Just weeks before the launch of its upcoming flagship ICE SUV, Kia India has revealed the design of the Sorento. It will serve many firsts for Kia in India — the first premium three-row SUV, with a hybrid powertrain, all-wheel drive, and an AI assistant.
Kia has also begun production of the Sorento in India at its Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh plant, with the first model rolling off the assembly line today.
The Sorento borrows heavy design cues from the Carnival with its Y-shaped LED DRLs that extend into the large front grille, giving it a very mature vibe. It also comes with dual-tone alloy wheels, which have now become a standard in the segment. It can also be seen with functional roof rails, but with the panoramic glass roof, its load-bearing capabilities remain uncertain. At the back, the Sorento features vertical taillamps, with the LED signatures reminiscent of the Sonet and Seltos.
Inside, the Sorento features a dual-screen setup with each screen possibly measuring 12.3 inches in size. Its steering wheel is similar to the one seen on the EV9, giving it a very premium touch. It’s not Kia’s first three-row model or even SUV in the country, as those are the Carnival, Carens Clavis, and EV9, respectively. However, it does become its first three-row ICE SUV from the brand.
Kia also mentions that the Sorento will be its first-ever model, that too globally, to feature a generative AI assistant. Other features revealed at the moment include multi-zone climate control, ambient lighting, drive modes, ventilated seats, USB-C charging ports, digital rear-view mirror, winged rear headrests, powered tailgate, and ADAS.
As mentioned earlier, the Sorento will feature a hybrid powertrain, but will also be offered with a choice of a diesel for those looking for the extra grunt. It will also be offered with all-wheel drive, but it remains to be seen if it will be exclusive to the hybrid powertrain. Other powertrain details are expected to be announced closer to the launch.
Once that happens on September 4, the Sorento will compete with the Volkswagen Tayron, Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Fortuner, Jeep Meridian, and MG Majestor.