Kia India Launches Sorento at INR 27.99 Lakh, Introduces First Hybrid SUV and AI Assistant

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Kia India has launched the Kia Sorento in the Indian market, marking the company’s entry into the premium three-row SUV segment. The SUV is priced at an introductory ₹27.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the diesel variant and ₹29.99 lakh for the hybrid variant.

Official deliveries of the Kia Sorento have commenced nationwide from September 4, 2026. The launch also marks Kia India’s first hybrid offering and the global debut of its Kia AI Assistant with Real-Time Generative AI capabilities on the India-spec Sorento.

The Sorento is being introduced in India with a combination of global design, advanced driver-assistance systems, connected-car technologies, premium cabin features and a choice of diesel and hybrid powertrains. Kia said the SUV has been developed with enhancements tailored to Indian road conditions and customer requirements.

Kia Sorento Enters Premium Three-Row SUV Segment

The Sorento has been sold globally for more than 24 years across four generations and has recorded more than 4.8 million customers across 132 countries. With its India launch, Kia is expanding its presence into the premium three-row SUV segment.

The SUV measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and has a 2,815 mm wheelbase. With roof rails, its height stands at 1,785 mm. Kia said the dimensions make the Sorento the longest and widest model in its segment.

The exterior features Kia’s Digital Tiger Face, Crystal Cube LED Projection Headlamps, Star Map LED daytime running lamps and Star Map LED rear lamps. The SUV is available with 18-inch Sporty Crystal Cut Alloy Wheels and 19-inch Premium Crystal Cut Alloy Wheels.

Premium Interior and Three-Row Configuration

The Kia Sorento is offered in six- and seven-seat configurations. The cabin features a Panoramic Curved Display Panel incorporating a 12.3-inch HD touchscreen navigation system and a 12.3-inch HD digital instrument cluster.

Other interior technologies include a windshield Head-Up Display, Advanced Digital IRVM, Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof and 64-colour Ambient Mood Lighting.

The SUV offers 10-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats with lumbar adjustment, relaxation functions, an Integrated Memory System and a Driver Seat Ergo function. Ventilated seats with three-step cooling are available for both the first and second rows.

The six-seat version gets second-row captain seats, while the seven-seat version features 60:40 split rear seats. Both configurations include slide, recline and walk-in functionality.

Kia AI Assistant Makes Global Debut

A key technology highlight of the India-spec Sorento is the global debut of Kia AI Assistant with Real-Time Generative AI capabilities. The system enables conversational interaction, real-time search and follow-up questions, while also providing vehicle-specific information through integration with the owner’s manual.

The AI Assistant can be activated using the “Hey Kia” wake word and can control selected vehicle functions, including air conditioning and windows.

The SUV also comes with Kia Connect 2.0 with more than 85 connected-car features, OTA software updates for up to 30 controllers, Digital Key 2.0, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Remote Vehicle Immobilization.

Kia is also introducing personalized Display Themes featuring Disney, Marvel and Pixar content. The Kia Connect Store is scheduled to launch for the Sorento in December 2026, initially offering Display Themes as a Feature on Demand service.

Hybrid and Diesel Powertrain Options

The Kia Sorento is available with two Smartstream powertrain options: a 1.6-litre Turbo GDI Hybrid and a 2.2-litre diesel engine.

The Smartstream 1.6 Turbo GDI Hybrid is Kia India’s first hybrid powertrain. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine produces 180 PS and 265 Nm of torque, while the electric motor delivers 65 PS and 264 Nm.

The Smartstream 2.2-litre diesel engine generates 193 PS and 442 Nm of torque and is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8DCT).

Both powertrains feature Eco, Normal, Smart and Sport driving modes. Kia is offering all-wheel drive (AWD) with both powertrains, while the hybrid becomes the first AWD hybrid powertrain offered in its segment, according to the company.

The AWD system includes Snow, Sand and Mud terrain modes to optimize torque distribution across different driving conditions.

Level 2+ ADAS and Safety Features

The Sorento comes with an ADAS Level 2+ package featuring 30 autonomous driving and driver-assistance functions. These include Highway Driving Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist.

The SUV also gets Safe Exit Warning and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

Kia’s 26-feature standard safety package includes seven airbags, while the top variant adds rear-side and centre-side airbags. Other safety and parking technologies include a 360-degree camera, Blind View Monitor, 12 parking sensors, five radars and a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines.

The Sorento is built on Kia’s global N3 platform, which uses a multi-skeleton energy distribution structure designed to enhance structural performance, efficiency and driving dynamics.

India-Specific Enhancements

Kia said the India-spec Sorento incorporates several changes aimed at local road conditions and customer preferences. These include India-specific grille detailing, black high-gloss bridge-type roof rails and an acoustic windshield.

The company has also focused on reducing cabin noise through acoustic windshield technology, door trim insulation and other engineering measures.

Variants, Colours and Pricing

The Kia Sorento is available across three base trims, each with an option pack, with both hybrid and diesel powertrains offered.

The SUV is available in eight exterior colour options: Glacier White Pearl, Gravity Gray, Imperial Blue, Magma Red, Pewter Olive, Ivory Silver Gloss, Aurora Black Pearl and Dark Gun Metal matte.

Kia is also offering an exclusive Black Line trim, featuring blacked-out Kia and Sorento badges, 19-inch Premium Crystal Cut Alloy Wheels, black exterior elements, fender garnish and beltline detailing.

With the Sorento, Kia India is expanding its premium SUV portfolio while adding hybrid technology and generative AI-enabled connected features to its Indian product lineup.

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