Finally, Kia India has launched its first and flagship hybrid 7-seater SUV, the Sorento, in India. Now, being a premium 7-seater SUV, it goes without saying that it takes on the champion of this segment, the Toyota Fortuner. Now, we will be comparing the newly launched Kia Sorento with the Toyota Fortuner, and we will also be comparing it with the Skoda Kodiaq, which it actually rivals in real life. So, without any delay, here is the detailed comparison.
First off, let’s talk about the dimensions of these SUVs. The Kia Sorento measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and gets a 2,815 mm wheelbase. This makes it the longest and widest SUV of the three. Meanwhile, its wheelbase is also longer than both the Fortuner and Kodiaq. The Toyota Fortuner measures 4,795 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width and has a 2,745 mm wheelbase. Whereas the Skoda Kodiaq measures 4,758 mm in length, 1,864 mm in width and gets a 2,791 mm wheelbase.
In terms of height, the Fortuner is the tallest of the three at 1,835 mm, followed by the Sorento at around 1,700 mm and the Kodiaq at 1,679 mm. The Fortuner also has the highest ground clearance at 225 mm, compared to around 194 mm for the Kodiaq. On the other hand, the Sorento boasts a ground clearance of 176 mm, which is the lowest. The larger dimensions and longer wheelbase should give the Sorento a spacious cabin. However, the Fortuner’s taller body gives it a more traditional SUV stance.
The biggest mechanical difference between these SUVs is their construction. The Toyota Fortuner uses a traditional body-on-frame ladder chassis derived from Toyota’s IMV platform, which it shares with the Hilux. This makes the Fortuner more suited to rough roads and serious off-roading. Meanwhile, the Sorento and Kodiaq use monocoque platforms that are designed more around passenger comfort and road-going dynamics.
The Sorento, in terms of design, features a tall and upright design with Kia’s latest styling elements. It features a large Tiger Nose grille, vertically stacked headlamps, T-shaped LED DRLs, large dual-tone alloy wheels and integrated roof rails. It also gets flush-style door handles, vertical LED tail-lamps, a roof spoiler and contrast skid-plate elements.
The Fortuner, on the other hand, boasts a more rugged and imposing design. Its tall body, high ground clearance, large grille and upright proportions give it a more familiar sight on Indian roads. The GR-S and other higher variants also get additional styling changes, which give the Fortuner a sportier appearance.
Moving to the Kodiaq, it follows a more sophisticated European design language. It comes with sharp LED lighting, a clean body design and a more premium appearance. So, even though the Fortuner is the most traditional SUV, the Sorento sits somewhere between a modern SUV and a premium family vehicle. Meanwhile, the Kodiaq has the most crossover-like proportions of the three.
Coming to the powertrain side of things, the Kia Sorento is being offered with two different powertrain options in India. The first is a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid powertrain that produces a combined 238 bhp and 380 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and will be offered with all-wheel drive. This will also make the Sorento Kia India’s first hybrid model. The second engine is a 2.2-litre diesel unit, which makes 202 bhp and 441 Nm of torque.
As for the Toyota Fortuner, it offers the time-tested 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which makes 204 bhp and up to 500 Nm of torque with the automatic gearbox. It is available with both 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes. Buyers can also choose between 4X2 and 4X4 versions. Selected variants also get Toyota’s 48V mild-hybrid system.
The Fortuner also gets a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes 166 bhp and 245 Nm of torque. This engine is available with an automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive. The diesel engine, however, is the more popular option for buyers who want a combination of performance, highway cruising and off-road capability.
The Skoda Kodiaq takes a completely different approach, as it is offered with a single 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. It produces 204 bhp and 320 Nm of torque and comes with a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox as standard. Unlike the Fortuner, there is no diesel or manual option, but AWD is standard.
On paper, the Fortuner diesel produces the highest torque. And the Sorento hybrid has the highest combined power output. The Kodiaq, meanwhile, offers a strong petrol engine with a quick-shifting DSG gearbox and standard AWD.
This is the area where the Toyota Fortuner has a clear advantage. Its 4X4 variants use a proper part-time four-wheel-drive system with 2H, 4H and 4L modes. The SUV also gets a low-range transfer case, locking rear differential, A-TRC active traction control and Multi-Terrain Select.
The Fortuner’s 225 mm ground clearance, 29-degree approach angle, 23.5-degree breakover angle and 25-degree departure angle further improve its off-road ability. It is also capable of wading through up to around 700 mm of water. As a result, the Fortuner is not just an SUV with an AWD system. Instead, it is a vehicle that can be taken onto difficult terrain without any worries.
The Sorento, on the other hand, only gets an AWD system. However, this system is mainly helpful in providing additional traction on roads and mild off-road surfaces.
The Kodiaq also comes with AWD and gets an Off-Road mode. But, once again, it is similarly designed as the Sorento for road-going use rather than extreme terrain.
