Kia Sorento Launched in India at ₹27.99 Lakh: Diesel and Hybrid Options, World-First AI Assistant

Kia India has launched its global flagship, the three-row Sorento SUV, in India. This is the 4th generation of the Kia Sorento, which is already available in 132 countries and has sold 4.8 million units globally. According to Gwanggu Lee, MD & CEO, Kia India, the Sorento redefines the concept of an SUV. The company is bringing it here to address India’s fast-growing demand for premium cars, and increasing market segmentation.

Production of the India-spec Kia Sorento has begun at the company’s Anantapur plant, and bookings opened last month. The company says it has tuned the SUV’s suspension, ride, and steering specifically for India. In a world-first, the company is also launching a hands-free real-time generative AI voice assistant on the Sorento in India.

The company also announced a hybrid Kia Carnival, a factory-fitted CNG option for the Carens MPV, and a Syros Flex Fuel showcase at its launch event today, all part of its multi-pronged strategy to achieve 7.6 percent market share in India by 2030.

Kia Sorento prices in India and variants

The Kia Sorento is available in diesel and petrol hybrid powertrain options, in nine variants and two seat layout configurations. Prices begin at ₹27,99,000 (ex-showroom) in India and go up to ₹40,39,000.

Kia Sorento design

The company’s “Opposites United” design philosophy gives the Sorento a sense of “futuristic boldness” with a distinctive commanding road presence. Design elements include upright headlamp modules with crystal cube LED projectors, on the company’s signature “digital tiger face” aesthetic. There’s an integrated rear spoiler with wiper, 19-inch premium crystal cut alloy wheels, and black high gloss roof rails. The Black Line variants feature darkened exterior elements.

The SUV measures 4.8m long with a 2.8m wheelbase, 1.78m tall, and 1.9m wide, making it the longest and widest in its segment. The company promises interior comfort in all three rows.

Eight colour options will be available: Gravity Gray, Glacier White Pearl, Imperial Blue, Aurora Black Pearl, Pewter Olive, Dark Gun Metal, Ivory Silver, and Magma Red. There are also two interior colour options, Smoky Black and Grey Two-Tone for a calm and minimal look, or Premium Black and Olive Brown Two-Tone for warmth and richer natural tones.

Kia Sorento features

Second-row captain seats feature ventilation with three-step adjustment, slide, and wing-shaped headrests. The front row gets 10-way power-adjustable seats, with lumbar adjustment, and the driver’s seat has an Ergo Motion function to combat fatigue. The last row can be folded remotely.

A head-up display helps drivers keep their eyes on the road. The Kia Sorento also has a panoramic curved dashboard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display and 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. In another first, Kia offers nine downloadable themes with licensed Marvel, Disney and Pixar graphics. These themes sync across the car displays and also include welcome animations.

Digital Key 2.0 lets owners use their smartphone as a key. There’s also remote smart parking assist and remote immobilisation. The powered anti-pinch tailgate’s opening height and speed can be adjusted.

The Sorento also has a premium Bose sound system with 12 speakers. The Kia Assistant feature has been developed in partnership with Perpexity and SoundHound AI. It lets users get news and updates as well as ask about car features using the “Hey Kia” voice command.

Kia Sorento specifications and performance

Buyers will have a choice between hybrid and diesel powertrains, for flexibility based on whether they prioritise running cost or range. Kia says this is the first hybrid AWD in its segment.

The Hybrid Smartstream 1.6L Turbo GDi engine can produce 180 PS of power with 265 Nm torque, and the electric motor offers 65 PS and 264 Nm. There’s a six-speed automatic transmission. The two power plants are engineered together with a single control system that decides on the fly which one carries the load, and when to run both together. Kia promises no hesitation whatsoever during shifts, and there’s even a virtual engine sound in electric mode. The hybrid version even has a standard three-pin 220V AC power outlet in the cabin, allowing users to plug small devices in and run them off the car's battery.

The diesel Smartstream 2.2 litre engine delivers 193 PS power and 442 Nm torque, and is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Drivers get multiple drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, which adapts to how you drive. There are also different terrain modes for Snow, Mud, and Sand for better confidence.

The Sorento has MacPherson struts with multi-link suspension and a hydraulic rebound stopper for more comfortable rides. It also has an acoustically treated windshield and all components are tuned for noise and vibration reduction.

Kia Sorento safety

Built on the global N3 platform, the Sorento’s body is reinforced with hot-stamped ultra-high-strength steel across 67 percent of its structure. It comes with 26 standard safety features including 10 airbags, which Kia says is the best in its segment. There’s L2+ ADAS with 30 features. This SUV also has 12 parking sensors, five radars, hill descent control, and segment-first multi collision braking.

There’s navigation-based smart cruise control, a digital HD IRVM for visibility even when the boot space is full, and integrated front and rear dashcams.

Kia Sorento rivals in India

The Kia Sorento will go up against the MG Majestor, Volkswagen Tayron R-Line, Škoda Kodiaq, Jeep Meridian, and Toyota Fortuner in the premium three-row SUV segment in India.