Kia has launched the new Sorento in India at a starting price of Rs 27.99 lakh, ex-showroom. The three-row SUV becomes Kia’s flagship internal combustion engine model in the country and marks the brand’s entry into the strong hybrid SUV segment. The Sorento is locally assembled at the Anantapur facility of Kia in Andhra Pradesh.
Kia Sorento: Price and variants
The Kia Sorento range starts at Rs 27.99 lakh, with the top variants priced at up to Rs 40.39 lakh, ex-showroom. Buyers can choose between six-seat and seven-seat options. The six-seat version gets the captain chairs in the second row, while the seven-seat model comes with a bench seat.
Hybrid and diesel powertrains
The biggest highlight is the 1.6-litre turbo petrol strong hybrid powertrain. The petrol engine produces 180bhp and 265Nm, while the electric motor adds 65bhp and 264Nm. Combined output is around 238bhp, with power sent through a six-speed automatic gearbox. Both Front Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive versions are available, making the Sorento Kia’s first hybrid AWD SUV in India.
The SUV is also available with a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 193bhp and 442Nm. It is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and can be specified with FWD or AWD.
Premium exterior and interior
The Sorento features Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille, vertically stacked LED headlights with Y-shaped DRLs, 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and L-shaped LED tail lamps. Inside, it gets dual 12.3-inch screens, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Safety and technology
Safety equipment includes 10 airbags, Level 2+ ADAS, automated parking assistance, front and rear dashcams and a digital inside rear view mirror. The SUV also introduces real-time generative AI functionality, which adds another technology-focused element to Kia’s new flagship.
The Kia Sorento will compete with premium three-row SUVs including the Jeep Meridian, Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron.
Sources: India Today | Autocar