Taking things inside the cabin, the Sorento gets a modern three-row cabin with a connected dual-screen dashboard. Both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen measure 12.3 inches. The dashboard also gets a four-spoke steering wheel and a touch-sensitive control panel that can be used for the air-conditioning and media functions.
The feature list is extensive and includes ventilated front seats, powered seat adjustment, driver seat memory, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and wireless phone charging. It also gets dual-zone climate control, powered tailgate, digital rear-view mirror, paddle shifters and a 360-degree camera.
Higher variants are expected to get second-row captain seats, while six- and seven-seat configurations are expected to be available. One of the biggest talking points is Kia’s new AI Assistant using Live Generative AI. The SUV will also get Kia Connect and a Bose sound system.
The Toyota Fortuner’s cabin is considerably a lot more conventional. It gets an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 11-speaker JBL audio system on higher variants and ventilated and powered front seats. It also gets dual-zone automatic climate control, roof-mounted AC vents, wireless charging, ambient lighting, keyless entry and a powered tailgate.
However, the Fortuner’s cabin still prioritises functionality and durability rather than the large screens and extensive technology offered by the newer rivals.
As for the Skoda Kodiaq, it has the most premium cabin of the three. It gets a 12.9-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, three Smart Dials with integrated displays, dual wireless charging pads with cooling and a 13-speaker Canton sound system.
The Kodiaq also gets ventilated, heated and electrically adjustable Ergo front seats with massage functions, three-zone climate control, rear sunshades and a powered tailgate. Its features, such as door-edge protectors, storage compartments and other small convenience features, further improve everyday usability.
All three SUVs offer three rows, but their cabin layouts are quite different. The Sorento’s 2,815 mm wheelbase is the longest here. This helps with the second-row space. The SUV is being offered with both six- and seven-seat layouts, which gives buyers the option of captain seats in the second row.
The Fortuner gets a conventional 2+3+2 seven-seat layout. Its third-row seats fold upwards towards the sides rather than into the floor. Meanwhile, the SUV offers around 296 litres of boot space with all three rows in use. The high floor created by its ladder-frame construction also results in a slightly knees-up seating position in the rear.
The Kodiaq is slightly more flexible. Its second row can slide and recline. Meanwhile, the third row is better suited to children or shorter journeys. With all three rows in use, boot space is around 281 litres. However, folding the rear seats opens up a much larger cargo area. This makes the Kodiaq a strong option for buyers who prioritise everyday family practicality.
The Sorento comes equipped with a comprehensive safety package. Level 2 ADAS features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking. It also gets lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and highway driving assistance. Apart from these, it gets a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, multiple airbags and electronic stability control.
The Toyota Fortuner gets seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag, along with a 360-degree camera, Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, Hill-Start Assist and Downhill Assist. Its safety package is comprehensive. However, it does not get ADAS, and it is not on par with what is available on the newer Sorento and Kodiaq.
The Skoda Kodiaq gets one of the most extensive safety packages in this comparison. It comes equipped with nine airbags and Level 2 ADAS, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert and Exit Warning. It also gets a 360-degree camera and Intelligent Park Assist.
Kia has launched the Sorento with a starting price of Rs 27.99 lakh and it goes all way up to Rs 38.89 lakh for the diesel variants. Meanwhile, the Sorento hybrid starts at Rs 29.49 lakh and goes up to Rs 40.39 lakh. This pricing makes the Sorento the most affordable SUV in the premium 7-seater SUV segment.
The Toyota Fortuner is currently priced from around Rs 34.76 lakh and goes up to around Rs 50.46 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the engine, drivetrain and variant. The Skoda Kodiaq, on the other hand, is currently priced from Rs 36.99 lakh for the Lounge variant. Meanwhile, the Sportline and Selection L&K variants are priced at Rs 44.99 lakh and Rs 46.99 lakh, respectively.
The answer largely depends on what you expect from your SUV. If you want a traditional, rugged SUV that can handle serious off-roading, rough roads and long-distance touring, the Toyota Fortuner still has a major advantage. Its ladder-frame chassis, high ground clearance, 4X4 system, low-range gearbox and diesel engine make it the most capable off-roader of the three.
Now, if your priority is premium cabin quality, road manners and technology, the Skoda Kodiaq is a strong option. Its 2.0-litre TSI engine, DSG gearbox, standard AWD, sophisticated suspension, luxury features and extensive ADAS package make it more of a premium family SUV than a traditional off-roader.
However, it seems like the Kia Sorento is the most balanced option of the three. It combines the practicality of a three-row SUV with a modern cabin, strong-hybrid technology, a diesel engine, AWD and a long list of features. It is not expected to match the Fortuner’s serious off-road ability, nor does it have the Kodiaq’s purely petrol-powered European driving character. However, it offers a better combination of efficiency, performance, comfort and technology for buyers looking for an all-round premium family SUV.