Kia launched the much-anticipated Sorento in India, a new product in the premium three-row SUV segment. The new Kia Sorento starts at Rs 27.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for diesel and Rs 29.49 lakh for strong hybrid.
The Sorento has six- and seven-seat configurations, multiple powertrains with all-wheel drive and is Kia’s new flagship ICE SUV in India.
New Kia Sorento
1. Two Powertrain Options
The biggest highlight of the India-spec Sorento is the 1.6-litre strong-hybrid turbo-petrol engine and a diesel engine of 2.2 litres. The hybrid system is a 180 PS petrol engine and 65 PS electric motor with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The diesel engine produces 193 PS and 442 Nm of torque and has an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both powertrains can be set up with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the configuration.
2. Six- and Seven-Seat Configurations
Kia will offer the Sorento with six-seat and seven-seat configurations, giving customers more flexibility. The six-seat version features captain seats in the second row, but the seven-seater setup is geared towards larger families.
This makes the Sorento a direct competitor in India’s growing premium three-row SUV market.
3. Premium Features Inside
Technology-rich and comfort-minded equipment is a lot of the Sorento is loaded with technology and comfort-oriented features. The top-level features are a 12.3-inch display, ventilated seats and a Bose audio system. The SUV also features a modern digital cabin with a host of convenience and safety features.
Kia has also introduced its AI Assistant with real-time generative AI capabilities with the Sorento, a significant technology addition for the brand.
4. AWD and Strong-Hybrid Combination
One of the Sorento’s key strengths is the all-wheel drive and strong hybrid powertrain. This setup puts the SUV in the top three-row SUV category in India.
The Sorento also gets a variety of drive modes including Normal, Eco, Sport and Smart, and Snow, Sand and Mud terrain modes to help it adapt to different driving conditions.
5. Locally Manufactured in India
Kia is manufacturing the Sorento locally at its Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh. The local production enables the company to position the SUV more competitively in India's premium SUV market.
With hybrid technology in the form of diesel power, AWD capability and three-row practicality and premium features, the Kia Sorento enters a very competitive segment. It will be against Mahindra XUV 7OO, Jeep Meridian, Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron.
The Sorento’s starting price of Rs. 27.99 lakh is one of the most significant new SUV launches in India in the recent past, and its hybrid technology gives Kia an entry point into India's rapidly growing electrified passenger vehicle market.
