Full expert breakdown
The Kia Sorento is a premium three-row SUV positioned in the full-size SUV segment in India. Launched at a starting ex-showroom price of ₹27.99 lakh, the Sorento is available with diesel and petrol-electric hybrid powertrains and is offered in both 6- and 7-seat configurations depending on the variant. It competes with premium three-row SUVs such as the Toyota Fortuner and other models in the segment.
Engine and Performance
The Kia Sorento offers two powertrain options in India. The diesel version uses a 2.2-litre Smartstream diesel engine producing around 190 bhp and 442 Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed DCT automatic transmission. The second option is a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain, which produces around 180 PS and 265 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Sorento is available with front-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive configurations depending on the variant. The AWD version also gets terrain modes for Snow, Sand and Mud, making it more versatile on challenging surfaces.
Exterior Design
The Kia Sorento features a bold and premium SUV design with a wide stance, distinctive cube-style LED headlamps and a prominent front profile. Its modern styling gives it a strong road presence while maintaining the sophisticated appearance expected from a premium family SUV.
The Sorento measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,785 mm in height. It has a 2,815 mm wheelbase, providing a spacious footprint for its three-row cabin. Depending on the variant, it rides on 18-inch crystal-cut or 19-inch premium crystal-cut alloy wheels.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Sorento offers a premium three-row cabin with both six- and seven-seat layouts. Higher variants feature front ventilated seats with three-stage cooling, a 10-way powered driver's seat with lumbar adjustment and an 8-way powered passenger seat.
The SUV also gets a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, smart power tailgate, rear AC vents, ambient lighting and multiple USB-C charging points. Higher variants add second-row ventilated seats, relaxation seats and power Boss Mode for enhanced passenger comfort.
Features and Technology
The Sorento comes equipped with a 12.3-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging and Kia Connect connected-car technology.
Higher variants feature a panoramic curved display combining a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. A Bose 12-speaker premium audio system, 64-colour ambient lighting, head-up display, digital key and smart dashcam are also available on the top variants.
One of the key technology highlights is Kia's new-generation AI assistant with voice commands, which is offered on the higher-end Sorento variants.
Safety
Safety is a major focus of the Kia Sorento. The SUV gets a comprehensive standard safety package with up to seven airbags on selected variants, along with ABS, electronic stability control, parking sensors and a rear-view monitor.
Higher variants feature Level 2 ADAS with up to 30 autonomous driving-assistance functions. Depending on the trim, the safety package can also include a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assistance and other advanced driver-assistance technologies.
Dimensions and Practicality
The Kia Sorento measures 4,815 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,785 mm tall, with a 2,815 mm wheelbase. Its three-row configuration makes it suitable for larger families, while the availability of six- and seven-seat layouts allows buyers to choose between additional second-row comfort or greater passenger capacity.
The SUV's spacious cabin, multiple charging points, smart power tailgate and flexible seating arrangement make it suitable for both everyday family use and long-distance touring.
Conclusion
The Kia Sorento brings a premium three-row SUV experience to the Indian market with a choice of diesel and petrol-electric hybrid powertrains. Its combination of a powerful 2.2-litre diesel, efficient 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid, automatic transmissions, premium cabin features and available AWD makes it a versatile offering.
With features such as a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, 12.3-inch displays, Bose audio, head-up display, smart power tailgate and advanced ADAS, the Sorento offers a strong blend of comfort, technology, performance and safety for buyers looking for a premium family SUV.
