Kia India has officially introduced its premium three-row SUV, the all-new Sorento, into the Indian market. The starting ex-showroom price for this seven-seater utility vehicle is set at Rs 27.99 lakh for the base HTE seven-seater diesel variant. Meanwhile, the price for the top-end HTX(A) Black Line AWD hybrid six-seater variant goes up to Rs 40.39 lakh. Positioned above the Seltos in the company's domestic portfolio, the Sorento marks the brand's very first strong hybrid SUV in India, with local production already underway at the Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh.
Market Competition and Pre-Bookings
In the domestic landscape, the vehicle will compete directly against rivals like the MG Hector, Toyota Innova Hycross, and Mahindra XUV 7XO. Customers interested in purchasing the SUV can initiate pre-bookings through the official company website or by visiting any nearby dealership with a token amount of Rs 27.99 lakh, wait, with a token amount of Rs 25,000. The company is offering a palette of eight exterior color choices, incorporating both gloss and matte finishes to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences.
Dimensions and Exterior Styling
Measuring approximately 4.8 meters in length with a wheelbase of 2.8 meters, the Sorento commands a robust road presence. Key exterior elements include vertically stacked LED DRLs and tail lamps, the signature tiger nose grille, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a rear wiper cleverly concealed within the spoiler. Additionally, the Black Line edition delivers a more aggressive, thoroughly blackened-out visual appeal for enthusiasts seeking a distinctive aesthetic.
Cabin Comfort and Technology
Inside the cabin, passengers are greeted by a premium environment headlined by dual 12.3-inch screens handling infotainment and digital clustering duties. Comfort features comprise a 10-way powered driver seat with lumbar support, a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and ventilated seating. Buyers can configure the seating layout in either a six-seater configuration featuring captain chairs or a traditional seven-seater setup. Notably, the Sorento introduces the Kia AI Assistant globally, running live generative artificial intelligence capabilities for the first time.
Convenience and Safety Equipment
The feature list is packed with modern amenities such as a wireless smartphone charger, a powered tailgate, ambient lighting, a digital inner rearview mirror, and a head-up display. Occupant safety is prioritized through a comprehensive package housing 10 airbags, Level 2 ADAS technology, a 360-degree surround-view camera, hill descent control, and a digital rearview mirror.
Powertrain Options and Performance
Under the hood, buyers can choose between two distinct powertrain configurations. The first is a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong hybrid system where the internal combustion engine produces around 177 to 180 bhp alongside 265 Nm of torque, paired with an electric motor generating 64 bhp, delivering a combined output of roughly 238 to 245 hp mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The second option is a 2.2-litre diesel engine pushing out roughly 190 to 193 bhp and 442 Nm of torque, linked to an 8-speed DCT. Both powertrains offer multiple drive and terrain modes alongside optional all-wheel drive, cementing the Sorento's robust footing in the premium segment.
