SUV in its class in every dimension. Additionally, it’s the only SUV here to come with both 18- and 19-inch wheel options; the Tayron gets 19-inch wheels as standard, but the Kodiaq and Meridian have smaller 18-inch rims.
Kia Sorento vs rivals: Powertrain options
Only the Sorento gets petrol and diesel engines
*E-motor exclusive to Sorento strong-hybrid
The Kia Sorento is the only SUV in the segment to offer a petrol strong hybrid powertrain alongside a diesel one. The other models are powered by either a petrol or a diesel engine. Secondly, depending on the variant, the Sorento gets an FWD or AWD layout, whereas the Kodiaq and Tayron get AWD as standard. The Meridian is the only one here to offer a 4WD layout apart from an FWD option.
Comparing petrol models, the Sorento, Kodiaq and Tayron utilise a direct-injection turbo-petrol mill, but only the Sorento’s unit is paired with a strong hybrid system here. Until Kia confirms the combined power output figures of the Sorento hybrid, the Kodiaq and Tayron have the highest power output, and they both get the same engine.
Among diesel models, the Sorento’s slightly larger unit delivers much higher output figures compared to the Meridian. Meanwhile, the Meridian is the only SUV here to offer a manual gearbox, while the rest come solely with an automatic gearbox.
Kia Sorento vs rivals: Prices
Sorento is the second most affordable in its class
The Sorento’s Rs 27.99 lakh starting price makes it the second most affordable SUV after the Jeep Meridian. Like the Meridian, the Sorento is heavily localised. On the other hand, the Kodiaq and Tayron, which are brought here as completely knocked-down units (CKD), begin at a higher price point, with the latter’s top-end variant being the most expensive here.
Notably, a core difference between the SUVs is the seating configurations on offer. Depending on the variant chosen, the Meridian, Kodiaq and Tayron come with a 5- or a 7-seat configuration. However, the Sorento gets 7- and 6-seat layouts, with segment-only captain chairs for the latter.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
