Kia Sorento India Launch Soon – Unofficial Booking Starts at ₹25,000

Kia Motors is gearing up to launch two new SUVs in the Indian market. One of them is the flagship Kia Sorento, and reports suggest that its unofficial pre-bookings have already begun at a token amount of ₹25,000. The car is expected to be revealed by the end of this month and officially launched in October 2026. The Sorento, which already enjoys a strong reputation globally, will be Kia's most premium internal combustion engine (ICE) SUV in India. It will be positioned above the Kia Carnival in terms of SUV appeal, and will compete with luxury SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and Jeep Meridian.

Engine and Powertrain
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Engine and Powertrain

The Kia Sorento is expected to come with a 1.6-litre strong hybrid turbo petrol engine. In global markets (like the UK), this engine produces:

238 bhp power

380 Nm torque

It is paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The car is available in both Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations in different markets, though it is still unclear which configuration India will receive.

In addition to the hybrid petrol engine, there is speculation that Kia may also offer a 2.2-litre diesel engine for the Indian market, but nothing has been confirmed yet. This would make the Sorento a strong competitor to diesel-powered SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner.

Seating Configurations
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Seating Configurations

One of the biggest highlights of the Sorento is that it is expected to be available in 5-seater, 6-seater, and 7-seater configurations. If this holds true, it will be the only SUV in its segment to offer such a wide range of seating options.

This flexibility makes the Sorento ideal for different buyer needs:

5-seater: For those who want maximum boot space

6-seater: With captain seats for enhanced comfort

7-seater: For large families

Dimensions and Design
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Dimensions and Design

Based on the global model, the Kia Sorento measures:

Length: 4,815 mm

Width: 1,900 mm

Height: 1,700 mm

Wheelbase: 2,815 mm

The design is bold and aggressive, with Kia's signature Tiger Nose grille, sleek LED headlamps with DRLs, and a muscular rear profile with connected LED taillamps. The large dimensions ensure a commanding road presence and ample interior space.

Features and Technology
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Features and Technology

The Kia Sorento is expected to be packed with premium features, including:

Dual 12.3-inch displays – one for the digital instrument cluster and another for the infotainment system

Panoramic sunroof

Front ventilated seats

Powered driver seat

Level 2 ADAS – including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring

360-degree camera

Wireless phone charger

Premium sound system (likely Bose or JBL)

Multi-zone automatic climate control

Smart key with push-button start
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Smart key with push-button start

The cabin is expected to feature premium materials like leather upholstery, soft-touch dashboards, and ambient lighting, making it a truly luxurious experience.

Expected Price and Competition
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Expected Price and Competition

The Kia Sorento's expected price range is ₹40 lakh to ₹50 lakh (ex-showroom). At this price, it will compete directly with:

Toyota Fortuner (₹33-48 lakh)

MG Gloster (₹37-43 lakh)

Jeep Meridian (₹29-37 lakh)

Ford Endeavour (if re-launched)

Skoda Kodiaq (₹37-41 lakh)

The Sorento's hybrid powertrain and premium features could give it an edge over its competitors, especially for buyers looking for a fuel-efficient yet powerful SUV.

Conclusion
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Conclusion

The Kia Sorento is set to be a game-changer in the premium SUV segment in India. With a powerful hybrid engine, premium features, multiple seating configurations, and advanced safety tech, it offers a compelling package for buyers looking for a luxury SUV experience. The expected price range of ₹40-50 lakh places it in the same league as the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster, but with a more modern and fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain.

If you're looking for a premium, feature-packed, and versatile SUV, the Kia Sorento is definitely worth waiting for. For more updates on car launches, reviews, and buying guides, stay connected to timesbull.com.