Kia plans local Sorento production in India with hybrid powertrain expected
Kia appears to be preparing a major strategic step in the Indian market with the Sorento, expected to join the brand’s premium portfolio later this year. While the model has been under evaluation for some time, new information suggests that Kia may manufacture the Sorento in India rather than assembling it from imported kits.
Local manufacturing plan
Kia is planning full-scale production of the Sorento at its Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh. This would mark a shift from its current approach to premium models, as the Carnival continues to arrive as CKD (completely knocked down) kits for local assembly. In contrast, the Sorento would reportedly roll out from the main production line used for mass-market models like the Seltos, Sonet and Carens.
To accommodate the new flagship SUV, updates to welding points, body dimensions, stamping processes and paint lines have been made at the site. Full localisation could also allow Kia to tailor the SUV for India, potentially including minor styling adjustments or even a unique model name.
Product positioning and scale
Globally, the Sorento is positioned as a three-row premium SUV and measures roughly 4.8m in length, close to 1.9m in width and around 1.7m in height, with a wheelbase of approximately 2815 mm. If introduced with similar dimensions, it would become Kia India’s largest internal combustion SUV, sitting above the Seltos in the portfolio. Internally, the company is believed to be targeting around 50,000 units annually, suggesting aggressive volume intentions enabled by local manufacturing.
Practicality is expected to mirror the global model, which offers three rows of seating and flexible boot space expanding from approximately 190 litres with all seats up to nearly 2000 litres with the second and third rows folded.
Expected powertrain and rivals
The India-spec Sorento is likely to feature a self-charging hybrid powertrain based on Hyundai-Kia’s 1.5-litre petrol engine, with an all-wheel-drive variant under consideration. A plug-in hybrid version is unlikely at launch. This setup would position the SUV as an alternative to models such as the Toyota Innova Hycross and its Maruti Suzuki counterpart, which similarly emphasise hybrid technology along with comfort and cabin space.
Launch outlook
Test mules have already been spotted in India, and pricing is expected to fall in the Rs. 30-40 lakh range if localisation efforts go ahead as planned. Such pricing would place the Sorento in an uncommon space for a fully localised premium hybrid SUV, potentially making it one of Kia’s most ambitious products for the market. A launch is anticipated later in the year, pending final confirmation from the company.
