Kia Sorento SUV: The premium SUV segment in India is getting exciting, and Kia seems ready to take a bold step forward. The Kia Sorento, a globally popular three-row SUV, has been spied testing in India for the first time, signaling an upcoming entry into the premium space that is currently dominated by the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and Skoda Kodiaq. The test mule was seen wrapped in heavy camouflage, but several design, feature, and mechanical details have been revealed through spy shots.
Positioned above the Seltos and Carens, the Sorento is expected to arrive with hybrid powertrains, a tech-rich cabin, and advanced safety features—potentially giving buyers a premium SUV option focused on comfort and efficiency rather than pure ruggedness.
Key Highlights of Kia Sorento SUV
- Kia Sorento spied testing in India for the first time
- Expected India launch in 2026; could be priced between ₹32–45 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Three-row premium SUV positioned above Seltos and Carens
- Strong-hybrid powertrain likely for India
- Level-2 ADAS expected, along with multiple premium features
- Direct rival to Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Skoda Kodiaq and Mahindra XUV700
Kia Sorento SUV Bold Exterior Styling
Even under camouflage, the Sorento’s upright and muscular appearance stands out. The spy shots reveal strong SUV proportions rather than a stretched crossover stance, confirming its premium road presence.
Exterior Highlights
- Boxy silhouette with a wide stance and tall bonnet
- 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 R19 tyres
- Flush-type door handles and roof rails
- Vertically-stacked LED headlamps and T-shaped DRLs
- Connected LED tail lamps at the rear
- Parking sensors and radar cutouts, hinting at ADAS readiness
Overall, the Sorento combines a rugged SUV posture with contemporary detailing—an approach designed to appeal to Indian buyers seeking a luxury-leaning alternative to ladder-frame SUVs.
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Kia Sorento SUV Premium Interior and Feature-Loaded Cabin
Spy shots also displayed part of the interior layout, including a rotary gear selector, confirming the use of a hybrid powertrain. Kia is known for technology-driven interiors, and the Sorento will likely carry forward that reputation.
Expected Interior Features
- Dual 12.3-inch panoramic curved screens
- Rotary gear shift dial
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated & powered front seats
- Multi-zone climate control
- Ambient lighting & soft-touch dashboard materials
- 360° camera and head-up display
- Premium Bose sound system (expected)
- Connected car tech with OTA updates
- USB-C charging in all three rows
The Sorento cabin focuses on comfort and family-friendly practicality, which may attract customers looking for luxury without compromising everyday usability.
Kia Sorento SUV Hybrid-Focused Powertrain Strategy
Internationally, the Sorento comes with different engine options, including petrol, turbo-petrol, plug-in-hybrid, and diesel. However, for India, the focus will likely be on hybrid systems due to emissions norms and changing market preferences.
Expected Engine Options for India
- 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong hybrid, producing around 230 hp
- Automatic gearbox (6-speed AT)
- All-wheel-drive (AWD) expected in higher trims
Global Powertrains for reference
| Engine | Output | Transmission |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L turbo-petrol | ~280 hp | 8AT |
| 1.6L turbo-petrol hybrid | 238–288 hp | 6AT |
| 2.2L diesel | 200 hp | 8-speed DCT |
Advanced Safety & ADAS
Premium SUVs today demand intelligent safety, and the Sorento is expected to deliver.
Expected ADAS features
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Parking collision assist
Dimensions
Based on global specifications, the Sorento measures approx:
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,815 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,815 mm |
These numbers place it very close to the Toyota Fortuner, suggesting competitive cabin space and a similar road command.
Expected Launch & Pricing
- Expected India launch: 2026
- Estimated price: ₹32–45 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on variant & powertrain
Competition will be intense, but Sorento’s hybrid advantage may appeal strongly to buyers frustrated with diesel bans and rising fuel costs.
Final Verdict
The Kia Sorento has the potential to be a powerful disruptor in the premium SUV space. With class-leading features, strong-hybrid performance, and an upscale cabin, it may earn a strong position against long-time segment leader Toyota Fortuner. While breaking brand perception and service reliability barriers will be a challenge, an aggressive price, strong warranty, and premium experience could make Sorento a major hit in 2026.
