Kia Sorento revealed ahead of September 4 launch in India, production begins

Kia has revealed the Sorento ahead of its September 4 India launch, with local production underway. The premium three-row SUV gets hybrid and diesel powertrains, with the hybrid offering AWD.

Kia India has revealed the first official images of the Sorento ahead of its India launch on September 4, 2026. The premium three-row SUV will become Kia’s flagship model in India and mark the brand’s entry into the strong-hybrid SUV segment. Production of the India-spec Sorento has also commenced at Kia’s Anantapur manufacturing facility, with the first locally produced unit rolling off the assembly line.

The Sorento will be offered with both hybrid and diesel powertrains in India, with the hybrid version getting all-wheel drive (AWD). Kia has already opened pre-bookings for the SUV through its dealerships and official website.

Kia Sorento: Design and positioning

The Sorento brings Kia’s latest global SUV design language to India, with a bold front-end, upright proportions and a commanding SUV stance. The new-generation model is positioned as a premium family SUV and will sit above the Carnival in Kia’s India portfolio in terms of SUV positioning.

The India-spec Sorento will likely measure 4,815mm in length, 1,900mm in width and around 1,700mm in height, with a 2,815mm wheelbase. It is expected to be available in both six- and seven-seat configurations, with higher variants likely to feature second-row captain seats.

The cabin is expected to get a premium layout with a curved panoramic display housing twin 12.3-inch screens. Other expected highlights include a rotary gear selector, touch-sensitive climate controls, panoramic sunroof, premium upholstery, ventilated front and second-row seats, wireless smartphone charging, ambient lighting, a powered driver's seat and a Bose premium audio system.

Kia Sorento hybrid and diesel powertrains

The Sorento will be Kia India’s first strong-hybrid SUV and, importantly, the India-spec hybrid will be offered with AWD. Internationally, the Sorento Hybrid is available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

The India-spec model is expected to use a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain producing around 238-241bhp and 380Nm of combined torque. It is expected to be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Kia will also offer the Sorento with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, giving buyers a choice between hybrid and diesel powertrains. The engine produces around 202bhp and 441Nm in international specification and is expected to be paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, although India-specific output figures are yet to be confirmed.

Kia Sorento gets Live Generative AI

One of the biggest technology highlights of the India-spec Sorento will be Kia AI Assistant, powered by Live Generative AI. Kia says the Sorento launching in India will be the first Kia globally to introduce this technology and the first model in the company's global line-up to feature Live Generative AI.

Unlike conventional voice assistants, the system is designed to enable more natural, conversational interactions while providing access to real-time and continuously updated information. This will allow occupants to interact with the vehicle in a more personalised manner.

The SUV is also expected to feature a 360-degree camera, multiple airbags, hill descent control, electronic parking brake with auto hold and a Level 2 ADAS suite. Select variants could also get a head-up display and terrain drive modes.

Kia Sorento India launch and expected price

The Kia Sorento will be officially launched in India on September 4, 2026. With production already underway at Kia’s Anantapur plant, the SUV is being built locally for the Indian market.

The Sorento is expected to be priced from around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete in the premium three-row SUV segment against the likes of the Volkswagen Tayron, Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, MG Majestor and Jeep Meridian.

With a strong hybrid powertrain, AWD, a diesel option, six- and seven-seat layouts and Kia’s new-generation technology, the Sorento will give Kia a significantly more premium offering in the Indian SUV market.

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