Kia India has finally launched the new Sorento in the country. The 7-seater SUV was showcased recently in India and has now entered the market with a starting price of Rs 27.99 lakh, ex-showroom. It is also available with a 6-seat layout on selected variants.
The Sorento brings something different to Kia’s SUV range. Buyers can pick between a strong-hybrid petrol engine and a diesel motor. There is also an AWD option on higher variants. With a long list of features and plenty of space, the Sorento sits above the Seltos and below the Carnival in Kia’s lineup.
Kia Sorento Price And Variants
The SUV is sold in HTE, HTE(O), HTK and HTX trims. Black Line versions are also available on selected variants.
| Variant | Petrol Hybrid 7-Seater | Petrol Hybrid 6-Seater | Diesel 7-Seater | Diesel 6-Seater |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HTE | Rs 27.99 lakh | – | Rs 29.49 lakh | – |
| HTE(O) | Rs 29.49 lakh | – | Rs 30.99 lakh | – |
| HTK | Rs 32.49 lakh | Rs 32.69 lakh | Rs 33.99 lakh | Rs 34.19 lakh |
| HTK(A) | Rs 33.49 lakh | Rs 33.69 lakh | Rs 34.99 lakh | Rs 35.19 lakh |
| HTK(A) Black Line | Rs 33.69 lakh | Rs 33.89 lakh | Rs 35.19 lakh | Rs 35.39 lakh |
| HTX AWD | Rs 37.49 lakh | Rs 37.69 lakh | Rs 38.99 lakh | Rs 39.19 lakh |
| HTX Black Line AWD | Rs 37.69 lakh | Rs 37.89 lakh | Rs 39.19 lakh | Rs 39.39 lakh |
| HTX(A) AWD | Rs 38.49 lakh | Rs 38.69 lakh | Rs 39.99 lakh | Rs 40.19 lakh |
| HTX(A) Black Line AWD | Rs 38.69 lakh | Rs 38.89 lakh | Rs 40.19 lakh | Rs 40.39 lakh |
Two Engine Choices
Kia has given the Sorento two very different powertrain options. The petrol version uses a 1.6-litre turbo engine with strong-hybrid technology. It makes a combined 238PS and 380Nm and gets a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
The diesel version uses a 2.2-litre turbocharged engine. It develops 202PS and 441Nm and is paired with an 8-speed DCT.
Powertrain details
1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid
- 238PS and 380Nm
- 6-speed automatic gearbox
2.2-litre turbo diesel
- 202PS and 441Nm
- 8-speed DCT
- FWD and AWD options available
The hybrid powertrain is one of the interesting parts of the new SUV, as Kia is offering strong-hybrid technology with an AWD option.
A Big SUV With A Bold Look
The Sorento measures 4,815mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,785mm tall. It has a 2,815mm wheelbase.
The front gets Kia’s Tiger Nose grille along with vertically stacked LED headlamps and Y-shaped DRLs. The SUV also gets roof rails, black body cladding and 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels on higher versions.
At the rear, the vertical LED tail lamps continue the design theme. A roof spoiler, rear wiper and dual exhaust outlets are also present.
Kia offers the SUV in several colours, including white, grey, blue, black, green, silver and red.
Cabin Gets Plenty Of Equipment
There is a lot happening inside the Sorento. Higher versions get two 12.3-inch screens for the driver and infotainment system. The cabin can also be specified with black-and-grey or black-and-brown themes.
Some of the main features include:
- 12.3-inch digital instrument display
- 12.3-inch infotainment screen
- Panoramic sunroof
- 12-speaker Bose audio system
- Ventilated front seats
- Ventilated second-row seats on higher variants
- 10-way powered driver’s seat
- Head-up display
- Powered tailgate
- Wireless phone charger
- Ambient lighting
- Digital key
- Kia Connect 2.0
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The SUV also gets Kia’s generative AI voice assistant. It lets occupants use natural voice commands for different functions and information.
Six Or Seven Seats
There are two seating layouts to choose from. The 7-seater gets a regular second-row bench, giving space for one more passenger.
The 6-seater has captain seats in the second row. This version should be more comfortable for passengers who spend more time in the middle row.
Boot space stands at 179 litres with all three rows being used. Folding the rear seats increases the available space to as much as 1,996 litres.
Safety Equipment
Safety equipment changes with the variant. The HTE gets seven airbags and a 26-feature safety package. Higher versions can get up to 10 airbags.
The top variants also offer Level 2+ ADAS with up to 30 features. Other equipment includes surround-view monitoring, blind-view monitoring, front and rear dashcams and remote parking assistance.
ISOFIX mounts are available for the second and third rows, which will be useful for families with young children.
Sorento Rivals
The Kia Sorento enters a busy premium SUV space. Its rivals include the Toyota Fortuner, MG Majestor, Skoda Kodiaq, Jeep Meridian and Volkswagen Tayron.
The combination of a hybrid engine, diesel option, six or seven seats and AWD gives buyers plenty of choices.