Kia is all set to launch the new Sorento SUV in India tomorrow. The 7-seater SUV was unveiled recently in India, and production has already started at Kia’s Anantapur plant. A few units have also been spotted at dealerships without camouflage, giving buyers a better look at the SUV before the price announcement.
The Sorento will sit above the Seltos in Kia’s Indian range. It will also bring something new for the brand here, as this will be Kia India’s first hybrid model. Along with the hybrid, buyers will also get a diesel engine.
Big SUV with a familiar Kia face
The Sorento has a tall and upright design. The front gets a large Tiger Nose grille, vertically placed projector headlamps and L-shaped LED DRLs. The bumper also gets a wide air intake and skid plate.
Some of the main exterior bits include:
- Large dual-tone alloy wheels
- Roof rails and shark-fin antenna
- Flush-style door handles
- Vertical LED tail-lamps
- Roof spoiler with high-mounted stop lamp
- Contrast skid plates
- Chrome window surrounds
The SUV measures 4,815mm in length, 1,900mm in width and has a 2,815mm wheelbase.
Cabin gets plenty of equipment
The Sorento gets a three-row cabin with a connected dual-screen layout. Both the infotainment and driver display are expected to use 12.3-inch screens.
Kia has also added several comfort features, including ventilated front seats, powered seat adjustment, a panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate. The second row can get comfort headrests and sunshades, while higher variants are expected to offer captain seats.
Other features include:
- Wireless phone charging
- Dual-zone climate control
- Ambient lighting
- Bose sound system
- Kia Connect
- Kia AI Assistant
- Auto-dimming inside mirror
- 360-degree camera
- Keyless entry and push-button start
The SUV is expected to be sold in six- and seven-seat versions.
Hybrid and diesel engines
The biggest news is under the bonnet. Kia will offer the Sorento with two engine choices.
| Engine | Power | Torque | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6-litre Strong Hybrid | 238hp combined | 380Nm combined | 6-speed automatic | AWD |
| 2.2-litre Diesel | 202hp | 441Nm | 8-speed automatic | FWD/AWD |
The hybrid uses a petrol engine, electric motor and battery pack. It will be Kia India’s first hybrid powertrain. The diesel option will appeal to buyers who still prefer a conventional SUV setup.
Safety is also a major part
Kia is giving the Sorento a long list of safety equipment. Level 2 ADAS will be offered with features such as:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assist
- Lane-departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Highway driving assistance
A 360-degree camera, electronic stability control, multiple airbags and parking sensors will also be part of the package.
Price and rivals
The Kia Sorento is expected to be priced around Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom). Since the SUV is being locally produced, Kia has room to keep the pricing competitive.
Its rivals will include the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron and Jeep Meridian. It will also face competition from newer SUVs such as the MG Majestor and recently launched MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV.