Key highlights
- Kia Sorento Hybrid teaser released
- Unofficial bookings commenced nationwide
- Launch expected by late August or September 2026
Kia is all set to introduce its first hybrid car in India. The upcoming Sorento SUV will be launched in the coming weeks, as the brand has released a teaser indicating the official launch soon.
Kia Sorento Hybrid: What do we know so far?
The upcoming Sorento Hybrid SUV is a popular seven-seater car in the global market. The Sorento will be positioned as Kia’s full-size rival against the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, and Toyota Fortuner. While the official details are expected to be out in the coming days, the Sorento’s unofficial bookings are already underway as per the online reports.
Sorento is based on Kia’s N3 mid-size platform that allows multiple powertrain options. While the global model gets an array of engine options, Kia will launch the 1.6-litre hybrid engine on the Sorento. This engine makes peak power around 235-261 bhp (depending on the market) and peak torque of around 350-380 Nm (depending on the market).
Kia offers the Sorento Hybrid with a front-wheel drive configuration as standard. In certain markets, it also gets an all-wheel drive option. We believe that the Indian-spec model will strictly be a front-wheel drive. Meanwhile, its hybrid powertrain is reported to deliver around 18-22 km/l as per the online user feedback.
On the other hand, the Sorento features the brand’s trademark ‘Tiger grille’ nose with vertical slats, vertical LED headlights, chiselled body panels, dual-tone alloy wheels, twin vertical LED taillights, and an MPV-ish bodyline. The interior includes Kia’s Trinity triple-screen display with twin 12.3-inch screens for the driver console and infotainment, and a 5-inch screen for climate controls.
The expected launch timeline of the Sorento Hybrid is around late August or September 2026. We anticipate that it can be priced around Rs 45 lakh, as it will be brought as a CKD model.
Also read: New BMW X5 LWB unveiled ahead of India launch in 2027
