Kia India has officially opened bookings for the upcoming Sorento SUV and released a teaser ahead of its launch. This comes a few weeks after unofficial bookings, according to our dealer sources, had commenced earlier. Customers can book the Sorento through their nearest Kia dealership or by visiting the brand’s website. The Sorento's launch date has not been announced yet.
Kia Sorento teaser details
The teaser keeps most of the Sorento covered under a veil, revealing only a few details. Visible highlights include T-shaped daytime running lights, vertically stacked LED headlights and partially visible fog lamps. The teaser also shows prominent roof rails and the SUV’s long profile. For reference, the international-spec Sorento measures 4,815mm in length, 1,900mm in width and 1,700mm in height.
The interior has not been revealed yet. However, based on the global model and test mules seen in India, the Sorento is expected to get dual 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat, a 360-degree camera, a head-up display and Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems). Spy shots have also shown a rotary gear selector and an electronic parking brake on the centre console.
In international markets, the Sorento is available in 5-, 6- and 7-seat layouts. The India-spec model is expected to be offered in 6-seater and 7-seater versions.
Kia Sorento powertrain
Kia has confirmed that the Sorento will offer strong-hybrid and diesel powertrain options. Exact specifications have not been revealed yet, but the India-spec SUV is expected to use the same 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid setup available overseas, producing 238hp and 380Nm. The hybrid setup sources power from a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, while transmission duties are handled by a six-speed automatic unit.
Meanwhile, the diesel Sorento may use the same 2.2-litre engine as the Kia Carnival. Globally, the Sorento is available in FWD and AWD configurations, but it remains to be seen whether the latter will be offered to Indian buyers.
Kia Sorento expected price and rivals
We expect Kia to price the Sorento at around Rs 40 lakh, ex-showroom. It will rival premium SUVs such as the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
Saptarshi Mondal
