Kia had been silently prepping a 3-row SUV with a hybrid powertrain for a while now
The Kia Sorento 3-row SUV has been spotted in India for the very first time. Sorento is a popular model from the Korean auto giant in many international markets. These include North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe. Hence, the Sorento moniker is known to many even in India. Still, Kia had no intentions of bringing it to our shores, until now. With the premium mid-size 3-row SUV segment expanding rapidly, we might even get yet another new product in this space. For now, let us delve into the details of the test mule.
New 7-seat Kia Sorento Spied in India
The images of the heavily camouflaged SUV have been circulating on the internet. We see an SUV with a large footprint, which indicates a long wheelbase. Additionally, the 19-inch elegant dual-tone alloy wheels are clearly visible in these images. Apart from that, it looks like the SUV is carrying the latest design philosophy from Kia with prominent LED DRLs at the front, along with LED headlamps and a sporty bumper. A few news reports even claim that a brief glimpse on the inside revealed a dual 12.3-inch display setup – one for the infotainment system and one for the driver’s instrument cluster. Being a Kia, it goes without saying that the cabin with be loaded with features to the brim.
Expected Specs
This is where things get a bit exciting. In the international markets, there are multiple powertrains under the bonnet of the Kia Sorento. This includes a 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid and a 1.6-litre turbo petrol with plug-in hybrid setup generating 238 hp and 288 hp of peak power, respectively. However, the Indian-spec version could borrow the engines from the upcoming new-gen Seltos. This could mean that the 1.5-litre NA petrol engine with a hybrid configuration and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with manual and automatic transmissions. In any case, it is too early to know anything for sure.
My View
Kia is one of the most successful foreign carmakers in the country ever. Its products have represented affordable luxury, which has been their USP since the beginning. With the Sorento, Kia could once again aim to achieve something truly remarkable by offering multiple vehicles in the same segment as it already sells the Carens Clavis siblings. Let us keep an eye out for more details as and when they emerge.
Editor’s Note
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
Having observed Kia’s rise in India from day one, the Sorento’s appearance on our roads is a strong hint that the brand is eyeing the premium three-row space more seriously. This segment has heated up quickly with buyers now willing to pay for comfort, tech and hybrid powertrains, and Kia knows how to position itself in that sweet spot of “accessible premium.” If the India-spec Sorento gets the right feature mix and a hybrid option, it could slot in neatly above the Carens without cannibalising it. It’s still early, but this could be Kia’s next big play in the ₹20-30 lakh bracket.
Also Read: 6 New SUVs Coming to India in 3 Months – Mahindra XEV 9S to Kia Seltos
