While the Kia Syros EV targets the masses with accessible electric mobility, the upcoming 2026 Kia Sorento shifts gears into the premium segment. Positioned as Kia India’s flagship three-row SUV, the Sorento aims to deliver the ‘affordable luxury’ experience many buyers of large family SUVs have been seeking.
Kia has confirmed the India launch of the Sorento for 4th September 2026. Bookings are already open through dealerships and the official website, with deliveries expected to begin around October.
The Sorento will sit above the Seltos as Kia’s top internal-combustion (and hybrid) offering in India. It is expected to be locally assembled via the CKD route, which should help keep pricing competitive. Estimates place the starting price around ₹40 lakh (ex-showroom), potentially ranging higher depending on variants.
At this price point, it will take on established players such as the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, MG Majestor, and Jeep Meridian. The combination of three-row practicality, hybrid efficiency, and premium features could make it a strong contender for buyers who want more refinement and technology than traditional body-on-frame SUVs without stretching into full luxury territory.
Kia will offer the Sorento with two powertrain choices at launch:
- 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong hybrid — The headline option and Kia’s first hybrid model for the Indian market. Based on global specifications, this setup is expected to produce approximately 238 hp and 380 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It uses a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a small battery pack for improved efficiency and smoother performance. motoroids.com
- 2.2-litre turbo-diesel — The familiar engine from the Kia Carnival, producing around 202 hp and 441 Nm. It is likely to be mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch
Both options are expected to come with automatic transmissions. All-wheel drive availability for the Indian market is yet to be confirmed.
The global-spec Sorento measures approximately 4,815 mm in length with a 2,815 mm wheelbase, making it one of the larger vehicles in its class. It will be offered in 6-seat and 7-seat configurations, with boot space of 179 litres (all three rows up) expandable to nearly 2,000 litres.
Expected features include dual 12.3-inch displays, Level 2 ADAS, panoramic sunroof, ventilated and powered front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, a Bose sound system, and a premium cabin with a four-spoke steering wheel and rotary drive selector.
The Syros EV addressed the mass-market electric SUV space with competitive pricing and practical range. The Sorento, by contrast, targets buyers looking for a spacious, feature-rich 7-seater that blends efficiency (via hybrid) with the torque and familiarity of diesel. For many Indian families seeking an ‘affordable luxury’ three-row SUV that feels special without the extreme cost of full-size luxury models, the 2026 Kia Sorento could fill an important gap.
Full specifications, variant details, and exact pricing will be revealed closer to or on the 4th September launch date. With bookings already underway, interest in this premium Kia is expected to build quickly in the coming weeks.
