Kia Sorento spied testing in India again

The upcoming Kia Sorento SUV has been spied yet again in India, undergoing tests on a public road. The test mule was shrouded in camouflage, similar to when the model was first spotted in India in November 2025. Upon its arrival in 2027, the Kia Sorento will be positioned above the Seltos.

1. Spy shots reveal angular LED DRLs, chrome window surrounds and two-tone alloy wheels
2. Could get the hybrid powertrain from the new-gen Seltos
3. India debut is expected sometime in 2027

Kia Sorento exterior

In the new set of spy shots, the Sorento test mule appears to be painted in a shade of red or maroon. We can also spot the two-tone alloy wheels, whose design differs compared to what we saw earlier. This time around, the outer edges have a pattern similar to that for the LED daytime running lights (DRLs) on the global-spec Kia Sorento.

Furthermore, the test mule seen in these images features chrome strips for the window surrounds and raised roof rails finished in black. Neither of these details was visible in the first set of spy shots from November 2025. One of the reasons for these changes could be that the test mule spotted this time could represent a different trim level. The rear of the test mule shows LED tail-lamps with vertical elements and a high-mounted LED stop-lamp, which is integrated into the roof spoiler in the international-spec model. While it could be a visual illusion, the test car doesn’t appear to have a sunroof.

Kia Sorento expected powertrain

Euro-spec Kia Sorento hybrid shown for representation

While it isn’t confirmed yet, the India-spec Sorento could share its powertrain with the upcoming Seltos hybrid. In India, this hybridised mill is to be based on the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that powers the new-gen Seltos. On the other hand, the strong hybrid version of the Sorento that is sold in European markets like the UK is currently offered with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct injection and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, all variants of the Sorento hybrid in Europe get all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard.

Kia Sorento expected launch and rivals

The Kia Sorento hybrid is expected to make its India debut sometime in 2027, likely priced from around Rs 30-35 lakh (ex-showroom). The primary rivals of the upcoming Sorento in India will include other monocoque premium SUVs like the Jeep Meridian and Skoda Kodiaq.

Spy shots: NDTV