Kia Sorento Launches in India at ₹27.99 Lakh — Kia's First Hybrid SUV With ADAS Level 2+

Kia Motors India has officially entered the premium three-row SUV segment with the launch of the Kia Sorento at an introductory ex-showroom price of ₹27.99 lakh for the diesel variant and ₹29.49 lakh for the petrol-hybrid. The Sorento marks Kia's first hybrid offering in India and brings a fresh challenge to the Toyota Innova Hycross, Skoda Kodiaq, and Jeep Meridian.

Two Powertrain Options

The Sorento comes with two engine options. The first is a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid that combines a 180 PS petrol engine with a 65 PS electric motor, producing a combined output far higher than what most naturally aspirated rivals offer. This makes the Sorento the only strong hybrid in India with a turbocharged petrol engine — every other hybrid SUV in the segment uses a naturally aspirated motor.

The second option is a 2.2-litre diesel producing 193 PS and 442 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both variants are available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, with AWD versions getting additional terrain modes for snow, sand, and mud.

Features That Stand Out

The Sorento is loaded with technology. It gets twin 12.3-inch displays, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, and a rotary drive selector. A standout feature is the real-time generative AI assistant — a first for any Sorento globally. Kia has also added personalised display themes from Marvel, Pixar, and Disney, which is a first for any Kia sold in India.

Safety is comprehensive: 10 airbags, 360-degree camera, front and rear dashcams, digital IRVM, TPMS, and Level 2+ ADAS with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking.

Seating and Practicality

Buyers can choose between a 6-seat layout with captain chairs or a more practical 7-seat bench setup. Kia claims the Sorento is the longest and widest in its segment, offering more shoulder room and a higher stance than competitors. The premium trims come with black and olive brown two-tone leatherette interiors with ventilated seats.

Should You Consider It?

If you're in the market for a premium 7-seater SUV and want hybrid fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance, the Sorento is a compelling option. The diesel-AWD combination also makes it one of the few remaining diesel SUVs in a market rapidly shifting towards petrol and electric. With nine colour options including a matte Dark Gun Metal finish, Kia is clearly targeting buyers who want presence as well as practicality.

The Sorento joins Kia's Indian lineup alongside the Seltos, Sonet, Syros, EV6, Carens, and Carnival. Given Kia's track record of understanding Indian buyer preferences, the Sorento could seriously disrupt the premium SUV space that has been dominated by Toyota and Mahindra.