Kia India teases its hybrid SUV, bookings open for brand's three-row SUV

Kia India has teased the Sorento ahead of its India launch, marking the brand's entry into the hybrid SUV segment. Bookings are now open for the premium three-row flagship SUV.

Kia India has officially teased the Sorento ahead of its India debut, confirming that the premium three-row SUV will become the brand's first hybrid offering in the country. The company has also commenced pre-bookings for the upcoming SUV through its dealerships and official website, with the launch expected in the coming weeks.

The Sorento will expand Kia's premium SUV portfolio in India and is expected to be positioned above the Seltos. Measuring close to 4.8 metres in length, the SUV will target buyers looking for a spacious three-row family vehicle while also marking Kia's entry into the mainstream hybrid SUV segment.

The teaser showcases the Sorento's upright stance, wide proportions and pronounced shoulder line, hinting at its imposing road presence. Up front, the SUV features a distinctive two-tier lighting signature with a striking illuminated LED graphic stretching across the front fascia, giving the India-spec model a modern and premium appearance.

Globally, the Sorento has been one of Kia's most successful models since its debut in 2002. Now in its fourth generation, the SUV has sold more than 4.8 million units across 132 countries and ranked among Kia's three best-selling models worldwide in 2024 and 2025. It has also earned several international accolades, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+, a five-star NHTSA safety rating and Car and Driver's Editors' Choice award.

While Kia has not yet disclosed the technical specifications for the India-bound model, the company has confirmed that the Sorento will be its first hybrid SUV in the country.

Internationally, the Sorento Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and available with all-wheel drive. However, the India-spec version is expected to receive a market-specific powertrain.

Industry expectations suggest the SUV could be equipped with a hybridised 1.5-litre petrol engine, potentially sharing its electrified powertrain with the next-generation Seltos Hybrid that is also under development. Kia is yet to officially confirm these details.

Expected to be priced between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom), the Sorento Hybrid will compete with premium three-row monocoque SUVs such as the Jeep Meridian and Skoda Kodiaq while also appealing to buyers looking for an efficient alternative to conventional petrol and diesel SUVs.

Kia says further details, including specifications, features and launch timeline, will be announced closer to the official launch. Until then, customers interested in the Sorento can place their bookings through Kia dealerships across India or via the company's official website.

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