Ahead of its launch on September 4, Kia has officially revealed the India-spec Sorento. It will be Kia’s new flagship ICE-powered model with three rows of seating and will be offered with strong-hybrid and diesel powertrains. The brand has also confirmed that the hybrid variant will be offered with all-wheel drive (AWD), which will make it unique in its segment. It will also come with Kia AI assistant – a first for the Sorento globally, debuting with the India-spec model.
- Sorento to be offered with strong-hybrid, diesel powertrains
- Will get ADAS functions, powered tailgate, 360-degree camera
- Will be Kia’s first hybrid and first three-row ICE SUV in India
Kia has commenced production of the Sorento at its Anantapur facility today. With high levels of localisation, we expect very competitive pricing, likely around the Rs 30-35 lakh mark (Ex-showroom). This will be Kia’s first hybrid as well the first ICE-powered three-row SUV in India.
Kia Sorento exterior design
This version of the Sorento has been around globally since 2023, which means it doesn’t get Kia’s latest and polarising ‘Opposites Unite’ design language seen on the much newer Seltos. It, arguably, has a more broadly appealing design, characterised by Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille, large vertical LED headlamps with Y-shaped LED DRLs and quintessential SUV proportions. The front bumper features a wide central air intake, LED fog lamps and also vertical aero vents at the edges.
Kia hasn’t revealed the exact wheel size yet, but the dual-tone alloys are likely 19-inch units. The profile, otherwise, features a satin trim on the front fenders and chrome surround for the window line that appears pinched towards the rear. At the back, there’s a squarish tail lamp with an inverted L-shaped LED signature, a prominent roof spoiler and a two-tone bumper.
In terms of dimensions, the Sorento is is expected to remain unchanged from the global-spec model which measures 4,815mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,700mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,815mm.
Kia Sorento Interior and features
The interior of the Sorento is quite similar to some newer Kia models already on sale here. There a connected panel featuring two screens for infotainment and instrumentation, although interestingly, the third HVAC screen seen on the Seltos and Syros is not present here. Kia hasn’t specified the screen sizes yet, but they’ll likely be 12.3-inch units.
Overall, the layered dashboard looks uncluttered, featuring a slim band for the AC vents and Kia’s signature dual-purpose control panel for climate and media operations – in our experience in other Hyundai-Kia models, it’s intuitive to use and far better than haptic touch-based controls. The centre console, meanwhile, gets a wireless charger, chunky grab handles and a prominent driver selector with a premium, knurled finish. There also seems to good use of soft-touch and premium trim and materials all around.
Other features that we could observe from the official images include ADAS functions, ventilated front seats (likely featuring massage function), a digital IRVM, a power operated tail gate, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, 360-degree camera and a panoramic sunroof. The Sorento is expected to be offered in both 6- and 7-seater options.
Kia Sorento powertrain options
Kia has confirmed two powertrain options for India – a hybrid with all-wheel drive and a diesel. The hybrid unit will be a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder strong-hybrid unit developing 238hp and 380Nm, while the diesel will be a 2.0-litre unit outputting 202hp and 441Nm – this mill is used in the Kia Carnival too. Both Sorento engines are likely to be paired with automatic transmissions. The hybrid powertrain will be a first in its segment, while diesel is what’s most preferred by buyers in an SUV of this size.
Upon launch, the Kia Sorento will find competition in the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron and Jeep Meridian. Prices will be officially announced on September 4, and bookings are currently underway.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Hormazd Sorabjee
