Kia launches the much-awaited Sorento in the Indian market today, aiming to take on the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron. Priced from ₹27.99 Lakh (ex-showroom), it offers a well-equipped three-row premium SUV with multiple engine options. While the top-spec petrol hybrid AWD variants will cost around ₹40 Lakh, the Kia Sorento will be Kia’s first premium ICE SUV and its first strong-hybrid offering in India. Here are five reasons why buyers should consider the new Kia Sorento.
Strong-hybrid + Diesel + AWD offerings
The Sorento is Kia’s first strong-hybrid vehicle in India and one of the few in its segment to offer optional all-wheel drive (AWD).
Engine Options
1.6L Turbo Petrol Strong Hybrid
Petrol engine: 180 HP / 265 Nm
Motor: 65 HP / 264 Nm
Combined: ~238-245 HP / 380 Nm
6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD
2.2L Turbo Diesel
~193 HP / 442 Nm
8-speed DCT, FWD or AWD
Hybrid offers the benefits of reduced noise and emissions, as well as greater efficiency in the city. Diesel variants, on the other hand offer fantastic torque for towing and over longer distances. Both can be had in AWD, which is another rarity in this segment. The Sorento is one of the few premium SUVs to offer AWD as an option on both strong-hybrid and diesel engines, which allows for greater flexibility in different terrains, and is a welcome alternative to the RWD diesels and FWD petrols offered by the segment’s competitors.
Feature-rich interior including dual screens, Bose sound, sunroof and digital IRVM
The Sorento is very well equipped even at lower trim levels and can offer genuine luxury at the top end.
Read this- Tata Curvv Series X launched: Feature- loaded SUV coupé from ₹9.99 lakh
Notable features include:
Dual 12.3-inch curved displays (digital instrument cluster + infotainment)
Advanced head-up display on top trims
Panoramic sunroof
12-speaker Bose sound system
Digital inside rear-view mirror with front and rear dashcams
Wireless phone charging, Connected Car system with OTA updates
Front ventilated seats and ventilated second-row captain seats on top trims
Power tailgate (gesture control on top trims)
Custom UI themes (Marvel, Disney, Pixar) for enhanced multimedia experience
For the feature-focused buyer, the Sorento has to be the most compelling choice in this segment. Between ₹28-40 Lakh, few cars offer such an extensive list of equipment as standard or optionally.
Excellent safety equipment including up to 10 airbags, Level 2+ ADAS and 360-degree camera
Safety is a strong point for the Kia Sorento, which comes with standard safety equipment even on the entry-level trim that includes 7 airbags, ESC, TPMS, hill-hold / hill-descent, rear parking camera and sensors.
Higher trims offer additional safety features such as up to 10 airbags, Level 2 / Level 2+ ADAS with driver-assist profiles, including:
Adaptive cruise control
Forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking
Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Departure Warning
Blind-spot monitoring with Highway Driving Assist
Multi-collision braking
Remote Smart Parking Assist
Additionally, the Sorento offers a 360-degree surround-view camera with blind-view monitor, parking sensors, and a rigid body construction. It is one of the safest premium three-row SUVs in India with extensive driver-assist systems as standard. Families that prioritise crash and occupant safety, as well as driver-assist technologies will find much to love about the Sorento’s standard and optional safety equipment.
Flexible 6-seater and 7-seater options with premium seating and captain seats
The Kia Sorento is available in 6-seater (captain seats) and 7-seater (bench) configurations across multiple trim levels.
6-Seater variants offer more comfort and convenience, as well as greater access to the third-row, while the 7-seater options offer greater seating flexibility for larger groups of people.
Higher trims offer:
10-way electric driver’s seat with memory
Second-row ventilated captain seats
Boss mode on the front passenger seat for greater knee room
Second and third-row AC vents and under-seat storage
The Sorento has a roomy cabin that offers greater shoulder room and comfort than many of its competitors, and it is arguably closer to an MPV in its seating and packaging flexibility. This is especially useful for larger families or buyers that frequently have to carry people in their vehicles.
Priced from ₹27.99 Lakh (entry diesel) to around ₹40.39 Lakh (top hybrid AWD)
The Kia Sorento offers incredible value for money for the features and equipment it offers.
Compared to the Toyota Fortuner, the Sorento has more modern technology and driver-assist systems, and offers hybrid variants not available in the Fortuner. The Skoda Kodiaq and VW Tayron are direct competitors but offer lesser equipment, especially in entry-level trims, and lack some of the Sorento’s advanced driver-assist systems. Jeep Meridian is another alternative but has fewer seating options and less tech. The Sorento offers greater flexibility and value compared to many of its competitors in this segment.
Who should buy the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento makes the most sense for buyers that are considering a premium three-row SUV and want the most modern technology and safety equipment. It is also a good choice for people that are considering buying a Fortuner, Kodiaq, Tayron or Meridian but want a more tech-rich interior with more standard equipment. Additionally, those that are considering buying a hybrid SUV with AWD or a powerful diesel with optional AWD should take a closer look at the Sorento. Finally, buyers that need a 6-seater or 7-seater and have to carry a large family or frequently travel with friends should consider the Sorento as their preferred large premium SUV. However, if brand premium and resale value are a priority for the buyer, the Toyota Fortuner would still be the most logical choice.
Watch this-
[…] 5 reasons why you should buy the Kia Sorento […]