Kia has launched the Sorento in India at a starting price of Rs 27.99 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as the brand's flagship internal combustion SUV alongside its existing hybrid and all-wheel-drive offerings. The SUV is offered across three primary trims — HTE, HTK, and HTX — with additional Convenience and ADAS packs, along with Black Line styling options, allowing buyers to further customize their configuration depending on budget and preference. The launch marks a significant step for Kia in India, as the Sorento sits above the brand's existing mass-market SUV lineup and is expected to compete with premium three-row rivals in the segment. The Sorento gives buyers a choice between a strong-hybrid petrol powertrain and a diesel engine, with an all-wheel-drive option available on higher variants.
The hybrid setup uses a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine paired with strong-hybrid technology, producing a combined output of 238PS and 380Nm through a 6-speed automatic gearbox, while the diesel version relies on a 2.2-litre turbocharged engine developing 202PS and 441Nm, mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. This dual-powertrain approach allows Kia to target both efficiency-focused buyers drawn to the hybrid setup and those seeking stronger torque and highway capability from the diesel option. Buyers can also choose between six- and seven-seat layouts depending on variant, giving the SUV flexibility for both larger families prioritizing carrying capacity and those seeking a more premium second-row experience with individual captain-style seating.
Starting with the base HTE trim, the Sorento already comes well-equipped, featuring multi-reflector LED headlamps with sequential turn indicators, skid plates, roof rails, and 18-inch alloy wheels — elements typically reserved for higher trims in rival SUVs. Inside, the HTE gets a semi-digital instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch display alongside a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone charging, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The driver's seat offers 10-way power adjustment with lumbar support, and the cabin includes paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. On the safety front, the base variant comes with seven airbags, a reverse camera, cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors, giving it a fairly comprehensive package even at the entry level.
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Moving up to the HTK trim, priced from around Rs 32.49 lakh, the Sorento adds projector LED headlamps, LED tail lamps, satin-finish skid plates, and larger 19-inch alloy wheels for a more premium visual presence. The instrument cluster is upgraded to a 12.3-inch fully digital unit, while the cabin gains a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, a dial-type gear selector, and 64-colour ambient lighting. Safety equipment sees a notable jump as well, with a 360-degree camera system, Blind View Monitor, side parking sensors, and LED fog lamps all included. Buyers can also opt for an additional ADAS package priced at around Rs 1 lakh, which brings 21 advanced driver-assistance features, including front collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance.
At the top of the range, the HTX trim, priced from roughly Rs 37.49 lakh, introduces an all-wheel-drive system with multiple terrain modes — including Snow, Mud, and Sand settings — allowing the SUV to better adapt to varied driving conditions. This variant also brings a host of convenience-oriented technology, including Digital Key 2.0, Remote Smart Parking Assist, built-in satellite navigation, AI-based voice commands, and a 220-volt power outlet for onboard charging needs. Comfort is further elevated with 10-way power-adjustable front seats featuring an "Ergo" massage-like function for the driver, while the second row gets ventilation and, in the six-seat configuration, wing-type headrests.
On the safety side, the HTX adds a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and up to 10 airbags, along with an optional ADAS package that introduces additional systems such as junction crossing and lane-change collision avoidance, evasive steering assist, and navigation-based smart cruise control. Taken together, the variant-wise breakdown reflects Kia's attempt to offer a wide spread of choices within a single model line, spanning powertrains, seating configurations, and technology packages. With pricing that starts competitively and scales up significantly toward the top-end AWD variants, the Sorento appears designed to appeal to a broad cross-section of buyers in India's growing premium SUV market, from those seeking a well-equipped entry-level family SUV to buyers looking for a more feature-loaded, all-wheel-drive flagship.
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