- Select dealerships have started accepting unofficial bookings
- Expected to be launched by the end of August or early September
The Kia Sorento is inching closer to its India debut. According to our dealer sources, select Kia dealerships have started accepting unofficial bookings for the upcoming premium SUV for a token amount of Rs. 50,000. While Kia India is yet to make an official announcement, the launch is expected to take place towards the end of August or in early September.
With the Sorento, Kia will finally have a direct rival to the Toyota Fortuner. However, unlike the Fortuner's ladder-frame construction, the Sorento is underpinned by a monocoque platform, promising a more refined and car-like driving experience without compromising on practicality. It will also become the brand's new flagship SUV in the Indian market.
The India-spec Sorento is expected to be powered by a strong hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor to produce around 230bhp. An all-wheel-drive system is also likely to be offered, making it one of the few hybrid SUVs in the segment with AWD.
On the feature front, the Sorento is expected to pack dual 12.3-inch displays, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and powered front seats, a Bose sound system, dual-zone climate control, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite.
The Kia Sorento will be sold in India in CKD (Completely Knocked Down) form and assembled locally. This should allow Kia to price it much more aggressively, with the premium SUV expected to cost around or under Rs. 45 lakh (ex-showroom). If that pricing materialises, the Sorento could offer buyers a strong hybrid alternative to the diesel-powered Toyota Fortuner, while also taking on rivals such as the MG Majestor, Jeep Meridian, and Skoda Kodiaq.
