When we first saw the Kia Sorento at its India launch, it was clear that Kia wanted this SUV to feel different from its usual offerings. The Sorento sits above the familiar Kia SUVs and brings a bigger cabin, three rows of seats, two engine choices and an AWD option.
We got a closer look at the India-spec Sorento in our walkaround. There is plenty to see, from the large screens inside the cabin to the premium second row and the useful third row.
The Sorento is priced from Rs 27.99 lakh, going up to Rs 40.39 lakh (ex-showroom). It is offered in six- and seven-seat versions, depending on the variant.
A Big SUV With A Smart Design
The Sorento has a tall and upright shape, which gives it a strong road presence. The front gets Kia’s familiar Tiger Nose grille, along with vertically stacked projector headlamps. The exterior also gets:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Progressive turn indicators
- LED tail lamps
- Bridge-style roof rails
- Roof spoiler
- Hidden rear wiper
- LED fog lamps
The SUV measures 4,815mm long, with a 2,815mm wheelbase. It is 1,900mm wide and 1,785mm tall.
The Cabin Feels Properly Premium
Once we step inside, the twin-screen layout immediately catches attention. Higher variants get dual 12.3-inch displays, giving the dashboard a clean and modern appearance.
The equipment list includes:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Digital instrument cluster
- 12-speaker Bose sound system
- Powered and ventilated front seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless phone charger
- Smart powered tailgate
- Head-up display on higher variants
The top HTX version also gets a Digital Key, a digital inside rear-view mirror and front & rear dashcams.
Seating Configurations
Kia is offering two seating layouts. The six-seat model gets captain’s chairs in the second row, giving passengers more individual space. The seven-seat version uses a second-row bench.
We also get a closer look at the third row. It is an important part of the Sorento because buyers in this segment will want all three rows to be useful.
The higher variants also get ventilated second-row seats, adding extra comfort for passengers sitting behind the driver.
Two Engines For India
Kia has given the Sorento two powertrain choices.
| Powertrain | Output | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|
| 2.2-litre Diesel | 193 PS / 442 Nm | 8-speed DCT |
| 1.6-litre Strong Hybrid | 180 PS petrol + 65 PS motor | 6-speed automatic |
The hybrid produces 265 Nm of torque according to Kia’s specifications. AWD is available with the higher HTX variants, adding more flexibility for buyers who want extra traction.
Plenty Of Technology
The Sorento gets a long list of convenience features. These include Kia Connect 2.0, over-the-air updates, remote parking assistance, a powered tailgate and a 220V inverter.
The top version also gets Kia’s Generative AI assistant, which can handle voice-based requests and conversations.
Safety Gets A Long Equipment List
Safety equipment varies by variant, but the Sorento can be equipped with up to 10 airbags and a large ADAS package. Key safety features include:
- Level 2+ ADAS
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- 360-degree camera
- Blind-view monitor
- Five radars
- Electronic stability control
- Multi-collision braking
- Hill-hold and hill-descent control
- ISOFIX mounts for the second and third rows
The HTX gets the most extensive safety package, with 10 airbags and up to 30 ADAS functions with the optional package.
Prices And Variants
The Sorento is sold in HTE, HTK and HTX trims. The entry-level HTE is offered as a seven-seater, while HTK and HTX can be specified with six or seven seats.
The range starts at Rs 27.99 lakh and reaches Rs 40.39 lakh for the top hybrid version.
Verdict
After spending time around the India-spec Sorento, we feel Kia has packed a lot into this SUV. The choice of diesel and hybrid engines, six- and seven-seat layouts, AWD and the long feature list give buyers plenty to consider.
The Sorento now enters a busy premium SUV space with names such as the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq and Mahindra XUV 7XO. Its biggest strength could be the combination of space, technology and powertrain choices.