Kia Sorento HEV Launched in India at Rs 29.49 Lakh

Kia India has launched the Sorento HEV in India today at the same event where the Sorento diesel, Carnival HEV, Carens CNG, and Syros FFV Concept were also introduced. The Sorento is the more major arrival the rest, it is Kia's first hybrid SUV in India, its first with AWD, and its first product in the premium three-row SUV space.

Prices for the hybrid start at Rs 29.49 lakh (ex-showroom) for the 7-seater HTE variant, going up to Rs 40.39 lakh for the top HTX(A) Black Line in 6-seater form. AWD comes standard on all hybrid variants from the HTX trim upwards.

For buyers who want a lower entry point, the Sorento diesel starts at Rs 27.99 lakh, which we have already covered separately.

Also Read – Kia Sorento Diesel Launched in India from Rs 27.99 Lakh
 

Design

Up close at the event, the Sorento HEV cuts a wide, upright stance. The front gets a large geometric dark chrome grille spanning the full width of the nose, flanked by stacked three-unit LED headlamp clusters with a continuous DRL strip running across the bonnet line. The amber turn indicator sits in the upper projector position.

The rear has vertical LED tail lamps, a full-width light bar, and an integrated spoiler with a hidden wiper. The "4X" badge on the tailgate confirms AWD fitment. Wheels are large multi-spoke two-tone units wearing Vredestein tyres, a noticeable choice over the more common MRF or Bridgestone fitment seen on most Indian-market SUVs.

Door handles are flush-fitting with a keyless entry sensor. The side mirror housing integrates a camera unit.

Cabin and Features

The Sorento gets a panoramic curved display panel with a 12.3-inch HD digital instrument cluster. A head-up display with windshield projection is on the list, as is a dial-type shift-by-wire gear selector, the rotary unit sits on the centre console and reads as properly premium rather than a rebadged manual selector.

Navigation-based smart cruise control, Digital Key 2.0, and the Kia AI Assistant are included. The AI system is powered by Perplexity for intelligence and SoundHound AI for voice, and works as a real-time conversational assistant rather than a fixed-command system.

Seating comes in 6 or 7-seat configurations. The second row gets captain seats, built-in ventilation (first-in-segment per Kia), and an ergo-motion function. Wing-type headrests and relaxation seats feature across the cabin. A remote power release function allows the front seats to move forward for easier third-row access.

Also Read – Kia Announces Syros Flex-Fuel Concept, Engineered to Run on E0 to E100
 

Powertrain

The Sorento HEV uses a 1.6-litre Turbo-GDi petrol engine producing 180 PS and 265 Nm, paired with an electric motor that adds 65 PS and 264 Nm. The gearbox is a 6-speed automatic. Kia has not stated a combined system output figure.

AWD is standard on all HTX and above variants. Drive modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart. Terrain modes, Snow, Mud, and Sand, are available on AWD variants.

Safety

The Sorento gets 10 airbags, which Kia claims is best in segment. There is a 26-feature standard safety pack, ADAS Level 2+ with 30 autonomous safety functions, and multi-collision braking as standard.

Rivals

The Sorento HEV competes with the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, MG Majestor, and Jeep Meridian. None of those offer a hybrid AWD combination, which is where the Sorento makes its clearest case, especially from Rs 38.99 lakh where the AWD variants begin.

Kia Sorento HEV Booking Prices, and Delivery

The deliveries have started, and bookings are open for ₹25,000 for the Sorento HEV from the official Kia site and Kia dealerships.

Also Read – Kia Announces Carnival Hybrid MPV With 1.6 Turbo Petrol