NEW DELHI: Kia India has launched the Sorento in the country at introductory ex-showroom prices starting at ₹27.99 lakh for the diesel version and ₹29.99 lakh for the hybrid, marking the automaker’s entry into India’s premium three-row SUV segment.
The India-spec Sorento also brings two significant firsts for Kia: the company’s first hybrid offering in the country and the global debut of the Kia AI Assistant with Real-Time Generative AI capabilities.
Official deliveries of the Sorento began nationwide on September 4, Kia said.
Locally produced at Kia India’s Anantapur manufacturing facility, the Sorento will be offered with both hybrid and diesel powertrains, six- and seven-seat configurations, and optional all-wheel drive.
The hybrid is particularly significant because Kia says the Sorento is the first model in its segment to combine a hybrid powertrain with AWD.
Kia’s first hybrid for India
The Sorento Hybrid uses a Smartstream 1.6-litre Turbo GDI petrol engine producing 180 PS and 265 Nm, paired with an electric motor rated at 65 PS and 264 Nm.
Power is transmitted through a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Kia has not stopped with electrification, however. Buyers preferring diesel power can choose a Smartstream D2.2 diesel engine producing 193 PS and 442 Nm, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Both powertrains are available with AWD and Snow, Sand and Mud terrain modes. Eco, Normal, Smart and Sport driving modes are also offered.
That gives the Sorento a fairly broad brief: family SUV during the week, long-distance cruiser on the weekend and, at least according to the terrain-mode selector, something willing to get its tyres dirty occasionally.
Kia Sorento dimensions
Built on Kia’s global N3 platform, the Sorento measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,785 mm in height with roof rails. Its wheelbase measures 2,815 mm.
Kia claims these dimensions make the Sorento the longest and widest vehicle in its segment.
The SUV adopts the brand’s Digital Tiger Face design at the front, accompanied by Crystal Cube LED projection headlamps and Star Map LED daytime running lights with progressive turn indicators.
At the rear are Star Map LED tail lamps, an integrated spoiler with a concealed rear wiper and skid plates finished with satin chrome elements.
Depending on the variant, the Sorento will be offered with 18-inch Sporty Crystal Cut alloy wheels or 19-inch Premium Crystal Cut alloy wheels.
Generative AI makes global debut in India-spec Sorento
One of the bigger technology stories surrounding the new SUV sits behind the dashboard rather than under the bonnet.
Kia says its AI Assistant with Real-Time Generative AI capabilities is making its global debut in the India-spec Sorento. It is also the first introduction of the technology across Kia’s global product portfolio.
The conversational system is designed to provide information using real-time search, understand follow-up questions and interact using more natural dialogue.
It is also integrated with the vehicle’s owner’s manual and can answer vehicle-specific questions. Drivers can activate the system using the “Hey Kia” wake phrase and use it to control selected vehicle functions including the air-conditioning system and windows.
The Sorento additionally receives Kia Connect 2.0 with more than 85 connected-car features, over-the-air software updates covering 30 controllers, Digital Key 2.0, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Remote Vehicle Immobilization.
A connected car may increasingly resemble a smartphone on wheels, but in the Sorento’s case there are still three rows of seats and a 2.2-litre diesel available for those who prefer more traditional hardware.
Dual 12.3-inch displays headline cabin
The Sorento’s dashboard is dominated by a panoramic curved display incorporating a 12.3-inch HD touchscreen navigation system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
A windshield head-up display and digital inside rear-view mirror are also offered.
The cabin is available in Smoky Black and Grey, while the top HTX trim can be specified with a Black and Olive Brown interior.
Other features include a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and 64-colour ambient lighting.
Kia is also introducing downloadable display themes featuring content from Disney, Marvel and Pixar. Nine themes will be offered across the infotainment screen and instrument cluster.
The themes alter dashboard graphics, colours and animations when occupants enter the vehicle or switch it on or off.
A Kia Connect Store is scheduled to launch for the Sorento in December 2026, allowing owners to purchase selected Features on Demand. Display Themes will be the first service offered through the platform.
The connected technology is supported by Kia’s ccNC, or connected car Navigation Cockpit, hardware architecture accelerated by NVIDIA.
Six- and seven-seat layouts
The Sorento will be available as either a six-seater with second-row captain seats or a seven-seater with a 60:40 split second-row bench.
Front occupants receive 10-way powered driver and passenger seats with lumbar adjustment, relaxation functions and four-way adjustable headrests.
The driver also gets an Ergo function, Integrated Memory System and a welcome-retract function.
Ventilated seats with three-stage cooling are provided in the front and, in what Kia describes as a segment-first feature, the second row as well.
Six-seat versions get captain chairs with sliding, reclining and walk-in functions, while the seven-seater uses a 60:40 split seat with similar slide, recline and walk-in functionality.
A four-way Power Boss Mode allows rear occupants to electrically adjust the front passenger seat.
The third row uses 50:50 split-folding seats with adjustable headrests. Second- and third-row air-conditioning vents, rear-door sunshades and seat-integrated USB Type-C ports are also included.
