KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Kia Sorento SUV spied for the first time in India
- Challenges Toyota Fortuner in its home turf
- Expected to offer the 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid setup
Kia's next big product for India has just broken cover. A heavily camouflaged test mule of what appears to be the 2026 Kia Sorento has been spotted on Indian soil for the first time, indicating that the brand is preparing to enter the premium three-row SUV space. Positioned above the Seltos and Carens, the Sorento could become Kia's new flagship offering when it arrives in 2026. Let's take a closer look at what this next big thing in the full size SUV space could offer, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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Kia Sorento: Design & Road Presence
Even under thick camouflage, the Kia Sorento exudes an upright stance, and boxy proportions are evident. The test vehicle showcases a tall bonnet, squared wheel arches, and a flat tailgate that give it substantial road presence, much in line with global versions already on sale in overseas markets. The test mule was also seen wearing large 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 R19 tyres, hinting at a high-spec variant. Covered lighting elements point to vertical LED DRLs and connected tail lamps similar to the international facelift.
A key interior detail visible through spy shots is a rotary dial gear selector, a setup offered exclusively on hybrid variants globally. This strongly suggests that Kia intends to introduce the Sorento in India with a strong-hybrid powertrain from day one. International variants feature a curved dual-display layout with twin 12.3-inch screens, and a similar setup is expected to be carried forward for India. The SUV is also likely to offer a long list of premium amenities, including ventilated seats, multi-zone climate control, ambient lighting, soft-touch materials, and a Bose-branded audio system. Given Kia's recent feature direction, connected car technology, over-the-air software updates and a panoramic sunroof are also expected to be part of the package.
The India-spec Sorento is expected to arrive with a feature list similar to its global counterpart. This includes dual digital displays, ADAS with lane-keeping assistance and autonomous braking, wireless phone projection, tri-zone climate control and ventilated front seats. A three-row layout with multiple seating configurations is expected, along with a 360-degree camera, powered tailgate and and plush cabin materials to position it as a more premium alternative to conventional midsize crossovers.
Hybrid Powertrain Likely To Lead The Lineup
Internationally, the Sorento is offered with multiple engine choices, ranging from a standard 2.5-litre petrol motor to a more powerful 2.5-litre turbo-petrol setup, along with hybrid and plug-in-hybrid configurations built around a 1.6-litre turbo unit. For the Indian market, Kia is likely to focus on strong-hybrid variants first, aligning with the rising demand for fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs. Conventional petrol models could join the lineup later, though a diesel option seems improbable at this stage.
Expected Pricing & Competition
Pricing for the Sorento in India is likely to fall in the Rs. 35 lakh to Rs. 45 lakh ex-showroom bracket, depending on the variant and powertrain combinations offered at launch. The SUV will compete with premium seven-seat offerings such as the Skoda Kodiaq, MG Gloster and Toyota Fortuner, effectively giving Kia a presence in a higher price band that it has not targeted before in India.
Verdict
The Sorento's expected arrival marks a strategic shift for Kia as it moves toward premium hybrid SUVs rather than focusing solely on mass-market crossovers. With a stylish, upright design, a hybrid powertrain and a tech-laden cabin, the Sorento could appeal to buyers looking for a more refined and feature-rich alternative to traditional ladder-frame SUVs. If pricing remains competitive and the feature list stays close to international standards, the Sorento has the potential to significantly expand Kia's footprint in the higher end of the Indian SUV market. With testing already underway, a late-2026 launch looks not only likely but well-timed for a growing segment.
