Kia has officially revealed the India-spec New Kia Sorento ahead of its launch on 4th September 2026. It will become the Korean brand’s new flagship ICE model in India offering three rows of seating along with strong-hybrid and diesel powertrains. The hybrid version will also get all-wheel drive (AWD) giving it a unique position in the segment. Another highlight is Kia’s AI assistant which will make its global debut with the India-spec Sorento.
- Sorento to get strong-hybrid and diesel powertrains
- Features to include ADAS powered tailgate and 360-degree camera
- Kia’s first hybrid and three-row ICE SUV for India
Kia has started the production of Sorento at its Anantapur plant in Andhra Pradesh. With a high level of localization the new New Kia Sorento is expected to be priced around Rs 30 lakh-35 lakh (ex-showroom). This will be Kia’s first hybrid as well as its first three-row petrol SUV in the Indian market.
New Kia Sorento exterior design
The current generation Sorento has been sold internationally since 2023 so it does not feature Kia’s newer and more polarising ‘Opposites United’ design seen on models such as the latest Seltos. Instead it gets a similar SUV look with Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille tall LED headlamps and Y-shaped LED DRLs.
The front bumper features a wide central air intake LED fog lamps and vertical aero vents on either side. Kia has not revealed the wheel size but the dual-tone alloy wheels are expected to be in 19 inch units.
From the side the Kia Sorento gets satin-finish trim on the front fenders and a chrome window surround that tapers towards the rear. The rear design has squarish tail lamps with an inverted L shaped LED pattern a large roof spoiler and a two tone bumper.
The dimensions are expected to remain similar to the global model. The dimensions of the care are 4,815 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,700 mm in height with a 2,815 mm wheelbase.
New Kia Sorento Interior and features
The Sorento’s cabin shares plenty of similarities with some of Kia’s newer models already sold in India. A connected screen setup houses the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. Interestingly Kia has skipped the third HVAC display found in the Seltos and Syros. Screen sizes have not been confirmed yet but both are expected to measure 12.3 inches.
The dashboard follows a layered design with a slim AC vent strip running across it. Kia’s familiar dual-purpose control panel handles both climate and media functions. Based on our experience with similar Hyundai-Kia systems it is simple to use and feels more convenient than haptic touch controls.
The centre console houses a wireless charging pad chunky grab handles and a rotary-style drive selector with a knurled finish. The cabin also used soft-touch surfaces and premium materials.
From the official images we observed other features including ADAS functions, ventilated front seats with massage function, a digital IRVM, powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a 360 degree camera and panoramic sunroof.
The Sorento is also expected to be available with both six- and seven-seat layouts.
Also read: Tata Sierra EV Review
New Kia Sorento powertrain options
Kia has revealed two engine options for Indian market: a strong hybrid powertrain with AWD and a diesel engine.
The hybrid setup uses a 1.6 litre 4 cylinder engine and produces 238 hp and 380 Nm. The diesel version gets a 2.0 litre engine producing 202 hp and 441 Nm with the same unit also used in the Kia Carnival. Both versions are expected to be launched with automatic gearboxes.
The hybrid AWD setup will give the Sorento an edge in this segment while the diesel option could appeal to buyers who prefer the similar features of a diesel powered SUV.
The new Kia Sorento will compete with Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron and Jeep Meridian. Bookings had already been open with prices set to be announced officially on September 4 launch.
