Kia is set to launch the Sorento in India on September 4, 2026. Dealer dispatches have already begun. A video has now surfaced online, showing the car inside out. It seems to have been captured from a dealer yard, with days still left for the official launch/ reveal.
The video features a top-of-the-line Kia Sorento finished in White. It is parked in a dealer yard, amid other Kia models. The host first shows the exterior design of the car, and says that it has a DCT automatic transmission. If so, it is likely to be the 1.6 turbo-petrol strong hybrid version that we are looking at. Previous reports had indicated that the carmaker could offer a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission with this engine. The DCT, for now, remains an unconfirmed development.
The design of the India-spec Sorento remains the same as that of the global model. It has the large tiger-nose grille, stylish LED headlamps, prominent front bumper with skid plate and stylish tail lamps. The SUV rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, which the host shows on video. He then opens the door and shows us the cabin.
The Sorento has a pleasant, Beige-Black dual-tone colour scheme inside. Since it is a brand-new car, many of the areas/ components inside have plastic wraps on them. Even so, we can get a good idea of the premium quality of the trims and finishes used. The key fob has a familiar design.
The dashboard design feels modern and practical. We can see vertically oriented air-conditioning vents at either end. The air vents at the centre are sleek and horizontal. They sit below the infotainment display.
This video also shows some of the Sorento’s features. It comes with two large 12.3-inch screens. One of these is the central touchscreen and the other a digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system will have a Kia AI Assistant powered by Live Generative AI. The India-spec will be the first Sorento globally, to receive this technology. Live Generative AI will soon be introduced on other Kia models as well. Kia claims this system to be more dynamic and conversational with its interactions than conventional voice assistants. This video, however, doesn’t mention this feature.
It shows features like powered driver’s seat which comes with a welcome retract function, front seat ventilation, the large panoramic sunroof, rear AC vents, powered tailgate, and more. This clip also shows the second and third row seats, and the space offered by these. From what can be seen, the third-row seat offers a good amount of space. In India, the Sorento will be offered in five-, six-, and seven-seater versions. This will give customers enough flexibility and options to choose from.
The Sorento measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,700 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2815mm. It is indeed a large SUV.
Kia will adopt a two-powertrain strategy with this product. It will be offered with a strong hybrid petrol and a turbocharged diesel powertrain. The strong hybrid powertrain will mate a 1.6L turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. This arrangement could have an output of around 238hp and 380Nm.
The diesel engine will be shared with the Carnival luxury MPV. It will likely make around 190hp and 440Nm, and will likely be offered with the same 8-speed torque converter automatic transmissions. Kia hasn’t, however, revealed the exact power and torque figures officially yet. We expect these details to surface closer to the launch. Both engines are expected to offer All Wheel Drive (AWD) technology.
Kia India has already started producing the Sorento at its Anantapur plant in Andhra Pradesh. The locally produced nature of this product will allow the carmaker to price it aggressively. We expect the prices to start somewhere above Rs 28 lakh. We will, however, have to wait till launch for the actual prices and variant details.
Pre-bookings are now open. Interested buyers can reserve their Sorentos through Kia dealerships and the company’s official India website. When launched, the Sorento will compete with the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, Jeep Meridian and some variants of the Toyota Fortuner.