New Sorento launch expected by September-October 2026 It is likely to come with hybrid and diesel engine options
As Kia officially announced its new SUV, the Sorento 7-Seat, buyer interest is growing around its hybrid powertrain, seating options, dimensions and launch timeline.
Here are the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers regarding the upcoming Kia Sorento:
Q1. When will the Kia Sorento launch in India?
The new Sorento 3-row SUV is expected to be launched in India around September-October 2026. Kia is targeting the festive season, that’s Diwali for the launch of the new flagship hybrid SUV.
Q2. Have bookings opened for the Kia Sorento?
Yes, unofficial bookings for the new SUV have already commenced at select Kia dealerships in India with token amounts staring around Rs 50,000. However, Kia is yet to announce official bookings for the new SUV.
Q3. What is the expected price of the Kia Sorento?
The new Sorento will be locally assembled in India. We expect the new 3-row SUV to be priced somewhere around Rs 28 lakh to Rs 38 lakh, ex-showroom, depending on the powertrain and drive configuration.
Q4. Will the Kia Sorento offer a Strong Hybrid engine?
Yes, the new-gen Kia Sorento will be offered with a strong hybrid powertrain. It is likely to get the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol strong hybrid powertrain, paired with an electric motor to deliver smooth city driving and higher efficiency. Previous media reports claim that the new SUV could get the locally developed 1.5L Strong hybrid engine, which will also power the next-gen Creta and Kia Seltos.
Q5. What other engine options will be available?
Alongside the 1.6-litre strong hybrid setup, Kia is expected to introduce a 2.2-litre CRDi turbo diesel engine with the new Sorento. This engine is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Q6. Does the Sorento feature All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?
Yes, the higher-spec variants of the SUV is likely to get an AWD system with multiple terrain modes - Snow, Mud and Sand - alongside the standard front-wheel-drive setup.
Q7. What is the expected mileage of the Sorento Hybrid?
Thanks to its self-charging hybrid tech, the Kia Sorento hybrid is expected to return a certified fuel economy of around 16 to 20 kmpl.
Q8. Is the Kia Sorento a 6-seater or a 7-seater?
The Sorento will be offered in both 6-seater and 7-seater configurations. The 6-seater version features second-row captain seats with individual armrests, while the 7-seater model gets a 60:40 split second-row bench seat.
Q9. How big is the Kia Sorento compared to rivals?
In terms of size, the global-spec Kia Sorento is 4815mm long, 1900mm wide and 1700mm tall. The SUV rides on a 2815mm long wheelbase. Compared to the XUV 7XO, the Sorento is 120mm longer, 10mm wider and 55mm shorter. In fact, its wheelbase is around 65mm longer than the XUV 7XO.
Q10. What premium features will be included in the cabin?
Dual 12.3-inch panoramic curved displays
Infotainment unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Digital instrument console
Built-in navigation
Wireless phone charger
Bose sound system
Dual-zone climate control
Heads-Up Display (HUD)
LEVEL 2 ADAS tech with features
Multiple Airbags
Traction control system
Vehicle stability management
Electronic stability control
Hill start assist and hill descent control
360-degree surround view camera
Q11. Where does the Sorento sit in Kia’s SUV lineup?
The new Kia Sorento will be a 7-seater SUV, which will be positioned between the Seltos and Carnival MPV in the country.
Q12. Which vehicles directly compete with the Kia Sorento?
The new Sorento will directly rival the top-end variants of the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari. It will also challenge the lower-spec variants of the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron and Toyota Fortuner.
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