Ritesh Madhok
THE GOAN | PANAJI
The Kia Sorento arrives in India as the brand’s new flagship ICE SUV, and it makes a compelling case by combining three-row practicality with a premium cabin and two very different powertrain choices. Built in India, the facelifted fourth-generation Sorento measures 4,815mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,785mm tall, with a 2,820mm wheelbase. It is offered as a six- or seven-seater, with prices starting at Rs 27.99 lakh and going up to Rs 40.19 lakh, ex-showroom.
Exteriors
The Sorento has a substantial, upright stance without going overboard on aggression. Kia’s signature Star Map lighting theme, vertically stacked LED headlamps, broad grille and neatly sculpted bumper give it a distinctive face. The side profile is clean and premium, while 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels fill the arches well. At the rear, vertically oriented LED elements and a clean tailgate keep things contemporary. For India, the suspension has been tuned for our roads, while the SUV retains a low 176mm ground clearance, so this is more luxury family SUV than hardcore off-roader.
Interiors
Step inside and the Sorento feels upmarket. The dashboard is clean, horizontal and dominated by the curved dual-screen layout. Materials and switchgear feel well judged, while the second row offers generous space and useful one-touch folding. The six-seat version adds captain chairs, making it appealing for chauffeur-driven families. The third row is usable for children and shorter adults, though luggage space is understandably restricted with all seats occupied.
Tech and Features
Kia has loaded the Sorento heavily. Depending on the variant, highlights include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bose 12-speaker audio, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front and second-row seats, relaxation seats, head-up display, digital IRVM, smart power tailgate, wireless charging, Kia Connect with OTA updates and a 220V outlet. Higher trims also get a smart dashcam, digital key, remote parking assistance and Kia’s AI Assistant with generative AI voice interaction.
Engine – Diesel and Hybrid
The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel produces 193hp and 442Nm and works with an eight-speed DCT. It has the muscular, relaxed character expected from a large diesel SUV and is suited to highway touring. The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong hybrid combines 180hp and 265Nm from the engine with a 65hp, 264Nm electric motor, paired with a six-speed automatic. It feels smoother and quieter in traffic, with electric assistance making initial acceleration particularly responsive. Both powertrains are offered with AWD on higher trims.
Drive & Handling
The Sorento’s biggest strength on Indian roads is its composure. On the highway, it settles quickly after undulations and feels planted through sweeping corners, while the brakes offer predictable pedal feel. Around town, its dimensions are noticeable, but the light steering and camera assistance make manoeuvring easier than expected. The hybrid also benefits from its ability to shuffle between electric and petrol power smoothly, reducing the sense of stop-start traffic fatigue. The diesel has stronger mid-range punch, while the hybrid is the more refined city companion. AWD versions add Snow, Sand and Mud modes, but the Sorento remains primarily a road-going premium SUV.
Safety
Safety equipment is comprehensive. Standard kit includes multiple airbags, ABS, ESC, hill-start assist, TPMS, parking sensors and a rear camera. Higher variants add Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, blind-view monitoring and, on the top HTX(A), 10 airbags and Level 2+ ADAS with 29 functions. That makes the Sorento one of the better-equipped SUVs in this space.
Competition
The Sorento sits between mainstream seven-seaters and premium SUVs. Its closest rivals include the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, Toyota Fortuner, Jeep Meridian and, in a different way, the Toyota Innova Hycross. The Kia’s advantage is its combination of premium features, hybrid technology, three-row flexibility and diesel availability. Against the Kodiaq and Tayron, it brings a more extensive comfort and technology package; against the Fortuner, it feels more modern and car-like. The Innova Hycross remains a practical alternative, especially for buyers prioritising efficiency and cabin space.
Verdict
The Sorento is not trying to be a rugged Fortuner or a sporty European SUV. It is a comfortable, technology-rich family flagship that works well for long-distance travel. The hybrid is the pick for smoother urban use, while the diesel makes more sense for high-mileage highway users. At Rs 27.99 lakh–Rs 40.19 lakh ex-showroom, it offers a strong mix of space, luxury, technology and powertrain choice, making the Sorento one of Kia’s most convincing premium SUV offerings yet.
