Kia has officially started accepting bookings for the upcoming Sorento ahead of its India launch. Interested customers can reserve the SUV through authorised Kia dealerships across the country or via the company’s official website. The announcement follows reports of unofficial dealer-level bookings that had begun a few weeks ago.
Alongside the booking announcement, Kia has released the first teaser of the India-spec Sorento. While the SUV remains largely covered, the teaser offers a glimpse of its front-end styling. Visible design elements include T-shaped LED daytime running lights, vertically positioned headlamps, partially visible fog lamps and prominent roof rails. The overall silhouette also hints at the SUV’s three-row proportions.
Although Kia is yet to reveal the interior, the India-spec Sorento is expected to closely mirror the global model. Based on the international version and test vehicles spotted on Indian roads, the SUV is likely to feature dual 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, along with a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, powered driver’s seat, head-up display, 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS.
The Sorento sold overseas is available in 5-, 6- and 7-seat configurations. For India, Kia is expected to offer the SUV in 6-seat and 7-seat layouts, catering to buyers looking for a premium family SUV.
Kia has also confirmed that the India-spec Sorento will be offered with a strong-hybrid powertrain, making it the brand’s first hybrid SUV for the Indian market. It is expected to use the same 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system available internationally, producing 238 HP and 380 Nm of torque. Global versions are available with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, although the exact specification for India is yet to be announced.
The Sorento is expected to be priced at around Rs. 45 lakhs (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will compete in the premium three-row SUV segment against rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tayron.