Dashcam, 220V socket and remote parking
The equipment list extends to a Smart Dashcam with front and rear cameras, USB Type-C charging ports across all three rows and a 220V power outlet.
A dial-type Shift-by-Wire gear selector and paddle shifters are also available.
Kia says Remote Smart Parking Assist, the digital IRVM, 220V power outlet and several other features are firsts for the segment.
Level 2+ ADAS and up to 10 airbags
Safety technology is another major focus of the Sorento.
The SUV comes with Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance Systems offering 30 autonomous assistance features.
These include Highway Driving Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist and Safe Exit Warning.
Remote Smart Parking Assist is also part of the technology package.
Kia’s 26-feature standard safety package includes seven airbags. Higher versions add three more — rear-side airbags and a centre-side airbag — taking the total to 10.
The Sorento also offers a 360-degree camera, Blind View Monitor, 12 parking sensors, five radars and a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines.
Its N3 platform uses what Kia describes as a multi-skeleton energy distribution structure intended to improve structural performance while supporting driving dynamics and efficiency.
Developed with India-specific changes
While the Sorento is an established global model, Kia says the locally manufactured SUV has also received changes aimed specifically at Indian customers and road conditions.
These include India-specific grille detailing, black high-gloss bridge-type roof rails and an acoustic windshield.
Additional insulation in areas including the door trims is intended to reduce noise, vibration and harshness inside the cabin.
Second-row seat comfort has also been tuned with an optimised seating angle, reflecting the importance of chauffeur-driven use and long-distance family travel in India’s premium SUV market.
Commenting on the launch, Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, said, “The arrival of the Kia Sorento represents a defining milestone in Kia India’s journey as we enter the premium three-row SUV for the first time. We are doing so with one of Kia’s most successful global nameplates, bringing Indian customers the most advanced Sorento yet. Built in India, for India, its arrival offers customers a compelling new choice in the segment, while also bringing two important firsts for Kia India — our first Hybrid offering and the global debut of Kia AI Assistant with Real-Time Generative AI capabilities with the India-spec Sorento. More than expanding our portfolio, Sorento reflects our commitment to bringing globally proven products and future-ready technologies to meet the evolving aspirations of Indian customers. We are confident that it will set a new benchmark for the segment and further strengthen Kia’s premium journey in India.”
A global nameplate reaches India
The Sorento has been part of Kia’s international portfolio for more than 24 years and four generations.
According to the automaker, more than 4.8 million Sorentos have been sold across 132 countries, making it one of Kia’s most successful SUV nameplates globally.
Its introduction in India therefore represents more than the addition of another model to Kia’s local range. The Sorento pushes the company into a more premium part of the SUV market while simultaneously introducing hybrid technology and a new generation of software-driven vehicle features.
Three trims and eight colours
Kia says the Sorento will be available in three base trims, each accompanied by an option pack, across both diesel and hybrid powertrains.
Eight monotone exterior colours will be available: Glacier White Pearl, Gravity Gray, Imperial Blue, Magma Red, Pewter Olive, Ivory Silver Gloss, Aurora Black Pearl and a matte Dark Gun Metal finish.
The Sorento will also introduce a Black Line trim to Kia’s Indian portfolio.
The Black Line receives darkened exterior treatment for elements including the Kia and Sorento badges, 19-inch alloy wheels, fender garnish and beltline detailing.
With prices starting below ₹30 lakh, local production, a choice of diesel and hybrid engines, AWD availability and a technology list stretching from ventilated second-row seats to generative AI, the Sorento substantially broadens Kia’s ambitions in India.
Its larger test, however, will begin beyond the specification sheet. India’s premium SUV buyer now expects space, technology, comfort and power in almost equal measure. The Sorento arrives with plenty of all four — and gives Kia its clearest opportunity yet to move further up the Indian automotive ladder.
Variant-wise Price (Ex-showroom):
| Powertrain | Seater | HTE | HTE(O) | HTK | HTK(A) | HTK(A) Black Line | HTX – AWD | HTX Black Line – AWD | HTX (A) – AWD | HTX(A) Black Line – AWD |
| Smartstream D2.2 8DCT | 7 Seater | 2,799,000 | 2,949,000 | 3,249,000 | 3,349,000 | 3,369,000 | 3,749,000 | 3,769,000 | 3,849,000 | 3,869,000 |
| 6 Seater | – | – | 3,269,000 | 3,369,000 | 3,389,000 | 3,769,000 | 3,789,000 | 3,869,000 | 3,889,000 | |
| Smartstream 1.6 Turbo GDI Hybrid 6AT | 7 Seater | 2,949,000 | 3,099,000 | 3,399,000 | 3,499,000 | 3,519,000 | 3,899,000 | 3,919,000 | 3,999,000 | 4,019,000 |
| 6 Seater | – | – | 3,419,000 | 3,519,000 | 3,539,000 | 3,919,000 | 3,939,000 | 4,019,000 | 4,039,000 |
