Kia Sorento launched at Rs 27.99 lakh: Becomes brand's first hybrid AWD SUV

Kia has launched the Sorento in India, bringing a three-row SUV with strong-hybrid and diesel powertrains, six- and seven-seat options, and premium features.

Kia has introduced the Sorento in India, with prices starting at Rs 27.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV is locally assembled at Kia’s manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and will be available in both six- and seven-seat configurations.

The Sorento gets two powertrain choices in India, including a strong-hybrid petrol setup and a diesel engine. Both options can be specified with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Kia Sorento: Exterior design

The Sorento follows Kia’s latest design language, with a large interpretation of the brand’s signature Tiger-nose grille at the front. The grille is finished with a chrome surround and honeycomb detailing, while the vertically arranged LED headlamps feature Y-shaped daytime running lights.

The front bumper incorporates wide air openings, LED fog lamps and a silver-finished skid-plate-style element. In profile, the SUV has a tall, upright silhouette complemented by 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Black cladding around the wheel arches, roof rails, chrome window surrounds and additional chrome detailing on the front fenders add to its premium SUV appearance.

At the rear, the Sorento gets vertically oriented, L-shaped LED tail-lamps that wrap around the sides. The tailgate carries the Kia lettering in the centre, while the lower bumper houses dual exhaust outlets and another silver-finished skid-plate element.

Kia Sorento: Interior and features

Inside, the Sorento gets a choice of grey-and-black or beige-and-black cabin themes. The dashboard is dominated by a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. Kia has also added nine display themes based on Marvel, Disney and Pixar characters, allowing occupants to customise the interface.

Unlike some of Kia’s newer models, the Sorento does not get a separate 5-inch display for the climate controls. Instead, the functions are housed on a touch-sensitive panel below the infotainment screen, with physical-style rotary controls and a switch to alternate between climate and media functions.

The SUV is available as either a six-seater with second-row captain chairs or a seven-seater with a bench seat. The front seats feature 10-way power adjustment, ventilation and lumbar adjustment, while the co-driver gets a boss mode to create additional legroom for passengers behind. The second-row seats can be electrically folded, and the six-seat version also gets ventilation for the middle-row captain chairs.

Other equipment includes a 12-speaker Bose audio system, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, powered tailgate and wireless smartphone charging. Kia has also introduced real-time generative AI functionality in the Sorento, claimed to be a first for the model globally.

Kia Sorento: Engine and gearbox options

The highlight of the Sorento’s powertrain line-up is its 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid system. The petrol engine develops 180bhp and 265Nm of torque, while the electric motor adds 65bhp and 264Nm of torque. A 6-speed automatic gearbox handles transmission duties. Buyers can choose between FWD and AWD versions.

Kia also offers the SUV with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, producing 193bhp and 442Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and is available with both FWD and AWD.

The SUV comes with four driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport and Smart along with Snow, Sand and Mud terrain settings for AWD variants.

Safety equipment includes 10 airbags, a digital inside rear-view mirror, automated parking assistance, front and rear dashcams and Level 2+ ADAS.

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