Kia has launched the much-awaited Sorento in India with prices starting at Rs 27.99 lakh, ex-showroom. The range tops out at Rs 40.39 lakh, ex-showroom.
The Sorento will be built at Kia’s Anantpur manufacturing facility. There are seven broad trims on offer: HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK(A), HTX, HTX(A) and Black Line. Kia calls the India-spec SUV the ‘most advanced version of the Sorento ever built’.
The India-spec Sorento stands close to the global model with its design. It is based on the carmaker’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. The front end gets a large Tigernose grille, 7-shaped LED DRLs, LED headlamps, and a masculine bumper. The India-spec rides on 19-inch wheels and gets roof rails as well. The SUV also gets LED tail lamps and a stylish tailgate.
The facelifted fourth-generation Sorento looks good in person, and comes in eight colour options. These include Glacier White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Imperial Blue, Red, Gravity Grey, Pewter Olive, Ivory Silver Gloss and Matte Graphite.
The Sorento has a large and imposing stance. These colours suit the overall design well. The Black Line is only available in Aurora Black Pearl colour and has Blacked out elements.
The Sorento is available with both six- and seven-seat configurations, making it a practical option for large families. Kia has also equipped it with a long list of features and technologies as well.
The dashboard gets two 12.3-inch screens, with one serving as the touchscreen infotainment system and the other functioning as the digital instrument cluster. A 12-speaker Bose audio system is also available, along with a 64-colour ambient lighting and a head-up display.
Other features include a wireless charger, ventilated seats, digital IRVM, powered tailgate, a powered driver’s seat with memory function, 220V power outlet, and a panoramic sunroof. The SUV also comes with an AI assistant, the first for any Sorento in the world.
Safety and driver-assistance technology will be another major highlight. The Sorento comes equipped with Level 2 ADAS with 30+ features.
The cabin itself has a premium design. Material quality and finish feel premium. There is a chunky four-spoke steering wheel and a rotary-style gear selector.
Kia will offer the Sorento with two powertrain choices in India. The first is a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine, while the second is a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid. The hybrid petrol makes around 238hp and 380Nm. This clubs a 1.6L turbo-petrol engine that makes 180PS and 265Nm with an electric motor that generates 65PS and 264Nm, and a battery pack.
The diesel engine is shared with the Carnival, and makes 202hp and 440Nm.
Kia says that the India-spec Sorento has been engineered specifically for our market and is quite advanced.
The availability of both diesel and strong-hybrid options should allow Kia to cater to customers with different fuel preferences. The hybrid will appeal to buyers looking for improved efficiency and electrification, while the diesel is likely to remain attractive to those who appreciate high torque and have long commutes.
Both engines are available with the option of All Wheel Drive (AWD). Kia hasn’t limited it to the diesel alone. The automatic transmission on the petrol hybrid is a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The diesel comes with a dual-clutch DCT gearbox.
The vehicle also comes with selectable drive and terrain modes.
The pricing has been very aggressive. Rs 27.99 lakh gives it a clear cost advantage over rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan, Tayron and Skoda Kodiaq, MG Majestor and some variants of the Fortuner. In fact, the Sorento’s is just slightly more expensive than a range-topping Mahindra XUV 7XO, despite being a much bigger, more premium, more comfortable and more capable SUV. The rivals mentioned above are all priced much higher.