Ahead of launch on 4th Sep , revealing several exterior and interior details. Now, a leaked variant list provides more information about how Kia could structure Sorento lineup in India. It is offered in HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK(A), HTX, HTX(A) and Black-line trims. As expected, both diesel and hybrid powertrain options, FWD and AWD configurations, along with both 6-seater and 7-seater layouts are on offer.
Kia Sorento Variant List Leaked
Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Adarsh Tomar for sharing the leaked details. New Kia Sorento’s 7-seater lineup starts with HTE, followed by HTE(O), HTK and HTK(A). These variants are listed with FWD configuration. Higher variants move to AWD, with HTX and HTX(A) among the trims listed.
Black-line trims are also mentioned in the document. These are likely to bring cosmetic changes over their corresponding regular variants, although their exact feature differences are yet to be officially revealed. Kia will also offer Sorento as a 6-seater. In this configuration, HTK and HTK(A) variants are shown with FWD, while higher HTX and HTX(A) versions are listed with AWD. Black-line versions are present here as well.
Diesel And Hybrid Engine Options
Diesel Sorento will be powered by a 2.2-litre powertrain, which produces around 202 PS and 441 Nm and is paired with an 8-speed DCT. This is the same diesel engine that currently powers Kia Carnival in India. The second powertrain option will be a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This petrol-hybrid setup is expected to produce around 240 PS and 380 Nm. The same hybrid powertrain is also expected to make its way into Kia Carnival in a few weeks.
The leaked dealer document indicates that both diesel and hybrid powertrains will be offered across Sorento variant range. Depending on the variant and seating configuration, buyers will also have a choice between FWD and AWD.
Multiple Exterior Colours
The leaked list also reveals a broad exterior colour palette. Shades mentioned include Glacier White Pearl, Gravity Grey, Imperial Blue, Red, Pewter Olive, Ivory Silver Gloss and Aurora Black Pearl. Matte Graphite appears to be reserved for select higher variants, while Black-line versions are listed separately. Not every colour will be available with every trim.
This adds another detail to the recently spotted production-spec Sorento finished in Glacier White Pearl. That particular vehicle featured a light-coloured interior, 19-inch alloy wheels and a 7-seat configuration.
Right Pricing Will Make It A Success
Kia Sorento has strong potential in India if priced competitively. Cars like Sonet, Carens and more recently the Kia’s ability to generate strong volumes, consistently crossing 10,000 units a month. At the same time, SUVs and MPVs such as Mahindra XUV 7XO and Toyota Innova Hycross operate across the Rs 25 lakh–Rs 35 lakh space and attract significant demand. With diesel and hybrid engines, 6- and 7-seat layouts and AWD options, Sorento could find a sweet spot in this segment if Kia gets the pricing right.
Kia recently announced its 2030 roadmap for India – which includes increasing annual sales to over 4.1 lakh, launch , Seltos Hybrid, an all new small electric car etc. All these new launches along with the new Sorento will help Kia achieve their target.