For the first time ever, a heavily camouflaged Kia Sorento has been caught testing on Indian soil, sending a clear signal that Kia India is seriously working on a premium three-row hybrid SUV to take on the hugely popular Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari. The spotted test mule is believed to be the early prototype of an India-specific model internally codenamed MQ4i – essentially a localized, hybrid-powered derivative of the global fourth-generation Sorento (codenamed MQ4). While the car was wrapped in black camouflage, enough details were visible to confirm its identity and give us a good idea of what Kia has in store.
Design and Styling Clues
Even under heavy disguise, the Sorento’s unmistakable boxy, upright silhouette stands out. Key giveaways include:
- Squared-off wheel arches
- A tall, commanding bonnet
- Flat roofline extending to a near-vertical tailgate
- Wide rear haunches that scream three-row proportions
The test car rode on 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels shod with 235/55 R19 tyres – the same specification seen on higher variants of the global Sorento. At the front, vertical LED elements hint at Kia’s latest T-shaped DRL signature, while the rear is expected to get the now-familiar full-width connected tail lamps with boomerang-shaped LED graphics.
Interior: Premium and Tech-Loaded
A quick peek inside revealed a familiar layout borrowed straight from the international Sorento. The highlight is the rotary dial gear selector – a strong indicator of an electrified hybrid powertrain (traditional ICE Sorentos use a conventional lever in many markets). The centre console also houses buttons for the electronic parking brake and drive-mode selector. For the Indian version, Kia is likely to load it with segment-above features to justify a premium positioning:
- Dual 12.3-inch screens (infotainment + digital instrument cluster)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Privacy glass for rear windows and tailgate
- Powered and ventilated front seats
- 360-degree surround view camera
- Head-up display (HUD)
- Multi-zone climate control
- Premium upholstery and soft-touch materials
Level-2 ADAS, wireless charging, connected-car tech, and a Bose or Harman Kardon audio system are also on the cards, judging by Kia’s recent launches.
Powertrain: Hybrid is Confirmed
The presence of the rotary shifter almost confirms that Kia will bring strong hybrid technology to this model – possibly the same 1.6-litre turbo-petrol + electric motor setup that develops around 227–230 hp and offers excellent urban fuel efficiency in the global Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. A plug-in hybrid variant cannot be ruled out at a later stage, but the initial launch is expected to be the self-charging strong hybrid.
Positioning and Rivals
With the MQ4i, Kia wants to play in the ₹30–40 lakh (ex-showroom) territory where the current Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, Skoda Kodiaq, and especially the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari dominate. The addition of hybrid tech, a more premium cabin, and Kia’s famed design will be the big differentiators against the diesel-heavy competition.
While an exact launch timeline hasn’t been revealed, sources suggest the new Kia three-row hybrid SUV could make its Indian debut sometime in late 2026 or early 2027, possibly at the 2027 Auto Expo.
This is shaping up to be one of the most exciting upcoming launches in the full-size SUV segment. With the Sorento’s proven global credentials and Kia’s aggressive India-specific tuning, the MQ4i has all the ingredients to shake up the three-row premium SUV space. Watch this space!
