Kia India has officially confirmed the Sorento SUV for the Indian market, releasing its first teaser image on Tuesday that features a silhouetted cityscape hinting at the model’s name. The announcement validates months of speculation following multiple spy shots of the three-row SUV testing on Indian roads since November 2025. The Sorento will be Kia’s first hybrid vehicle in India and the brand’s first true 7-seater SUV sold in the country.autocarindia+2
While Kia has not revealed an official unveil or launch timeline, sources in the automotive industry indicate that the new Kia Sorento will arrive in India sometime between late August and October 2026. The model is likely to be brought into the country via the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route, meaning it will be locally assembled from imported kits at Kia’s Anantapur plant. The expected ex-showroom price ranges between ₹28 lakh and ₹45 lakh, depending on the variant and drivetrain configuration.autocarindia+3
Unofficial bookings for the Sorento have already commenced at select dealerships, with an amount of ₹25,000 being accepted as a tentative booking fee, according to dealer sources confirmed by Autocar India. The official launch is expected during the festive season in late 2026, with some dealer sources hinting at an October 2026 timeline.autocarindia+1
The 2026 Kia Sorento for India is expected to be powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor in a strong hybrid configuration. The petrol engine produces around 178 PS (177 hp) and 265 Nm of torque, while the electric motor adds approximately 65 PS (64 hp) and 250 Nm, taking the combined system output to around 243 PS (227-236 hp) and 380 Nm of torque. The SUV comes with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission as standard. Both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations are expected to be offered, with claimed fuel efficiency of around 14.8 kmpl for the FWD variant and 13.8 kmpl for the AWD version. A plug-in hybrid variant available in global markets is not expected for India at this stage.autocarindia+5
The Sorento measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,700 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,815 mm. This makes it longer than the Toyota Fortuner and most three-row SUVs in its segment, which should translate to better third-row legroom and more usable boot space with all seats in place. The SUV will be offered in 5-, 6-, and 7-seater configurations, making it the segment’s only model to offer three seating options, according to dealer sources.autocarindia+3
On the features front, the India-spec Sorento is expected to come equipped with a dual 12.3-inch curved display setup, with one screen for the driver’s instrument cluster and another for the infotainment system. The cabin will feature a rotary gear selector, a design cue commonly used in hybrids and EVs that helps keep the centre console clean and uncluttered. Expected features include a panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, a Bose 12-speaker premium audio system, and multi-zone automatic climate control.carwale+2
Kia is expected to offer its Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite on the Sorento in India. This includes lane keep assist, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Standard safety features are likely to include multiple airbags (up to 6), electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill start assist, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera. Global versions of the Sorento have earned a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, which is expected to carry over to the Indian version.news24online+3
The test mules spotted in India have been seen with minimal camouflage, indicating that the design is largely final and production-ready. The Sorento features an upright, boxy design with a tall roofline, wide rear, and long wheelbase. The front end features Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille, vertically positioned LED headlamps with Y-shaped LED DRLs that also function as turn indicators, and square wheel arches. At the rear, it gets wide connected LED tail lamps and a clean, broad tailgate. The test cars have been spotted with 19-inch alloy wheels that appear to have hybrid-specific styling.autocarindia+3
Once launched, the Sorento SUV will rival the Toyota Fortuner, MG Majestor, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, and the Jeep Meridian in the premium mid-size SUV segment. The Sorento’s entry brings a unique value proposition: hybrid efficiency combined with premium features and three-row practicality. At an expected price range of ₹28-45 lakh (ex-showroom), the Sorento will compete directly with top variants of the Fortuner and Kodiaq, while undercutting some of the more expensive European offerings.autocarindia+4
Kia confirmed the Sorento for India as part of its broader electrification roadmap, where it plans to have eight hybrid or electric models in the country by 2030. The Sorento is the first step in that plan. Road testing has been firmly underway since April 2026, which typically means a launch is somewhere between six and twelve months away.autocarindia+1
When contacted for comment, a Kia India spokesperson said: “We are excited to bring the Sorento to Indian customers. This vehicle represents our commitment to offering advanced technology, premium comfort, and efficient powertrains. More details will be shared closer to launch.” The company has not disclosed exact launch dates or pricing, but the teaser campaign signals that official announcements are imminent.news24online+1
With the first teaser now out and unofficial bookings underway, all eyes will be on Kia India’s official communications in the coming weeks. Expect a full reveal event, detailed specification sheets, and a formal booking launch to follow before the late 2026 window. For buyers in the market for a premium three-row SUV, the Sorento presents a compelling alternative to established names with its combination of hybrid efficiency, tech-loaded interiors, and competitive pricing.
