If you’ve been waiting for Kia to bring a proper three-row flagship to India, the wait is almost over. Kia has officially confirmed that the Sorento will make its India debut on September 4, 2026, and honestly, this is one of the more interesting launches of the festive season. It’s not just another SUV; it’s Kia’s first hybrid model for the Indian market, and it’s set to sit right above the Seltos as the brand’s flagship ICE offering here.
Bookings Are Already Open
Kia isn’t waiting around. Official bookings for the Sorento kicked off in early August, following unofficial dealer-level bookings that started back in July for a token amount. That’s a strong signal that Kia expects real demand, and given how the segment has been heating up lately, that confidence seems justified.
Two Powertrains, One Big Statement
What makes the Sorento genuinely exciting is the powertrain lineup. Kia is expected to offer it with both a hybrid and a diesel option, a rare combination in this segment. The hybrid setup, going by the international-spec car, pairs a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of around 238hp and 380Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic. The diesel, meanwhile, is likely to borrow the familiar 2.2-litre unit from the Kia Carnival, good for roughly 202hp and 441Nm.
Space, Comfort, and Tech
The Sorento is expected to come in both six-seat and seven-seat layouts, with a boot space of 179 litres when all rows are up, expanding to a massive 1,996 litres when all seats are folded down. Inside, expect a premium cabin with dual 12.3-inch displays, a four-spoke steering wheel, a touch-capacitive centre console, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and Level 2 ADAS. It’s clearly being positioned as a tech-forward, comfort-first family SUV rather than a rugged off-roader.
Pricing and Rivals
Since the Sorento is likely to be locally assembled, pricing is expected to start around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom), possibly stretching toward Rs 42 lakh for top variants. At that price, it’ll go up against some serious competition, the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, MG Majestor, and Jeep Meridian. Unlike most of these rivals, though, the Sorento rides on a monocoque platform rather than a body-on-frame setup, which should make it feel more car-like on the road while still offering that commanding SUV stance.
Should You Wait for It?
If you’re shopping in the Rs 35–40 lakh SUV bracket and hybrid efficiency is a priority for you, the Sorento is worth waiting for. September 4 isn’t far away, and with bookings already open, dealers should have more concrete details on trims and pricing soon.
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Rajababu Kushwaha is the Founder and Editor of AutoCrest. He covers the latest car news, reviews, comparisons, EV updates, and buying guides for Indian car buyers.