AutoThrust India
The latest car launches, in-depth reviews, variant price updates, and expert insights from India's roads.
Did you know?
Bugatti's Chiron has 16 cylinders and over 1,500 horsepower.
Did you know?
The first speeding ticket was issued in 1896 — the driver was doing 8 mph.
Kia India has been on a relentless offensive to establish itself as a dominant premium automaker in the subcontinent. Following the highly publicized launches of the flagship EV9 electric SUV and the ultra-luxurious fourth-generation Carnival limousine, the Korean carmaker is now preparing to capture the premium internal combustion engine (ICE) SUV segment.
According to exclusive information from our dealer sources, Kia has unofficially commenced pre-bookings for the highly anticipated Sorento SUV in India. This move signals a massive shake-up in the three-row premium SUV space, which has been historically dominated by established heavyweights. Positioned directly above the Seltos, the Sorento will arrive as the crown jewel of Kia India's ICE portfolio.
Our dealer network has confirmed that select dealerships across major metropolitan cities have quietly started accepting bookings for the Kia Sorento. Interested buyers can secure their priority queue position with a fully refundable token amount of Rs 25,000.
While Kia India has not officially opened its digital booking portal for the Sorento, dealer sources have strongly hinted that the official brand debut and price announcement will take place by late October. Delivering cars before the end of the festive season is said to be a high priority for the brand, giving early buyers the perfect opportunity to bring home this premium machine during an auspicious period.
The upcoming Kia Sorento embodies the brand's sophisticated 'Opposites United' design philosophy. The exterior represents a perfect marriage of rugged off-road capabilities and urban elegance. Upfront, the Sorento features a highly pronounced, wider 'Tiger Nose' grille finished in gloss black with intricate chrome detailing. This is flanked by sleek, vertically stacked LED projector headlamps reminiscent of the flagship EV9.
Signature Tiger Nose Grille: Features a dark metallic surround for a wider stance.
Star Map LED DRLs: Striking signature daytime running lights that wrap around the muscular hood line.
Dynamic Alloy Wheels: Chiseled 18-inch or 19-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Split LED Taillamps: Sleek, vertical split taillight clusters that give the rear profile a high-tech look.
Rugged Skids Plates: Silver-finished front and rear skid plates emphasizing its SUV credentials.
Step inside the Kia Sorento, and you are welcomed by an opulent, tech-laden cabin designed to pamper occupants across all three rows. The dashboard layout is dominated by a gorgeous dual-screen curved housing that integrates both the driver's display and the infotainment system. Soft-touch materials, brushed aluminum inserts, and customizable ambient lighting elevate the premium ambiance.
Kia will offer the Sorento in both 6-seater (featuring luxury captain seats in the second row) and 7-seater configurations to cater to different family needs.
Dual 12.3-inch Screens: Seamlessly integrated digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment.
Panoramic Sunroof: A massive dual-pane panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with natural light.
Ventilated & Heated Seats: Premium leather upholstery with multi-way power adjustment and memory functions.
Bose Premium Audio: A bespoke 12-speaker sound system tuned specifically for the Sorento's cabin acoustics.
Level 2 ADAS Suite: Comprehensive safety shield with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, auto emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
While global markets get multiple powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), Kia India is expected to play to its strengths. The Sorento in India is highly likely to offer the refined 2.2-litre Smartstream diesel engine, which is celebrated for its effortless torque delivery and highway efficiency. There is also strong speculation about a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol strong-hybrid engine making its way to India to appeal to eco-conscious buyers looking for low emissions and exceptional city fuel economy.
Engine Options: 2.2-litre Smartstream Diesel / 1.6-litre Turbo Petrol Hybrid
Transmission: 8-speed wet-clutch DCT / 6-speed Automatic
Maximum Power: ~190 bhp (Diesel) / ~227 bhp (Hybrid combined)
Peak Torque: 440 Nm (Diesel) / 350 Nm (Hybrid)
Drivetrain Layout: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with terrain modes
Seating Configuration: 6-seater and 7-seater options
Safety Equipment: 8 Airbags, ESC, Hill Descent Control, and 360-degree camera
To remain highly competitive, Kia India is expected to bring the Sorento via the Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) or Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route, assembling it at their state-of-the-art Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh. This will allow Kia to price the Sorento aggressively.
Industry experts project the Kia Sorento to be priced in the range of Rs 38 lakh to Rs 45 lakh (ex-showroom). At this price point, it will sit comfortably above the Seltos and Carens, acting as a highly premium yet accessible alternative to luxury badge offerings.
Upon launch, the Kia Sorento will face stiff competition in the Indian premium SUV space. Its primary rivals will include:
Skoda Kodiaq: The sophisticated European challenger known for its driving dynamics and clever features.
Hyundai Tucson: Sorento's cousin, which offers a futuristic look and a strong feature list in a slightly smaller footprint.
Jeep Meridian: The American-origin three-row SUV known for its robust ride quality and off-road capability.
Toyota Fortuner: The reigning king of segment sales, though Sorento will counter it with far superior technology, comfort, and refinement.
If you are in the market for a premium, tech-loaded, and highly comfortable three-row SUV that stands out from the traditional crowd, the Kia Sorento is absolutely worth the wait. With unofficial bookings already underway, putting down a refundable token of Rs 25,000 might just ensure you are among the very first in India to drive home this magnificent flagship SUV this festive season.
The Kia Sorento is expected to make its official debut and launch in India in late October, just in time for the festive season peak.
NewsOfficial data reveals Indian motorists were unknowingly using petrol with steadily increasing ethanol blends, long before E20 was formally announced. This quiet transition raises critical questions about transparency and its impact on your vehicle's performance and longevity.
NewsThe government has acknowledged that E20 petrol costs more to produce than regular petrol due to the additional expense of ethanol blending. Here's why it is more expensive, what the government says, and what it could mean for consumers
Select Kia India dealerships have unofficially opened pre-bookings for the Sorento SUV for a refundable token amount of Rs 25,000.
While official specs are yet to be revealed, the India-spec Sorento is highly expected to feature a 2.2-litre diesel engine or a 1.6-litre petrol hybrid powertrain.
The Kia Sorento is expected to be priced between Rs 38 lakh and Rs 45 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as Kia India's flagship ICE SUV.
