Kia India has officially started customer deliveries of the Kia Sorento, marking an important milestone for the South Korean automaker in the Indian market. The premium three-row SUV was launched in India on September 4, 2026, and is Kia’s first hybrid passenger vehicle in the country.
With an introductory price range of ₹27.99 lakh to ₹40.39 lakh (ex-showroom), the Sorento enters India’s premium three-row SUV segment with a choice of strong-hybrid and diesel powertrains, six- and seven-seat layouts, and all-wheel-drive capability on selected variants.
Kia Sorento Price in India
The new Kia Sorento is available in multiple variants, giving buyers several combinations of powertrain, seating and equipment.
The introductory prices start at:
- Kia Sorento Diesel: ₹27.99 lakh onwards
- Kia Sorento Hybrid: ₹29.49 lakh onwards
- Top-end variant: up to ₹40.39 lakh
All prices are ex-showroom and may change after the introductory pricing period.
The Sorento is available in HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK(A), HTX and HTX(A) trims, depending on powertrain and configuration.
Hybrid Debut for Kia in India
The biggest highlight of the Sorento is its 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid powertrain.
The hybrid system combines a 180 PS turbo-petrol engine with a 65 PS electric motor. Combined specifications include up to 265 Nm from the petrol engine and 264 Nm from the electric motor. The hybrid setup is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This makes the Sorento particularly interesting in India’s premium SUV market, where buyers traditionally have had fewer strong-hybrid three-row options.
Kia has also offered the hybrid with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, depending on the variant.
Diesel Engine Also Available
For buyers who still prefer diesel power, the Sorento gets a 2.2-litre diesel engine.
The diesel powertrain produces approximately 193 PS and 442 Nm of torque and is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (8DCT). Higher variants also get AWD capability.
This gives customers a choice between hybrid efficiency and the strong torque characteristics of a diesel SUV.
Six- and Seven-Seat Options
The Kia Sorento is designed as a family-focused premium SUV and is available in both six- and seven-seat configurations.
The six-seat version gets captain seats in the second row, providing a more premium and spacious experience for passengers.
The second row also gets sliding, reclining and walk-in functions, while the third row can be folded to increase luggage space.
Premium Features
Kia has equipped the Sorento with a long list of comfort and technology features.
Depending on the variant, highlights include:
- 12.3-inch HD touchscreen
- 12.3-inch digital instrument display
- Panoramic curved display
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- 10-way driver’s power seat
- Smart power tailgate
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
- Wireless charging
- Bose 12-speaker audio system
- Ambient lighting
- 360-degree camera
- Kia Connect connected-car technology
- OTA software updates
The higher variants also get 19-inch alloy wheels and premium interior equipment.
Advanced Safety and ADAS
Safety is another major area where Kia has loaded the Sorento with technology.
The SUV gets Level 2 ADAS with 21 autonomous features on higher variants. These systems are designed to assist the driver with functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane-related assistance and emergency braking.
Other safety equipment includes:
- Up to 7 airbags
- 360-degree camera
- Blind View Monitor
- Parking sensors
- Electronic stability control
- Multiple active safety systems
- Kia’s 26-feature standard safety package on applicable variants
Kia’s official specifications list 8 parking sensors, while higher versions receive a 360-degree camera and up to 12 parking sensors.
Locally Produced in India
The Sorento is not simply an imported SUV for the Indian market. Kia has started production at its Anantapur manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh.
Local production has helped Kia position the Sorento competitively in India’s premium SUV segment while also supporting the company’s wider strategy of introducing more electrified vehicles in the country.
Kia Sorento Rivals
The Sorento enters a competitive premium SUV segment.
Its rivals and alternatives include models such as:
- Skoda Kodiaq
- Volkswagen Tayron
- Jeep Meridian
- Toyota Fortuner
However, the Sorento’s strong-hybrid option gives it a significant point of differentiation. Autocar India notes that the Sorento is currently unique among these competitors for offering a strong-hybrid powertrain in this segment.
Why the Sorento Is Important for Kia
The Sorento represents more than just another SUV launch for Kia India.
It marks the company’s entry into the hybrid passenger vehicle market and gives Indian customers another alternative to conventional petrol and diesel SUVs.
The company is also planning a broader electrified portfolio for India, with its global strategy indicating additional hybrid models for the Indian market in the coming years.
Final Verdict
The Kia Sorento brings a combination of premium three-row practicality, strong-hybrid technology, diesel performance, AWD capability and advanced safety features to the Indian market.
Starting at ₹27.99 lakh, it is aggressively positioned for a premium SUV, while the ₹29.49 lakh starting price of the hybrid makes electrified technology accessible without moving into the luxury-car price bracket.
For buyers looking for a feature-loaded family SUV, the Sorento’s six- and seven-seat options are attractive. For those wanting better electrification and smoother urban driving, the hybrid version could be the most interesting variant.
BharatPedia Verdict: The Kia Sorento could become a strong challenger in India’s premium three-row SUV market, particularly because it combines a strong-hybrid powertrain with Kia’s technology-rich cabin and ADAS package.
Before booking, check the latest variant-wise price, waiting period, discounts, insurance and on-road price at your nearest Kia dealership.
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