Kia Sorento Hybrid Teased For India, Official Pre-Bookings Begin

Kia India has teased the upcoming Sorento Hybrid, confirming that the premium three-row SUV will soon be launched in the country. The company has also started accepting official pre-bookings, making the Sorento Kia India's first hybrid SUV.

The Sorento is expected to be positioned above the Seltos and will become Kia's flagship SUV with an internal combustion engine in India. The SUV is also likely to be assembled locally, which could help Kia offer competitive pricing.

First Teaser Shows Exterior Design

The teaser gives a first look at the India-bound Sorento's front design. It features vertically stacked LED headlamps, slim LED daytime running lights and a wide front grille. The SUV also has a bold stance and sharp body lines, following Kia's latest global design language.

Kia has not shared the complete specifications yet. More details will be announced closer to the launch.

What To Expect From The Kia Sorento Hybrid?

The India-spec Kia Sorento Hybrid is expected to be largely based on the global model. The premium SUV measures 4,815 mm in length and is likely to be offered in 6-seat and 7-seat configurations. It is expected to be powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid engine producing 238 hp and 380 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Kia is yet to confirm whether the India-spec version will be available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Expected features include:

• Dual 12.3-inch displays
• Panoramic sunroof
• Ventilated front seats
• Powered driver's seat
• 360-degree camera
• Head-up display
• Electronic parking brake
• Rotary gear selector
• Level 2 ADAS

Expected Launch And Rivals

Kia is expected to launch the Sorento Hybrid before the Diwali festive season. Prices are likely to start at around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom), although the company has not revealed the official pricing yet. Once launched, the SUV will compete with the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron.

The Sorento Hybrid is also expected to attract buyers considering the higher variants of the Toyota Innova Hycross. Its launch will mark Kia's entry into India's premium hybrid SUV segment and further strengthen the brand's SUV portfolio, which already includes the Seltos, Sonet, Syros and Carens Clavis.

While the Sorento Hybrid heads toward launch, the Kia Carens Clavis CNG is also expected to arrive before Diwali.